Health Sciences Department | C.C. Certificate of Completion | One year

You will develop some exciting new skills in this program. Among these new skills, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in all types of blood collection techniques
• Understand laboratory rules and regulations
• Perform and record vital sign measurements

Careers

Career opportunities may include but are not limited to:

• phlebotomist
• laboratory specimen processor
• waived testing analyzer
• medical research assistant
• physician office laboratory assistant

For continuing education opportunities for healthcare providers see Healthcare Professional Development (HPD) in the course description section on page 215 of the catalog.

Job Market

Search related careers and regional data on wages and job outlook on Career Coach.

Gainful Employment

Learn more about the cost of education.

Earning potential: $32,000 - $38,000 annually

• Clinical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy Clinical Partners
• Clinical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy Program Essential Functions

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)

• NAACLS website
• 773-714-8880
• 5600 N River Rd, Suite 720
  Rosemont, IL, 60018

Clinical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy Program Graduation Certification Pass Rates

• Three-year average through December 31, 2016: 98%

Clinical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy Program Graduation and Attrition Rate

• Three-year average through December 31, 2016: 95%

Clinical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy Program Graduate Placement Rate

• Three-year average through December 31, 2016: 92%

Programs that are 12-44 credits that acknowledge a specific skill proficiency to help students gain enhanced employment opportunities are considered state-approved Career Pathways. Certain certificates are eligible for federal financial aid, while others may only be eligible as a segment of an aid-eligible certificate or degree program (Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Students).

• Career Pathway Roadmap for Clinical Lab Assistant/Phlebotomy

PROGRAM CODE: CC.CLINLABASSTPHLB

Clinical laboratory assistants serve a diverse ancillary role assisting other laboratory personnel, physicians and patients. Their duties may include specimen collection and handling, data entry, laboratory billing practices, back office skills, and the performance of waived testing according to standard operating procedures. Students are trained in all aspects of medical laboratory support personnel, including phlebotomy, specimen processing, quality control, laboratory orientation, and regulation. Students will participate in unpaid, supervised externships in ambulatory or acute care laboratory settings.

The CCC Clinical Laboratory Assistant (CLA) program is approved through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), 5600 N River Rd, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL, 60018, 773-714-8880, www.naacls.org

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES

Students who wish to apply to the CLA program are welcome to apply for our fall cohort. The CLA applications may be downloaded from our website.

Applicants are advised that a high level of dexterity, the ability to multi-task, and a high degree of attention to detail are required for the successful completion of this program.

During the application process, CLA applicants must:

• Meet appropriate placement scores in reading, writing, and math by either taking the placement exams or by providing proof of comparable assessment. The CLA program accepts competencies in writing, math, and reading as measured by CCC placement assessments dated no earlier than 2004, or previous college coursework as documented on official college transcripts. To be eligible to apply, students must show placement by: 1) passing WRD-098 or placement in WR-101; 2) passing WRD-090 or placement in WRD-098.
• Have completed MA-110 Medical Terminology, and MTH-050 Technical Mathematics I or MTH-065 Algebra II. Curriculum prerequisites and requirements may be subject to change. In order to assure students have the most current information, please review the department website.
• Provide; 1) proof of a recent physical examination by a licensed healthcare provider, 2) required immunizations, 3) a current AHA or ASHI Healthcare Provider CPR, First Aid card, and complete a criminal history background check and drug testing as arranged by the Health Sciences department. Students may also be subject to a second drug and criminal screen just prior to clinical placement depending on clinical site requirements.

CLA students will be required to participate in unpaid, supervised extern-ships in ambulatory or acute care laboratory settings.

RELATED INSTRUCTION OUTCOMES

Computation (1 course- MTH-050 Technical Mathematics I or MTH-065 Algebra II)

• Use appropriate mathematics to solve problems

Communication (1 course- WR-101 Communication Skills: Occupational Writing or WR-121 English Composition)

• Read actively, think critically, and write purposefully and capably for professional audiences

Human Relations (1 course- COMM-100 Basic Speech Communication or COMM-111 Public Speaking or COMM-218 Interpersonal Communication)

• Engage in ethical communication processes that accomplish goals

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to serve in an entry-level position as a CLA including using correct lab, medical, anatomical terminology to effectively and appropriately communicate, both verbally and non-verbally in the health-care setting;
• following SOP demonstrate proficiency in all types of blood and body fluid collection techniques and the skill to prepare the specimens for analysis displaying effective anatomical understanding;
• perform and evaluate the preparation and use of appropriate reagents, standards and controls with the entry-level scope of practice;
• understand, apply and communicate state and national laboratory regulations, including infection control, health and safety, quality management and ethical considerations;
• perform and record vital sign measurements using information systems as well as other forms of documentation as needed;
• identify and report potential pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical errors, demonstration the correct use of quality control.

CLINICAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Application packets with admission procedures and requirements are available above, under "Important Documents".

NOTE

Current First Aid card and Healthcare Provider level CPR (AHA or ASHI) card are required during practicums and must be taken prior to the first term practicum. All CLA students will be required to complete a criminal history background, provide proof of immunization, and take a drug test.

Core curriculum is sequential and may not be taken out of order, with the exception of CLA-100 which may be taken prior to beginning the program. Curriculum is intended to be completed in one academic year.

Individuals who have been found guilty of a felony or pleaded guilty to a felony may not be eligible for clinical practicum placement or be eligible to take the national exams.