Clinical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
47 Total Credits
This 3-semester certificate prepares students for positions in a variety of health care settings including laboratories, hospitals and physician's offices. Learn the basics of phlebotomy as well as medical terminology, law in health care and office management. Many of the courses can be applied toward an MVCC degree. Professional liability insurance is a requirement of the program.
First Semester15 Credits
This course is designed to introduce prospective students to the general field of health care and would be an appropriate course for nursing, respiratory care, medical assisting and health information technology students as well as others interested in the health care field. Topics to be discussed include: an introduction to the health care delivery system, a brief historical overview of how health care has evolved in the U.S., the various health care settings/programs, the members of the health care delivery team, the roles of the various health care professionals, legal and professional ethics (such topics as patients' rights, confidentiality, advance directives, etc.), health care organizations and agencies, medical record content, risk management, continuous quality improvement, epidemiology (morbidity and mortality), and interpersonal communication skills.
This course explores the form and function of human body systems for non-science students. It stresses normal and abnormal life processes as well as the philosophy and history of science including the scientific method. Laboratory exercises complement lecture topics, which include the study of cells and tissues, and the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Dissections are required in the laboratory.
This course concentrates on spelling, pronunciation, and the meaning of medical word components, common terms used in selected body systems, and medical abbreviations.
This course provides knowledge of relevant computer skills and a solid foundation in the terminology and concepts of computer technology. Experience is provided with a variety of microcomputer software applications, including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, graphics, file management, and integrated software. Concepts and terms focus on preparing for a technologically oriented society and using the computer as a tool for productivity, research, and communication.
This course introduces the basics of phlebotomy. Emphasis is
placed on a hands-on approach to learning the theory and skills needed to become a multi-skilled health professional. Areas of concentration include safety equipment, techniques, and customer service. (Fall semester only)
Second Semester16 Credits
This course is designed to introduce prospective students to the general field of health care and would be an appropriate course for nursing, respiratory care, medical assisting and health information technology students as well as others interested in the health care field. Topics to be discussed include: an introduction to the health care delivery system, a brief historical overview of how health care has evolved in the U.S., the various health care settings/programs, the members of the health care delivery team, the roles of the various health care professionals, legal and professional ethics (such topics as patients' rights, confidentiality, advance directives, etc.), health care organizations and agencies, medical record content, risk management, continuous quality improvement, epidemiology (morbidity and mortality), and interpersonal communication skills.
A continuation of AH100 Basics of Phlebotomy, this course provides a clinical experience in phlebotomy, implementing techniques and procedures in inpatient and outpatient settings.
Prerequisite: AH100 Basics of Phlebotomy. (Spring semester)
The course introduces ethical and transcultural issues encountered in healthcare. Examples of topics include value development, ethical theories and controversies, principles of confidentiality, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.
This course provides students with basic knowledge and skills for handling most situations that may require emergency first aid care. Students are provided the opportunity to work towards National Safety Council First Aid and American Heart Association CPR certifications.
This course assists students in making intelligent health-conscious decisions through the study of topics such as wellness, aging, sexuality, drugs and alcohol and communicable diseases. In addition, students are introduced to activities and skills for leading healthy lifestyles including fitness assessment, weight management and exercise.
This course is a survey of mathematics for students in those programs that do not require a mathematics sequence. It provides an appreciation of mathematical ideas in historical and modern settings. Topics include problem solving, logic, geometry, statistics, and consumer mathematics. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test result or MA045 Basic Math Skills or MA050 Introductory Mathematics.
This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test result or MA045 Basic Math Skills or MA050 Introductory Mathematics.
Third Semester15.5 Credits
This course is designed to introduce the student to the legal aspects of health information. Emphasis is placed on civil law and how the various health care settings are affected by law and by nongovernmental rulemaking bodies. Some of the topics included are a review of the history of common law, the primary sources of law. Tort law (medical malpractice, invasion of privacy, false imprisonment, fraud, etc.), the court system (both the civil and criminal processes), corporate liability, medical staff issues (delineation of clinical privileges, peer review, the fair-hearing process), consent to treatment (including withholding and refusal of), confidentiality, reporting obligations and patient's rights. Also discussed are the principles guiding the control, security and usage of health information. (Spring semester only)
The student will be introduced to basic word processing, transcription using the dictaphone, computer-based management, preparing an office procedure manual, preparing agendas for staff meetings, setting office priorities, office correspondence/communications, and performance evaluations. Emphasis will be on the development of the role of manager of information and personnel, and use of available computer technology to provide structure.
This course introduces the clinical laboratory setting. Emphasis is placed on a general knowledge of clinical laboratory settings and the role of the clinical laboratory assistant within those settings. Topics include hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, microbiology, and parasitology. Prerequisites: AH100 Basics of Phlebotomy and AH101 Phlebotomy Practicum. Corequisites: MR115 Law in Health Care,HC166 Office Management for Medical Assistants, and AH201 Clinical Laboratory Assistant
Practicum. (Fall semester)
This clinical experience requires the use of knowledge and the
practice of skills learned in AH 200 Clinical Laboratory Assistant Skills. Complete procedures are performed in Hematology, Coagulation, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Blood Bank, and Special Chemistry. Central processing functions are performed, including completion of data collection and entry, centrifugation, and separation. Prerequisites: AH100 Basics of Phlebotomy and AH101 Phlebotomy Practicum. Corequisite:AH200 Clinical Laboratory Assistant Skills. (Fall semester)
Prerequisites
- High School Math Course A or its equivalent (Regents score 70 or High School score 75).
- High School Chemistry or its equivalent (Regents score 70 or High School score 75).
- High School Biology or its equivalent (Regents score 70 or High School score 75).
- We will accept you at your current level of readiness and provide opportunities for you to be successful at the
college.
