Phlebotomy

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Overview

A certificate in Phlebotomy will provide the student a background in basic anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, medical office procedures, and phlebotomy skills. This program also includes an externship experience at a clinical facility where students must perform successful venipuncture and blood draws on at least 100 patients. Once completed, students are eligible to apply for State licensure as a Health Care Assistant, Level A.

Program Outcomes

• Perform venous and capillary invasive procedures for blood withdrawal. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills for entry level competency as a Category “A” Health Care Assistant, per guidelines outline in WAC 246-826-130.
• Properly administer appropriate approved drugs per topical, rectal, otic, ophthalmic, and inhaled routes.
• Interpret the Washington State Health Care Assistant Law and, how it applies to the phlebotomist with 80% accuracy.
• Describe the phlebotomist’s role in a medical lab setting with 80% accuracy.
• State eight rules for safety within the laboratory with 100% accuracy.
• Explain the disease cycle of infectious pathogens with 80% accuracy.
• Select appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), demonstrate proper hand washing technique and safe removal of contaminated gloves with 100% accuracy.
• Explain the purpose and mission of OSHA/WSAH and Universal Precautions, define “CLIA 88” as it applies to phlebotomists, and explain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with 80% accuracy.
• Define quality control and state the principle of quality assurance with 80% accuracy.
• Define the difference between arteries, veins and capillaries; describe the different cells and components of blood and their functions, with at least 80% accuracy.
• Define the difference between serum and plasma with 100% accuracy.
• Identify the different supplies and equipment used in venipuncture and capillary collection with at least 80% accuracy.
• Demonstrate proper, safe, and successful venipuncture with at least 80% accuracy.
• List the most frequently encountered medical/physiological complications of venipuncture, and explain preventative measures and appropriate treatment for each with at least 80% accuracy.
• Explain the most common causes, and remedies, of a “short” draw or no blood collected during venipuncture, list the four most common reasons for specimen rejection by the laboratory, and discuss preventative measures with at least 80% accuracy.

Program Entry Information

Program Start

• This program typically admits students for the winter and summer quarters.

Testing Requirements

• ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills score of 71 or higher.
• Computerized Touch Keyboarding (CAP 105 ) can be satisfied by passing the Office Proficiency Assessment & Certification (OPAC) test with a score of 35 WPM.

Pre-Program Course Requirements

• Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 105 ) or Human A & P 1 (BIOL& 241 ) and Human A & P 2 (BIOL& 242 )
• Diseases of the Human Body (BIO 127 ) or General Biology with Lab (BIOL& 160 )
• Fundamentals of Medical Terminology (HT 126 ) or Comprehensive Medical Terminology (HT 129 ) or Human A & P I (BIOL& 241 ) and Human A & P II (BIOL& 242 )
• Medical Office Procedures (BUS 230 )
• Computerized Touch Keyboarding (CAP 105 )
• HIV/AIDS: Healthcare Professional- 7 Hour (HLTH 133 )
• First Aid Fundamentals (HLTH 155 )

Degree and Certificate Requirements

Certificate completion requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater and minimum grade of C/2.0 for required courses.

Program Application/Forms

• Phlebotomy Application Completion Form
• Essential Skills and Functional Abilities Form
• Criminal History Background Check Notification Form
• Official transcripts documenting prerequisite completion, including unofficial BTC transcripts.
• OPAC Test Score (if applicable)

Students who have successfully completed: General Biology w/Lab (BIOL& 160 ), Human A&P 1 (BIOL& 241 ) and Human A&P 2 (BIOL& 242 ) will have satisfied BIO 105 , HT 126  and BIO 127 .

Prior to registration for HO 157 Introduction to Phlebotomy Skills , admitted students must complete and submit evidence of the following requirements:

• Criminal background check
• 11-panel drug screen

Students will be required to create an online account with Certified Background and pay a fee of $89.00 for the background check and drug screen.

Students may be required to travel to Skagit County for clinical placement.

Programs

• Phlebotomy Certificate

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