The Phlebotomist/Lab Assistant Program is designed to prepare students for a career in Phlebotomy where specimen processing is required. These entry level positions include employments in medical centers, outpatient laboratories, research facilities, and doctor offices. Students are trained in the skill of Phlebotomy including venipunctures, capillary punctures, blood cultures, specimen processing, data entry, laboratory safety, quality control, and laboratory billing.
Upon completing AHE 141 and AHE 143 , students within this program will be eligible for ASCP certification and licensing as a Health Care Assistant “A” (WA State). The knowledge, skills, and abilities in this program were designed based on the standards defined by ASCP.
Credit/Grade Requirements This Certificate requires successful completion of a minimum of 19 credits as outlined. A minimum of one-third of the required credits must be earned at Edmonds Community College. Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college-level courses. Students who wish to waive AHE 141 , either through transfer credits or work experience, must receive instructor permission.
Prerequisites Proof of completion of the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of 2.0 or equivalent is required to enroll in the certificate classes. Course substitutions are allowed. Students with previous health care training may be able to waive prerequisites on adviser approval. Students must see their Allied Health program adviser to complete this process.
SPECIAL NOTES
Criminal background checks are required for all Allied Health programs. Students should be aware that certain gross misdemeanors and felonies may disqualify them from participating in clinical externships and unable to complete their certificate. Future employment opportunities in the health care field may also be affected. Students may request their background check from the Washington State Patrol (small fee required); students are encouraged to meet with an adviser if the background check reveals any activity that might disqualify them from the externship.
Summary of Occupational Exposure Students planning to enter the Clinical Laboratory Assistant program or any of the modules contained within the program need to know that, as a health care provider, they are at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens. Tasks and procedure performed by the health care professional involve risks classified by the Center for Disease Control in the following way:
• Category I – Direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids to which universal precautions apply.
• Category II – Activities performed without blood exposure but exposure may occur in emergencies.
• Category III – Task/activity does not entail predictable or unpredictable exposure to blood.
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