The Certificate of Completion Clinical Laboratory Assistant prepares students for entry-level positions in clinical laboratory settings, such as medical center clinical laboratories, reference laboratories, research laboratories, physician office laboratories and regulatory agencies. The program includes instruction in basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, phlebotomy, specimen processing, quality control, laboratory orientation, and a practicum/externship in an approved laboratory.
Upon successful program completion, graduates are eligible to take a certification examination and may take the examination through American Medical Technologists (AMT) or American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Entry Requirements
This is a restricted-entry program and students must submit a separate application along with their college admission application. Applications are now being accepted for the 2018/19 cohort. For more information contact the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Nursing & Allied Health, Sumner Hall, Room 4 or at 541-888-7443 or the Director of Nursing & Allied Health at 541-888-7298.
Students are required to complete the college placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined by the college placement process.
Clinical Laboratory Assistant students must meet statutory mandates for healthcare providers. These statutes include a criminal background check; immunizations; screening for tuberculosis and substance abuse; CPR/BLS for health care providers; and OSHA trainings.
Gainful Employment Disclosure
Southwestern is required by federal regulations to disclose information related to the College's educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information is intended to provide students the opportunity to measure employment outcomes associated with certificate programs.
Gainful employment information for the Certificate of Completion Clinical Laboratory Assistant can be found online.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 48 credit hours with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses in this program must be completed with a ‘C’ or better. Once course must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion Clinical Laboratory Assistant is awarded.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g. spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Pre-Program Courses
Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS90 | Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency) | 2 |
| MTH60 | Algebra I | 4 |
| WR90 | Paragraph Fundamentals (or placement in higher writing course) | 3-4 |
| or WR90R | Academic Literacy | |
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| AH100 | Introduction to Health Care Careers | 2 |
| AH111 | Medical Terminology I | 3 |
| AH121 | Body Structures and Functions I | 3 |
| AH152 | Medical Law and Ethics | 2 |
| CHEM110 or CHEM110H |
Found of Gen, Organic & Biochem or Fnds of Gen, Org & Biochem w/Honors |
4 |
| CLA100 | Clinical Lab Asst Skills I | 4 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Winter | ||
| CLA105 | Clinical Lab Asst Skills II | 4 |
| CLA110 | Clinical Lab Asst Administrative | 2 |
| CLA280A | Clinical Lab Assistant/Practicum I | 3 |
| SP100 | Basic Speech Communications (or higher) | 3 |
| WR115 | Introduction to Expository Writing (or higher) | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CLA115 | Clinical Lab Assistant Skills III | 4 |
| CLA280B | Clinical Lab Assistant/Practicum II | 4 |
| BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations | 3 |
| BI234 | Microbiology | 4 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:
- Practice accepted standards for infection control and safety as mandated by OSHA and CLSI.
- Perform venipunctures and the collection and processing of biological specimens proficiently following CLSI standards.
- Perform specimen transport and processing according to CLSI standards.
- Apply appropriate quality assurance and quality control to waived laboratory testing according to CLIA regulations.
- Provide considerate and respectful care of patients by complying with their rights.
- Follow HIPAA guidelines for the protection of patient safety.
- Utilize effective communication techniques with patients and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
- Apply ICD codes to clinical laboratory setting.