This is an archived copy of the 2018-2019 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://ecatalog.socc.edu.

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. For more information contact the administrative assistant, Sumner Hall, Rm 4 541-888-7443 or the director at 541-888-7298. Click here to view more information about the Nursing & Allied Health program.

Students are required to complete the College's 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 placement process. 

Clinical Laboratory Assistant students must meet statutory mandates for health care 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 cumulative 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:

CIS90Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency)2
MTH60Algebra I (or placement in higher math course)4
WR90RAcademic Literacy (or placement in higher writing course)4

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
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
Foundations of General, Organic, and Biochemistry
or Foundations of General Organic, and Biochemistry w/Honors
4
CLA100 Clinical Lab Asst Skills I 4
 Credits18
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) 1 3
 Credits15
Spring
CLA115 Clinical Lab Assistant Skills III 4
CLA280B Clinical Lab Assistant/Practicum II 4
BA285 Human Relations in Organizations 3
BI234 Microbiology 4
 Credits15
 Total Credits48

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 health care team.
  • Apply ICD codes to clinical laboratory setting.

All students in this program are advised to check individual course descriptions for prerequisites.