CLA100 Clinical Lab Asst Skills I  4 credits  (3 lec, 2 lec lab hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

This course is designed to prepare students to work in a clinical laboratory by giving students a thorough background of the concepts, basic responsibilities and skills that are unique to phlebotomy and by defining the role of the clinical assistant in the health care delivery system. This course will provide an overview of clinical laboratory work including organizational structures, regulatory standards, quality assurance practices and basic clinical laboratory procedures. Infections control principles, workplace safety, laboratory terminology, behaviors for success, procedures to collect specimens, methods for preparing blood and body fluid specimens for analysis and the performance of basic tests at the clinical assistant level will be addressed. A thorough background in blood collection will be addressed, including demonstration of venipuncture and skin puncture techniques.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: CTE

CLA105 Clinical Lab Asst Skills II  4 credits  (3 lec, 2 lec lab hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

This course introduces the basics of laboratory tests related to hematology, urinalysis and body fluids. Safety procedures, suitability of specimens, standards and controls, slide preparation, test performance, technical errors and inventory supplies will be discussed. Students will perform tests on cells in the blood and body fluids. Spinal fluid, amniotic fluid, serous fluid, synovial fluid, sputum, semen and feces will be discussed. Also covered are the principles and procedures for coagulation studies. Included will be an overview of the urinary system including abnormalities and disease. Collection, handling, storage of, analysis of physical and chemical properties, and identification of morphological elements of urine is also integrated.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: CTE

CLA110 Clinical Lab Asst Administrative  2 credits  (2 lec hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

This course provides a foundation in the technical and non-technical aspects of clinical laboratory testing services within the current health care delivery system. Topics covered in this course include accreditation of laboratories, financial management, information systems management, management of the quality of clinical laboratory testing, the role and responsibilities of a supervisor, personnel management, leadership and communication skills, and ethics in the clinical laboratory testing environment. The emphasis of the course is on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to work successfully in a health care setting at the entry-level and beyond. Laboratory billing administrative duties, vital signs, and EKG techniques will be discussed.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: CTE

CLA115 Clinical Lab Assistant Skills III  4 credits  (3 lec, 2 lec lab hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

This course will provide an introduction to clinical chemistry, immunology, and microbiology. An emphasis is placed on basic chemical laboratory technique, safety, electrolytes, acid-base balance, proteins, carbohydrate, lipids, enzymes, endocrine function, TDM, and toxicology. This course will also demonstrate how the immune system develops, prevents infectious diseases and interacts with other bodily systems to limit or cause tissue damage. In addition, principles of clinical microbiology with an emphasis on microorganisms and human disease.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: CTE

CLA180 Internship: CLA  1-12 credits  (3 lab hrs/wk/cr)

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

Practical on-site experience that will allow students to explore workplace environments and career options

This course may be taken 12 times for credit.

Course classification: CTE

CLA280A Clinical Lab Assistant/Practicum I  3 credits  (9 lab hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

Supervised experience in a medical center laboratory that will allow students to test knowledge learned in the classroom, apply psychomotor skills and gain practical experience.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: CTE

CLA280B Clinical Lab Assistant/Practicum II  4 credits  (12 lab hrs/wk)

Prerequisite(s): Instructor consent

Supervised experience in a medical center laboratory that will allow students to test knowledge learned in the classroom, apply psychomotor skills and gain practical experience.

This course may be taken 1 time for credit.

Course classification: CTE