Clinical Laboratory Assistant Certificate

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Lowell Campus

Program Description:

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in clinical laboratory settings. Clinical Laboratory Assistants are members of the health care delivery team and perform a variety of duties under the supervision of a medical laboratory scientist, nurse or other medical personnel. Duties may include data entry, specimen procurement and sample processing, basic laboratory testing, patient processing and secretarial work. This Certificate program includes an intorduction to fundamental laboratory skills as well as clinical externships at approved affiliates. Upon successful completion of the program a Clinical Laboratory Assistant Certificate is awarded. Students who complete the program are also eligible to sit for a national phlebotomy certification exam.

Career and Transfer Outlook:

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible for employment in a variety of health care settings. Career opportunities may include phlebotomists, laboratory specimen processor, waived testing analyzer, medical research assistant and physician office laboratory assistant. Clinical Laboratory Assistants serve a diverse role assisting other laboratory personnel. They are trained in phlebotomy, specimen processing, quality control and laboratory safety. Their duties may also include computer tasks, office procedures, laboratory registration and billing practices and the performance of assistant level laboratory testing.

Gainful Employment Disclosure Information:

In accordance with Federal regulations, Middlesex Community College discloses information about student costs, tuitions, fees and employment statistics to various governing bodies to ensure certification and oversight.

See: Gainful Employment Information

Program Outcomes:

Upon graduation from the program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and technical skills in the clinical laboratory according to approved laboratory standards;
Integrate and interpret data within the parameters of accepted laboratory testing standards of the institution;
Demonstrate administrative skills consistent with philosophies of quality assurance, continued quality improvement, laboratory education and resource management;
Demonstrate professionalism through acceptable attire, attitude, organizational and time management skills;
Advocate for the safety of all in the working environment by following all safety rules and regulations.

Required Courses:

AHP 106 - Phlebotomy Theory and Lab 6
AHP 107 - Phlebotomy Externship 1
BIO 105 - Basic Anatomy And Physiology 3
CLS 101 - Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Science 3
CLS 102 - Basic Clinical Laboratory Theory and Techniques 4
CLS 103 - Clinical Laboratory Externship 2
ENG 101 - English Composition I 3
MAS 101 - Medical Terminology 3
MAT 001* Preparation for College Math 3, *Successful Completion through Modules 8

Total Credits: 28

Standard/Technical Skills Notice: To view a list of standard and/or technical skills required for performing duties in various health career fields, visit the Middlesex Community College Health Division website (www.middlesex.mass.edu) or the Student Information Centers. These skills are not conditions for admission to MCC programs, but do indicate abilities and characteristics necessary for successful completion of college Health programs, and to perform the duties of the career upon graduation.

Admission Information

Required Prerequisite Courses: Completion of a Middlesex Community College admission application and a current reading level of 68 or above and eligibility for ENG 101. Readiness for Algebra I or completion of Modules 1- 4 in Preparation for College Math.

The Admissions committee will review applicants in their entirety. Applicants are admitted on a rolling admissions basis. Rolling admissions means that applicants will be admitted in the order that they meet all of the admission requirements, until the class is filled. Class size is limited to 15 students per session, so students are encouraged to complete the admission requirements early. If the College is unable to admit all qualified applicants for a particular level, students will be admitted for the next available session. Non-Massachusetts residents will be admitted on a space available basis only.

Requirements after Admission to Clinical Laboratory Technician

Students must submit the Student Health Record form, provided by Middlesex Community College, to the Center for Health & Wellness. Required documentation of health status includes a completed physical examination, a Mantoux test for tuberculosis, and proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Tetanus/Diphtheria (within last ten years) and one lifetime dose of Tdap (after 2006), Hepatitis B and Varicella. Students born in the United States before January 1, 1957 will be considered immune to Measles, Mumps and Rubella and exempt from the MMR vaccine requirement. Students born in the United States before January 1, 1980 and enrolled in a health care program will not be considered immune to Varicella (chicken pox) and are not exempt from the Varicella requirement.
Students enrolled in the program must demonstrate a satisfactory level performance in class and clinical settings in order to remain in the program.
Students must receive a C or better in clinical related courses to remain in the program.