PGM Code – 314C
Program Description The Clinical Laboratory Assistant Program is designed to prepare students for entry level positions in the clinical laboratory. These entry level positions include employment in medical centers, outpatient laboratories, research facilities, and doctor offices. Students are trained in all aspects of the clinical laboratory including, the skill of phlebotomy, waived testing, specimen processing, data entry, laboratory safety, result retrieval, quality control, laboratory billing, basic microbiology, and transfusion support services.
Upon completing AHE 141 and AHE 143 , students within this program will be eligible for ASCP certification and licensing as a MA-Phlebotomy (Washington state). The knowledge, skills, and abilities in this program were designed based on the standards defined by NAACLS, ASCP, and CLSI.
Course waivers or substations with a minimum grade of 2.0 or equivalent or students with previous healthcare training may be able to waive prerequisites on adviser approval. Students must see their Allied Health faculty adviser to complete this process. New students must contact Enrollment Services, 425.640.1458, for an initial advising appointment.
Special Notes
Criminal background checks are required for all Allied Health programs. Students should be aware that any criminal history may disqualify them from participating in clinical externships and unable to complete their certificate. Future employment opportunities in the healthcare field may also be affected. Students are encouraged to meet with an adviser if the background check reveals any criminal activity. Externships must be completed within two quarters of the theory and lab classes.
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 healthcare provider, they are at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens. Tasks and procedure performed by the healthcare professional involve risks classified by the Centers for Disease Control in the following ways:
• 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
Common Course Numbering Please refer to www.edcc.edu/ccn for more information.
Credit/Grade Requirements This certificate requires successful completion of a minimum of 43 credits as outlined. A minimum of one-third of the required credits must be earned at Edmonds CC. Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college level courses. Students who have met the AHE 141 requirement through transfer credits need to go through the formal transcript evaluation or Prior Learning Assessment process or MA-P Certification from Washington state.
Students Are Advised To
- Plan their schedule several quarters in advance in order to accommodate courses that are offered only once or twice a year,
- Review the college catalog for required course prerequisites and include these in schedule planning,
- Communicate with an academic adviser, and
- Submit an Evaluation Request - Transfer Credits Form (available in Enrollment Services) to activate the process of transferring credits to Edmonds CC.
Graduation Application A completed Graduation Application form must be submitted online by the 10th day of the quarter in which the student expects to graduate. Note: Applications for summer quarter are due by the 8th day of the quarter.
College Resources
College Website | www.edcc.edu
How to Enroll | www.edcc.edu/es
Transfer Center | www.edcc.edu/transfer
College Bookstore | www.edcc.edu/bookstore
Advising Appointments | 425.640.1458
Advisers
The advisers for this program are
Erika Ferreri | erika.ferreri@edcc.edu | 425.640.1924
Connie Lockwood | connie.lockwood@edcc.edu | 425.640.1691
Elizabeth Patterson | elizabeth.patterson@edcc.edu | 425.640.1061
Cindra McCrann | cindra.mccrann@edcc.edu | 425.640.1174
Department website
Allied Health Education | www.edcc.edu/ahe
Gainful Employment
Gainful Employment Information is available for this program.
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