MA 216 - Clinical & Laboratory Skills

In Module I, students will learn the fundamentals of safety and preparedness, proper disposal of biohazard material and medical sharps waste, general fire safety, emergency eyewash and safety shower procedures, phlebotomy, medication administration of vaccines,  immunizations and injections, proper performance of electrocardiography (ECG) and spirometry, preventative care for male and female reproductive health and associated clinical procedures.

In Module II, laboratory sessions provide practice in proper procedures for patient preparation, collection, handling, storage and/or transportation of clinical specimens; CLIA-waived laboratory testing procedures, including reference ranges and their clinical significance; quality control and aseptic practices. Patient education for all procedures will be emphasized.

A laboratory course which is designed to provide the medical assistant with entry-level skills in diagnostic laboratory orientation. Patient education for all procedures will be emphasized. Laboratory sessions provide practice in proper procedures for patient preparation, collection, handling, storage and/or transportation of clinical specimens; laboratory testing procedures, including reference ranges and their clinical significance; quality control and aseptic practices. Fundamentals of the purposes and techniques, including special examination, recording of electrocardiogram, recording spirometry, administration of medications, and phlebotomy are presented.           

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• List examples of biologic specimens and describe proper procedures for collection, handling, storage, and/or transport of these specimens;
• Instruct a patient in the prior preparation necessary and in what to expect during the collection of the specimen.
• Perform venipuncture on a simulator training arm using appropriate additives when necessary;
• Identify and define several categories of laboratory tests based on function and list the major tests included under each category;
• Apply quality control methods in all areas including advance patient preparation, specimen collection, handling, transportation, and laboratory testing;
• Identify and incorporate laboratory safety guidelines in performance laboratory test procedures;
• State the reference (normal) ranges for the more common laboratory tests;
• Demonstrate proper preparation and administration of oral medication; and correct handling of equipment and dosage for parenteral administration of medication;
• Demonstrate competency in the performance of selected laboratory procedures and/or diagnostic tests in the following categories:  hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, and urinalysis;
• Demonstrate proper procedure for recording and printing a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG);
• Demonstrate proper procedure for performance of spirometry;
• Identify the medical assistant’s role in assisting with various specialty examinations; and
• Apply proper medical terminology in all areas listed above.