MA 216 - Clinical & Laboratory Skills

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), spirometry, preventative care for male and female reproductive health and associated clinical procedures.

Students will also 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.

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 specimens
• Demonstrate competency in the performance of venipuncture techniques using simulator training arms
• Perform electrocardiography, demonstrating proper procedure for recording and printing a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram
• Demonstrate proper preparation and administration of oral and parenteral medications
• 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
• Perform common CLIA waived tests
• Demonstrate competency in the performance of selected laboratory procedures and/or diagnostic tests in the following categories:  hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, urinalysis and microbiology
• Demonstrate processes for proper disposal of biohazardous and other regulated waste materials
• Demonstrate proper procedure for performance of spirometry
• Perform point-of-care testing for hemoglobin A1c
• Identify the medical assistant role in assisting with various specialty examinations