MA 128 - Phlebotomy Technician

This combination lecture/laboratory course is aligned with the CAAHEP, NAACLS and NHA accreditation standards for phlebotomy and introduces students to the role of the phlebotomist as a member of the healthcare team in a simulated clinical environment while providing a credentialing pathway that prepares learners with background in anatomy and physiology for certification as a phlebotomy technician.

Students use simulation arms to practice basic venipuncture skills and learn the phlebotomy specimen collection process and phlebotomy theory and techniques, the fundamentals of laboratory safety, proper disposal of biohazardous materials such as sharps and regulated medical waste, and discuss established regulations and standards, quality assurance and liability risk management as they apply to the practice of phlebotomy.

Learners complete mandatory compliance training in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards regarding Bloodborne Pathogens, Infection Control and Laboratory Safety procedures, including selection of appropriate barrier/personal protective equipment (PPE), and review guidelines for general fire safety, emergency eyewash and safety shower procedures, proper performance of point of care testing, micro-collection techniques and CLIA-waived tests.

Students will also participate in mock certification exams containing variations of questions commonly asked on national exams in preparation for the national Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam offered on site at the college.

Students who successfully complete and fulfill the requirements of both MA 128 and MA 129 will be eligible to sit for national phlebotomy technician certification exams.

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

1. Identify the function of phlebotomy in the healthcare setting and the role of the phlebotomist as a member of the healthcare team
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and medical terminology
3. Demonstrate competency and compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards regarding Bloodborne Pathogens, Infection Control and Laboratory Safety procedures, including selection of appropriate barrier/personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper disposal of biohazardous materials such as sharps and regulated medical waste
4. Demonstrate compliance with federal, state and locally mandated regulations regarding safety practices.
5. Identify emergency and protective practices in the clinical workplace, including proper responses to accidental exposure to needle sticks, chemicals, blood and other body fluids
6. Identify the purpose of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), fire safety protocols, and emergency practices for evacuation of a healthcare setting
7. Demonstrate competency and compliance with the standards that safeguard protected health information (PHI) as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
8. Recognize the anatomy and physiology of body systems and anatomic terminology in order to relate major areas of the clinical laboratory to general pathologic conditions associated with the body systems
9. Recognize the importance of specimen collection and specimen integrity in the delivery of patient care and performance of point of care testing (POCT)
10. Demonstrate knowledge of collection equipment, various types of additives used, special precautions necessary and substances that can interfere in clinical analysis of blood constituents
11. Perform venipuncture and capillary puncture, following standard operating procedures to collect specimens and demonstrating appropriate vein selection, proper collection techniques and recognizing the need for specialized techniques and considerations associated with blood collection and micro-collection
12. Demonstrate understanding of requisitioning, specimen transport and specimen processing
13. Demonstrate understanding of quality assurance and quality control in healthcare
14. Demonstrate accepted practices to correctly identify patients and the labeling protocols of all patient specimens
15. Identify the evacuated tube color codes associated with the various types of additives, and describe the proper order of draw for blood specimen collections
16. Recognize the importance of collection criteria, specimen storage and transport for routine and special tests and identify the criteria for minimizing collection complications and specimen rejection by the laboratory
17. Document patient care accurately in the medical record
18. Communicate (verbally and nonverbally) effectively and appropriately in the workplace
19. Define basic units of measurement in the metric system and apply mathematical computations to solve equations and convert among measurement systems
20. Apply the skills required to project an image of professionalism to include appearance, conduct, punctuality, competency and continuing education and demonstrate empathy, competency and care when interacting with patients