This one-quarter, 360-clock hour
Medical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy program provides students with the theory, skills and practice necessary to get hired as medical laboratory assistants and phlebotomists. Work settings may include hospitals, medical laboratories, blood banks, clinics, and doctor's offices.
A typical day for an
MLA/Phlebotomist would include drawing blood, collecting other specimens, maintaining laboratories and supplies, informing and instructing patients, processing specimens, keeping accurate records, and communicating results.
Preparation to pass the
Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) and the Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) certification examinations administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the Clinical Assistant (CA) and the Phlebotomy (PHLEB) certification examinations administered by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), and the Phlebotomy Technician, (PBT) administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is an essential part of the program. To sit for these examinations, medical laboratory assistants and phlebotomists must complete the required hours of work experience.
The job outlook for these positions is increasing due to population growth and expanding medical technology.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course of study in the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy Program students should be able to:
- Perform the tasks and possess the skills needed to secure and maintain employment in Medical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy positions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and science necessary for verbal and written communication with physicians, peers, other healthcare workers, patients and other non-healthcare workers.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and competency in medical laboratory assistant/phlebotomy skills, including specimen collection, specimen processing, safety, professionalism, communication, laboratory maintenance, and inventory management.
- Demonstrate professional work habits and behavior expected in a medical facility including confidentiality, following all HIPAA requirements, medical ethics, and a commitment to team work and diversity.
- Use technical computer, telephone, and laboratory equipment skills at medical industry standards in proficiency to perform all required tasks.
- Possess the necessary knowledge and skills using Standard Precautions for responding to medical emergencies with First Aid, CPR, and/or AED.
- Understand and use English for accurate, on-the-fly communication in a medical/lab setting.
Steps To Success
Obtain a Medical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy Certificate of Completion at Seattle Vocational Institute. Work the Required number of hours, Pass one of the national certification examinations administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
This state-of-the-art program was designed in collaboration with local health care providers, using national standards, to train potential employees for positions in medical laboratories, clinics, hospitals, and medical offices. The student is cross-trained in multiple clinical and laboratory procedures, ensuring maximum flexibility during employment.
Admission Policy
Students must have a High School Diploma or a GED and meet the minimum Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) or the Career Programs Assessment Test (CPAt) score for admission. This is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved program.
