Occupational Endorsement Certificate, Clinical Assistant

Clinical assistants perform basic laboratory testing in medical laboratories, working under the supervision of a medical laboratory technician, medical laboratory scientist or pathologist. A clinical assistant collects and processes blood specimens and performs test procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology and urinalysis. 

The UAA Clinical Assisting Program is currently distance-delivered using Blackboard, UAA's online course management system. The Occupational Endorsement for Clinical Assisting builds upon the OEC in Phlebotomy, adding three additional courses totaling 19 academic credits. Completion of the program requires successful completion of the Phlebotomist Occupational Endorsement Certificate, or equivalent, and a grade of "C" or better in the following courses:

1. MEDT A105   Microbiology for Clinical Assistants (3 Credits)
2. MEDT A106   Waived Testing (4 Credits)
3. MEDT A195B  Clinical Assistant Practicum (3 Credits)

What is an OEC?

Occupational Endorsement Certificates (OECs) are certificates requiring 29 or fewer credits to complete. These certificates provide the specialized knowledge and skills needed in specific employment sectors. OECs are noted on transcripts. To qualify for admission to an occupational endorsement certificate program a student must either: Have earned a high school diploma, GED, or at least 60 college level semester credits; or be 18 years of age or older and have participated in UAA's Ability to Benefit Process (see UAA Catalog for details).

Program Outcomes

The specific educational outcomes for the program are to produce graduates who have met the educational outcomes for the occupational endorsement phlebotomist and who: 

• Perform waived testing according to standard operating procedures.
• Monitor quality control within predetermined limits.
• Select both appropriate media for inoculation of clinical specimens and incubations conditions based on the culture requirements for the potential pathogens.

Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements for all students entering programs offered by the Medical Laboratory Science Department include:

1. Complete the admission process for UAA.  Apply on UAOnline to the Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Clinical Assisting.  Students must provide proof of High School Diploma or GED equivalency.  Departmental approval is required for all MEDT courses.  Students must complete PRPE A086 Writing Strategies with a minimum grade of C or have appropriate placement scores in order to receive departmental approval for MEDT A101.  Contact the department if you have questions concerning the placement scores.
   
2. Complete the Student History Form and submit it to the Medical Laboratory Science Department in person, via FAX or by e-mail attachment.
3. Review the Essential Requirements for Admission and return the signed form to the department.
4. Prior to enrollment in either MEDT A101 or MEDT A132, students must complete the Pre-Entrance Medical Record. All immunizations must be signed by a health care provider. The Hepatitis Series must have been started and all other immunizations should be completed prior to the first day of class.
   
5. Prior to enrolling in a practicum (MEDT A195A, MEDT A195B, MEDT A395 or MEDT A495) students must:

• Demonstrate computer competency in the prerequisite MEDT courses.
• Have completed a background check from State of Alaska at the following link: https://abcs.dhss.alaska.gov
• Provide proof of personal medical insurance coverage.
• Provide documentation of updated vaccines, if required.

The Medical Laboratory Science Department assumes no responsibility for illness or injuries experienced by students in conjunction with student labs. It is strongly recommended that students maintain personal medical insurance while enrolled in any of the programs offered by the Medical Laboratory Science Department. Students enrolled in practicum (MEDT A195A, MEDT A195B, MEDT A395 or MEDT A495) must provide their own transportation to the clinical facility. Personal protective equipment is provided by the training facility. The clinical facilities require proof of medical insurance coverage; therefore, students are required to maintain personal medical insurance while enrolled in practicum courses. Medical insurance is available through the Student Health Center. Liability insurance is purchased by the Medical Laboratory Science Department to cover the student’s practicum. The Occupational Endorsement Certificates, AAS and BS degrees are not contingent upon the students passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.

The Clinical Assistant Occupational Endorsement Certificate is only offered by distance delivery. Students must contact the Medical Laboratory Science Department to arrange for a mentor and clinical training facility prior to enrolling in any of the courses.