Occupational Endorsement Certificate, Phlebotomist

---

Phlebotomists obtain blood and other samples for laboratory testing. They establish professional relationships with their patients, collect and prepare specimens, maintain collection areas and equipment, and perform record keeping duties. Students are eligible to sit for national certification exams in phlebotomy after completion of MEDT A195A.

Students wishing to complete the occupational endorsement certificate must earn a minimum grade of (C or higher or P) in the following courses.

1. MEDT A101    Phlebotomy Procedures (3 Credits)
2. MEDT A110    Specimen Processing (3 Credits)
3. MEDT A195A  Phlebotomy 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: 

• Select the appropriate site and demonstrate the proper technique for collecting, handling and processing blood and non-blood specimens.
• Demonstrate professional conduct, stress management, interpersonal and communication skills with patients, peers and other health care personnel and the public, recognizing possible legal implications.
• Recognize and adhere to infection control and safety policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate an understanding of test requisitioning.
• Identify factors that affect specimen collection procedures and test results, and take appropriate actions within predetermined limits when applicable.
• Recognize and act upon individual needs for continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.
• Perform point-of-care testing according to standard operating procedures.

Admission Process Requirements

The Phlebotomist Occupational Endorsement Certificate is offered on campus and by distance delivery.  Students enrolling in the courses offered by distance delivery must reside outside of Anchorage and Eagle River.  Distance 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.  Student wishing to enroll in the Phlebotomy Program must fulfill the following requirements:

1.  Submit appropriate departmental paperwork to the Medical Laboratory Science Department including a Student History Form, Enrollment Policy, and Essential Requirements Form.  Students must also be in process of completing a Pre-Entrance Medical Record.  The Pre-Entrance Medical Record includes documentation of the following:

• Immunity to rubella, rubeola, and chicken pox confirmed by titer.
• Immunity to Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.  Students must have started the immunization series prior to enrolling in the courses.  If the last immunization was more than 10 years ago, a titer is required.
• Diptheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (Tdap) vaccination within the past 10 years.
• Freedom from active tuberculosis, documented by negative PPD skin test or by health exam by a nurse practitioner, physician or physician's assistant; must be updated annually.

2.  Provide proof of completion of appropriate placement into PRPE A108 or proof of completion of PRPE A086 with a grade of C or better.  Contact the Medical Laboratory Science Department if you have questions concerning the placement scores.

3.  Priority will be given to those students who are admitted to the Phlebotomy Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC).  There are no deadlines and no fees associated with admissions to an OEC.

Enrollment in Phlebotomy courses is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Once a student has fulfilled the above requirements, the student can request departmental approval from the Medical Laboratory Science Department.

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 updated vaccination information 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, A.A.S. and B.S. degrees are not contingent upon the students passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.