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

General Admission Requirements for all students entering programs offered by the Medical Laboratory Technology department include:

1. Complete the admission process for UAA.  Apply on UAOnline to the Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Phlebotomy.  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 Technology Department in person, via fax, or by e-mail attachment.
3. On-Campus Phlebotomy Program: Students are added to a waiting list upon receipt of the completed Student History form and notified of their status on the wait list one month prior to the start of the course.
4. Distance Phlebotomy Program: Students will be contacted by the department to arrange distance course requirements in the student's home community (must be outside of Anchorage or Eagle River).
5. Review the Essential Requirements for Admission and return the signed form to the department.
6. Students should begin their vaccinations while they wait to enter their course. Prior to enrollment in either MEDT A101 or MEDT A132, students must provide documentation of the following on the Pre-entrance Medical Record

• 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.
• Diphtheria/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. 

     7.Prior to enrolling in a practicum (MEDT A195A,
        MEDT A195B, MEDT A295 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 Technology 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 Technology department. Students enrolled in practicum (MEDT A195A, MEDT A195B, MEDT A295 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 Technology 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.