Overview

Occupational Endorsement Certificate, Clinical Assistant
Clinical assistants perform basic laboratory testing in medical laboratories, working under the supervision of a medical technologist, medical laboratory technician or pathologist. A clinical assistant collects and processes blood specimens and performs test procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology and urinalysis. A clinical assistant is competent in the following:

• Demonstrating knowledge of infection control and safety practices.
• Using common medical terminology.
• Following standard operating procedures to collect specimens.
• Preparing blood and body fluid specimens for analysis according to standard operating procedures.
• Preparing/reconstituting reagents, standards and controls according to standard operation procedures.
• Performing appropriate tests at the clinical assistant level, according to standard operating procedures.
• Following established quality control protocols.
• Communicating (verbally and nonverbally) effectively and appropriately in the workplace.
• Using information systems necessary to accomplish job functions.
• Identifying and report potential pre-analytical errors that may occur during specimen collection, labeling, transporting and processing.

Admission Requirements

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

1. Complete the Student History Form application.
2. Review the Essential Requirements for Admission and return the signed form to the department.
3. High School diploma or GED equivalency.
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 at least be started.
5. Prior to enrolling in a practicum (MEDT A195A, MEDT A195B, MEDT A295 or MEDT A495) students must:
6. • Demonstrate computer competency in the prerequisite MEDT courses.
   • Have completed a background check from www.CertifiedBackground.com ($72). Click here for instructions.
   • Provide proof of personal medical insurance coverage.
   • Provide documentation of updated vaccines, 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, 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 Technology Department to arrange for a mentor and clinical training facility prior to enrolling in any of the courses.

Application Process

Contact the Medical Laboratory Technology Program Department for information on how to enroll into the Clinical Assistant Program.

Course Sequencing

Students must complete the following courses:

MEDT A101 - Phlebotomy Procedures
MEDT A195A - Phlebotomy Practicum
MEDT A102 - Urinalysis for Clinical Assistants
MEDT A103 - Hematology for Clinical Assistants
MEDT A104 - Clinical Chemistry for Clinical Assist
MEDT A105 - Microbiology for Clinical Assistants
MEDT A110 - Specimen Processing
MEDT A195B - Clinical Assistant Practicum

To view the Clinical Assistant Occupational Endorsement Certificate outcomes, please click here.