/Institutions/Laredo-Community-College/json/2018-2019/Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Laredo-Community-College/json/2018-2019/Catalog.json

Phlebotomy Certificate (PLAB)

Description

The Phlebotomy Program prepares the student to use proper techniques and procedures for the collection of blood specimens for laboratory analysis. Additionally, the student will apply critical thinking and effective communication skills. The student who successfully completes the program will be awarded a Certificate in Phlebotomy from Laredo College.

Mission Statement

The Phlebotomy Program offers a dynamic curriculum based on nationally recognized quality standards to prepare graduates to serve the health care needs of the local, regional and global community.

Entry-Level Competencies

Upon graduation and initial employment, the phlebotomist will demonstrate entry-level competencies as indicated below.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and medical terminology.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of infection control and safety.
3. Demonstrate basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of body systems and anatomic terminology in order to relate major areas of the clinical laboratory to general pathologic conditions associated with the body systems.
4. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of specimen collection and specimen integrity in the delivery of patient care.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of collection equipment, various types of additives used, special precautions necessary and substances that can interfere in clinical analysis of blood constituents.
6. Follow standard operating procedures to collect specimens.
7. Demonstrate understanding of requisitioning, specimen transport and specimen processing.
8. Demonstrate understanding of quality assurance and quality control in phlebotomy.
9. Communicate (verbally and non verbally) effectively and appropriately in the workplace.

Clinical Education

The City of Laredo Health Department, Doctor's Hospital of Laredo and Laredo Medical Center currently serve as the designated clinical sites for the student to gain clinical experiences through coordinated and supervised rotation schedules. Other clinical sites may be used as they become available. The student is assigned to clinical laboratories to enhance technical and critical thinking skills under the supervision of assigned preceptors. Students must complete a minimum of 100 venipunctures and 15 capillary punctures. Applicants should be aware that they will be required to work with patients and family members who may speak only Spanish.

Application Process

1. Complete an application packet. Application deadline is the first Friday in June for Fall term and  first Friday in October for Spring. All information provided in the packet must be accurate. Applicants will be disqualified should it be determined that the information provided by the applicant is inaccurate and dishonest.
2. Applicants are not required to submit requisites such as a physical, drug screen, criminal background check, etc., until the applicant has been informed of acceptance to the program.
3. Applicants who successfully completed the courses listed above must have earned a grade of C or better (minimum GPA required 2.5) within 5 years of the application to the program.
4. Applications and transcripts will be review. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

1. Upon acceptance to the Phlebotomy Program, the student is required to submit:
   1. A completed physical examination (the form is included in the application packet)
   2. Immunization records and results of a TB test within the past 6 months
   3. A current CPR card
   4. Results from 10 panel drug screen
   5. Negative criminal background checks from the Webb County Sheriff's Department and Castlebranch (www.certifiedbackground.com)
   6. Receipt for payment of national certification exam fee: $105.00
   7. Purchase textbooks, royal blue uniforms for clinical rotations, and all required materials as indicated by instructor.

   Note: Students must make their own copies of documents and receipts to keep as evidence that documents were submitted.

Progression in the Phlebotomy Program

1. All program courses must be completed with a 2.0 or better at the conclusion of the term in which applicant was selected. See list of courses below.
   1. MDCA 1409 Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Assistants (BIOL 2301 & 2302 may substitute for course)*
   2. MDCA 1313 Medical Terminology*
   3. MDCA  1305 Medical Law and Ethics*
   4. HPRS 1304 Basic Health Professions*
   5. PLAB 1223 Phlebotomy
   6. PLAB 1230 Clinical-Phlebotomy/Phlebotomist

*Indicates courses may be completed prior to acceptance to the program

1.  Students must be passing the PLAB 1223 course with a 70% or better AND must have successfully completed clinical competencies with an 85% or better prior to mid-term to be  eligible to continue in the program and progress to clinical rotations.
2. The Plebotomy Handbook offers more detailed information about attendance, withdrawal, dismissal and clinical rotation requirements. Phlebotomy Student Handbook.
3. The final exam for the PLAB 1223 course is the national exam. As such, it is important that the fee is paid prior to administration of exam. A grade of 75% or better is required to received the credential indicating student is a Certified Phlebotomy Technician.
4. Students are required to apply for graduation.
5. Upon successful completion of all courses, the student will be awarded a Certificate in Phlebotomy.

* Criminal background reports which show a history of convictions, deferred adjudications involving crimes against persons, misdemeanors, etc., will disqualify a student from consideration for admission because the student would not be eligible for clinical placement.

**Fees are subject to change

For further information about the Phlebotomy Certificate Program please call (956) 721-5261 or by email at plab@laredo.edu. The Health Sciences Department is located in the Ruben M. Garcia Allied Health Building, room 109.