This one-quarter, 300 contact hour Medical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy program provides students with the theory, skills and practice necessary to get hired as medical laboratory assistants and phlebotomists. Work settings may include hospitals, medical laboratories, blood banks, clinics, and doctor's offices.

A typical day for an MLA/Phlebotomist would include drawing blood, collecting other specimens, maintaining laboratories and supplies, informing and instructing patients, processing specimens, keeping accurate records, and communicating results.

Preparation to pass the Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) and the Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) certification examinations administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the Clinical Assistant (CA) and the Phlebotomy (PHLEB) certification examinations administered by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), and the Phlebotomy Technician, (PBT) administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is an essential part of the program. To sit for these examinations, medical laboratory assistants and phlebotomists must complete the required hours of work experience.

The job outlook for these positions is increasing due to population growth and expanding medical technology.

1. Perform the tasks and possess the skills needed to secure and maintain employment in Medical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomy positions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and science necessary for verbal and written communication with physicians, peers, other healthcare workers, patients and other non-healthcare workers.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of and competency in medical laboratory assistant/phlebotomy skills, including specimen collection, specimen processing, safety, professionalism, communication, laboratory maintenance, and inventory management.
4. Demonstrate professional work habits and behavior expected in a medical facility including confidentiality, following all HIPAA requirements, medical ethics, and a commitment to team work and diversity.
5. Use technical computer, telephone, and laboratory equipment skills at medical industry standards in proficiency to perform all required tasks.
6. Possess the necessary knowledge and skills using Standard Precautions for responding to medical emergencies with First Aid, CPR, and/or AED.
7. Understand and use English for accurate, on-the-fly communication in a medical/lab setting.

This project was funded in part by a grant awarded under the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment & Training Administration. The Seattle Community Colleges are an equal opportunity employee/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.