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| Medical Laboratory Assistant |
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Program Courses
Orientation and Student Success Skills
This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to Stenberg College and the program you have enrolled in. As with all new things, there will be some challenges to overcome; however, with this course, you will become familiar with your new environment and the resources available for your use. You will gain effective learning and study strategies; become familiar with course and research online resources; enhance reading and writing skills; participate in activities to increase self-awareness, communication, and accountability; and develop teamwork skills.
Keyboarding
This course is designed to introduce students to the Windows environment and typing programs. You’ll focus on the development and maintenance of accurate keyboarding skills.
Computer Fundamentals
You’ll be introduced to – and gain skill working in –the Windows environment including Outlook, Internet Explorer, and Excel. Special emphasis will be placed on using MS Word proficiently.
Medical Terminology/Basic Anatomy & Physiology
This course will provide the student with an overview of the anatomy and physiology with emphasis on those body systems relevant to medical laboratory assistant practice. Students will gain a thorough orientation to the human body at the level of cell physiology, looking at the structure and function of the human cell and moving forward to a discussion of basic human tissue. Medical terminology and abbreviations will also be explored.
Medical Lab Communications & Patient Care
Participants will explore principles of communication and have the opportunity to engage in skill practice. Students will participate in exercises designed to increase their awareness of self and others. Students will develop effective oral, written and patient care and communication skills. This module discusses the professional behavior and uses specific examples that pertain to the MLA. It also describes the health care organization and the duties of the team members in the various departments. Students will become accustomed with the role of the MLA in providing professional patient/customer service learning how to use outstanding interpersonal skills. This module will teach the cardiovascular system, the components of the blood and the commonly used veins in phlebotomy. Lab structure and the commonly performed tests in each department will be discussed. Quality assurance and improvement as applied to the MLA will be briefly discussed along with the ethical, legal and regulatory issues. Students will learn basic laboratory terminology and measurements. Upon completion of this course the student will have a conceptual context and foundation to proceed to the Med Laboratory Procedures Module.
Medical Lab Procedures
This module focuses on the human anatomy and physiology giving attention to the different systems in the human body and the laboratory tests that aid in the diagnosis of disorder allowing the MLA to become familiar with the common diagnostics tests ordered for each of the different disease states. The cardiovascular system and the vascular system will be reviewed. The importance of documentation and the delivery methods of specimens in the health care organization will be discussed in this module. This module emphasizes on the successful completion of 75 blood draws and 10 micro-collections including capillary blood gases and PKU collection. The latest safety supplies and phlebotomy equipment will be will be utilized. All aspects of phlebotomy are the highlight of this module such as:
- The venipuncture, capillary, neonatal, pediatric and elderly
- Blood collection equipment
- Documentation, specimen handling and transportation
- Preanalytical complications in blood collection
- Point of care testing
- Urinalysis, body fluids and other specimens for laboratory evaluation
- Obtaining blood pressure (via the stethoscope method), height, weight, and pulse
- Medical history collection
- Forensic toxicology, workplace testing, sports medicine, and related areas
- Specimen handling and processing
- Microbiology and culture plating techniques
- Computerization in health care
Everything learned in the course is connected to anatomy and physiology, and the body systems with emphasis on the diagnostic tests of each system. Upon completion of this course the student will have a conceptual context and a solid foundation to proceed to the practicum and will have completed 75 successful blood draws and 10 micro-collections (including capillary blood gases and PKU collection).
Accessioning and Microbiology Pre-Analytical Procedures
This course will address accessioning, processing and referral procedures required for the medical laboratory assistant to function proficiently in the front end of a medical laboratory environment. Topics covered include: labelling, requisitions, phone protocol, quality control management, packaging, inventory control, ordering of supplies as well as healthcare information systems. Students will also become competent in the specific preanalytical procedures for microbiology lab set-up.
Medical Lab Procedures-ECG
Students will review the anatomy of the heart and be introduced to the electrical conductive system of the heart. Students will learn procedures that will enable them to use, maintain and analyze electrocardiogram tracings of 12/15 lead electrocardiograms. Emphasis will be put on the theory and practice of correct application, including skin preparation and electrode application and activation. Troubleshooting will also be addressed.
Practicum Preparation / WHMIS / CPR-HCP-AED
In preparation for their off-site work experience, students will also complete WHMIS and Health Care Provider CPR and First Aid in preparation for placement in their practicum.
Practicum
Students will perform phlebotomy, electrocardiography and specimen collection skills in a real laboratory setting. Students should be prepared to accept a practicum placement anywhere in British Columbia. Students may perform practicum elements in a variety of settings.
Career Search Strategies
This course is offered in a combined online and classroom delivery format. In the guided online sessions, students learn to network effectively, prepare targeted resumes and cover letters, and follow up in their job search. In the instructor-led session, students are provided with a personalized critique of their resume, cover letter, and online profiles and are also given the opportunity to practice and perfect interview skills.
Additional Certification(s)
The program also includes essential industry-related training and certification in:
CPR/HCP/AED
You'll receive Red Cross First Aid Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Health Care Provider (HCP) and Automated External Defibrillation (AED). This industry standard certification is valid for three years.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WHMIS trainers provide information about materials in the workplace that can be hazardous, such as cleaning agents, compressed gases and flammable materials. Becoming WHMIS certified will demonstrate that you are able to identify hazardous materials and handle them properly.
Personal & Professional Development Skills Certificate
Responding carefully to the needs of today's employers, a series of Personal and Professional Development Workshops have been integrated throughout the program to develop critical thinking and soft skills. Workshops include Giving and Receiving Feedback, Conflict Resolutions, Active Listening, Providing Quality Service and Building Rapport, Leadership, and Employability Skills. |
