Lab Assistant, EKG Technician/Phlebotomist

Orientation and development of an understanding of laboratory safety and universal precautions. Covers anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system. Students learn about nosocomial infections and the proper handling of body fluids, specimen requisitions, and specimens. Covers various instruments used to gather specimens, proper sterilization, the chain of infection, and factors influencing diseases. Lab work includes use of the microscope and centrifuge.

Students learn the various characteristics of blood and its functions. Covers diagnostic tests associated with red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, plus the components of the urinary and reproductive systems. Includes instruction on sexually transmitted diseases and related tests and treatments. Students learn homeostasis, the components of the urinary system, routine urinalysis, and proper procedures for collecting urine samples.

Students learn about the respiratory and cardiac systems through lecture and visual aids. Covers various heart-related diseases and corresponding treatments. Students learn the EKG process, how to read basic EKG strips, and cardiac rhythms. Hands-on lab practice under instructor supervision throughout.

Covers the differences between serum and plasma. Students learn about lipids and associated tests, how fasting affects blood sugar, post-prandial and glucose tolerance tests, and the various aspects of time and measurement related to specimens. Includes anatomy and physiology of the endocrine and digestive systems, plus interdependence of hormones and pregnancy. Lab training continues with methods of classifying microorganisms and disease issues relevant to a laboratory setting.

Covers anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. Includes basic psychology of how attitudes and interests influence human behavior and the challenges of being a healthcare provider. Students learn therapeutic drug monitoring, common therapeutic drugs, drug-testing reasons and specimen types. Covers the CLIA chain of custody and levels of complexity. Students learn to recognize behavior patterns and devise goals for improving work habits, attitudes, and problem solving.

Defines phlebotomy and the professional qualities of a phlebotomist. Covers informed consent, patient confidentiality, and legal issues for phlebotomists, plus immunology. Continued training on safety procedures, universal precautions, vein identification, "order of draw," and proper blood-collection procedures. Covers complications with patients, ABO blood groups, and Universal Donors/Recipients.

Students identify body planes and positions and describe the body cavity. Covers anatomy and physiology of the muscular skeletal system. Includes instruction on diseases specific to the nervous system. Continued hands-on lab practice under instructor supervision.

After completing required classroom coursework, students proceed to an externship at an approved San Antonio-area site. The 160-hour externship provides a realistic San Antonio work environment to apply skills learned in the classroom. Externs perform their work under supervision of assigned personnel. Students must complete at least 50 successful blood draws and 10 successful skin punctures. Time sheets signed by the supervisor are submitted weekly. All externship hours must be completed to fulfill program requirements.