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Austin
Community College
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Do you feel drawn towards a career in the medical field but you currently do not have the time or money to complete a 2 or 4 year degree? |
The Phlebotomy Technician Program at Austin Community College may be the perfect place for you to start. You will learn a profession in one semester and, upon successful completion of the program, be immediately qualified to practice in hospital and clinic settings. Once employed you will be exposed to a wide variety of health care professionals and see first-hand the day-to-day realities of those professions. This information is extremely beneficial in helping you select, if you so desire, the career path best suited for you. The hours of employment in a hospital setting are very flexible and enable you to continue your education while you work. Many phlebotomists are quite happy with their career choice and become more involved in office management as a career move up. Whatever you decide to do upon completion of this one semester course, you will have many options to choose from.
There is a demand for well-trained, certified Phlebotomists in hospitals, clinics
and research facilities.
SALARY
Entry level salaries in the Austin Area range from $8.50 to $10.00 per hour.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The correct diagnosis and treatment of patients many times relies on the results
of laboratory testing on patient blood samples. The phlebotomist is the laboratory
professional whose primary responsibility is to obtain the blood samples from
the patient. The Phlebotomy Technician Program at ACC prepares students to draw
blood from adult, pediatric and neonatal patients for the purposes of clinical
laboratory analysis. Upon successful completion of the program the student will
proficiently perform the following: proper site preparation and collection of
capillary and venous specimens utilizing a variety of collection techniques,
proper labeling of patient specimens, preparation of specimens for transport
to the laboratory to ensure stability of the sample, proper use of Universal
Precautions, promoting good public relations with patients and hospital personnel,
logging specimens into the laboratory and processing of laboratory specimens.
Students will learn theory and principles relating to blood collection during
the didactic portion, will practice blood collection skills in the student laboratory
and will gain proficiency in the performance of these skills during clinical
rotations at local hospitals. Listed as PLAB 1223 (credit) or PLAB 1023 (continuing
education) in course schedule. PLAB 1166 or PLAB 1066 (clinical practicum) is
required to obtain the certificate.
ELIGIBILITY FOR NATIONAL CERTIFICATION
Upon successful completion of the program the student will be eligible to take the ASCP, NCA or ASPT Phlebotomy Technician certification examinations. National certification improves employment opportunities. The Phlebotomy program is certified by NAACLS. This is very important for students to know and understand. For a complete list of NAACLS approved programs or for more information about this organization contact them at:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
8410 W Bryn Mawr Ave Suite 670
Chicago, IL 60631
773.714.8880
773.714.8886 (FAX)
info@naacls.org
http://www.naacls.org
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT
Opportunities for advancement within the laboratory are available with additional
advanced education. ACC offers a certificate program as a Medical Laboratory
Assistant as well as an Associate
Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. One can then pursue a Bachelors
degree in Medical Technology or other fields at many major universities.
High school diploma or equivalent
A physical examination is required and the Health Data form
located at http://www.austincc.edu/hltsci/
must be filled out by your physiciean:
You must submit proof of of the following immunizationsby
filling out the "Required Immunizations and Tests" form (http://www.austincc.edu/hltsci/),
your immunization record must be verified and signed by your physician:
All requirements
for admission to college-credit classes as outlined in the ACC College Catalog
The course is listed under Medical Laboratory Technology
in the ACC College Catalog and Course Schedule for credit and the Continuing
education course schedule for non-credit.
Obtain an application to the program by calling 223-6139
or come by the Riverside Campus, Building D, Room 5010. Application Deadline:
Fall Class is last week of June. Spring Class last week of October and the Summer
Class, last week of March. THIS INFORMATION WILL CHANGE SPRING 2005 WHEN
THE PROGRAM WILL MOVE TO THE EASTVIEW CAMPUS.
Submit the completed application by the deadline date. All
qualified applicants will be called in for a mandatory orientation session with
the Program Director.
Due to the limited number of clinical rotations available,
only 14 individuals can be accepted into the program. Admission to the program
will be determined by the date that the application is received AND
attendance at the orientation session.
The Phlebotomy Technician Program upholds the college policy
relating to non-discrimination. Admissions, employment, programs and activity
policies of Austin Community College are non-discriminatory in regard to race,
creed , color, age, handicap and national origin.
The MOST CURRENT PROGRAM INFORMATION is located
at http://www.austincc.edu/kotrla/mlt_phb
At this time the fall and summer classes are held at the Cypress
Creek Campus in Cedar Park; the spring class is at Eastview
Campus. This is subject to change-please call office to confirm where class
is at the time you intend to apply.
The student is required to perform 112 hours of clinical practice. These hours
will involve different shifts throughout the early morning and afternoon hours.
Clinical will be scheduled on consecutive days of the week. Flexibility
in scheduling is required.
Phlebotomy and the health care study
Basic anatomy and physiology
Blood collection reagents, supplies, and interfering substances
Blood collection procedures
Complications of blood collection
Infection control
Equipment safety
Requisition and transportation of laboratory specimens
Accessioning and processing laboratory specimens
Interpersonal skills
Professionalism
Quality assurance and safety in blood collection
Liability and risk management
The National Phlebotomy Association
Phlebotomy Links of Interest
Back to the top
Health Sciences Home Page
ACC Home Page
Phlebotomy Program Director: Terry Kotrla,
MS, MT(ASCP)BB Terry's Home Page: http://www.austincc.edu/kotrla
Contact Health Sciences Site Administrator
with comments.
Last updated on November 10, 2004