Introduction

One very important word that you should understand now is ETHICS. Ethics is a mode of conduct and behavior. A pattern of proper conduct at all times is essential in persons desiring a career in any profession. The ethical responsibilities associated with a health career make it necessary for those practicing in this domain to carefully consider all of their actions both on and off duty. In addition, it is absolutely essential that all members of the medical team understand that the patient comes first! The regulations embodied in this handbook were all written with this thought in mind.

You are urged to study the contents of this handbook carefully, for you are responsible for observing the regulations contained herein. Any question or comments concerning material in the Student Handbook should be addressed to your instructor or the Phlebotomy Program Director.

Non-Discrimination Statement

College Instructional Philosophy

Austin Community College is committed to the belief that in a free and democratic society, all persons should have a continuing opportunity to develop skills and knowledge as well as to enhance their understanding of their responsibilities to society. The College takes as its guiding educational principle the proposition that, insofar as available resources permit, instruction should be adapted to student needs. This principle requires both flexibility in instructional strategies and maintenance of high academic standards, both of which we are committed to achieving at Austin Community College.

Program Mission

Program Overview

The profession of phlebotomy is taught through didactic, student laboratory, and clinical experiences. The student will be trained to perform a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and precautions including: vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles and blood culture specimen collection on adults, children and infants. Emphasis will be placed on infection prevention, proper patient identification, proper labeling of specimens, and quality assurance. Students will be taught specimen handling, processing and accessioning. Students will learn the theory and principles of CLIA waived laboratory tests and perform the tests in the student laboratory. The testing performed will include: manual hematocrits, urinalysis dipsticks, fecal occult blood, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and pregnancy testing.

Successful completion of this course (PLAB 1323 or PLAB 1023), along with the successful completion of, or validation of objectives from PLAB 1166 or PLAB 1066, will result in the awarding of a Certificate of Completion.

The Phlebotomy Technician of Austin Community College is approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Approval by this organization assures students that they will be provided with a quality education. Upon successful completion of the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate, the graduate is eligible to sit for national certification exams. Granting the certificate of completion is NOT contingent upon passing an external certifying examination.

The following is the Code of Ethics of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

"I acknowledge my professional responsibility to:

• Maintain and promote standards of excellence in performing and advancing the art and science of my profession;
• Safeguard the dignity and privacy of patients;
• Hold my colleagues and my profession in high esteem and regard;
• Contribute to the general well being of the community; and
• Actively demonstrate my commitment to these responsibilities throughout my professional life."

Phlebotomy Technician Program Goals

Upon completion of this program the student will successfully:

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.
4. Associate the major areas / departments of the clinical laboratory with the laboratory tests ordered to evaluate a patient’s pathologic condition / illness.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of specimen collection in the overall patient care system.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of collection equipment, various types of additives used, special precautions necessary and substances that can interfere in clinical analysis of blood constituents.
7. Demonstrate proper techniques to perform venipuncture and capillary puncture.
8. Demonstrate understanding of requisitioning, specimen transport and specimen processing.
9. Demonstrate understanding of quality assurance in phlebotomy.
10. Demonstrate understanding of the basic concepts of communications, personal and patient interaction, stress management, professional behavior and legal implications of the work environment.

Scans Competencies

Recently the U.S. Department of Labor established the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) to examine the demands of the workplace and whether the nation’s students are capable of meeting those demands. The Commission determined that today’s jobs generally require competencies in the following areas.

1. Resources: Identifies, organizes, plans, and allocates resources
2. Interpersonal: Works with others
3. Information: Acquires and uses information
4. Systems: Understands complex interrelationships
5. Technology: Works with a variety of technologies

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is now requiring all degree plans in institutions of higher education to incorporate these competencies and identify to the student how these competencies are achieved in course objectives. In PLAB 1323/PLAB 1023, Phlebotomy, examples of SCANS competencies being incorporated are as follows:

1. The applicant must have the necessary eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity required to achieve the psychomotor objectives in each teaching section. These objectives include, but are not limited to, the prescribed use of pipettes, tubes, slides, culture media, phlebotomy equipment, inoculation and reagent application devices, and instrument operation devices.
2. The applicant must have the necessary visual acuity (normal or corrected vision) to achieve the psychomotor and cognitive objectives that require the ability to distinguish color, read instrument scales and quality control charts, and enter and review data during use of laboratory analytical and computer equipment.
3. The applicant must be fluent in English and possess adequate communication skills to permit regular, routine, timely, and productive interactions with faculty members, physicians, patients, and other students.
4. The applicant must be able to promptly respond in emergency situations, react appropriately, and at all times exercise judgment associated with responsible practice of the clinical laboratory profession.
5. The applicant must demonstrate the emotional health required for full utilization of intellectual abilities. An applicant must be able to tolerate physical and emotionally taxing workloads and function effectively under stress.
6. The applicant must be able to sustain professional activities for protracted periods of time under conditions of physical and emotional stress.

This Program operates in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and all other applicable state and federal laws. The Program reserves the right to require the applicant to physically demonstrate any of the above skills. It is the responsibility of the applicant / student to notify the Program officials if there is any reason why the abilities/expectations described above cannot be met.

Materials Required

Materials Recommended

1. Garza, Diana; Becan-McBride, Kathleen, Phlebotomy Q & A Review, 5th edition, 2001, Prentice Hall. (ISBN: 0130887153)
2. Medical Dictionary - several available to choose from at the Eastview bookstore.
3. Interpretation of Laboratory Testing.

Course Requirements and Regulations

1. Attendance Policy
   Regular and punctual attendance is required at all lecture and laboratory sessions. Class roll will be taken. Absences must be explained to the instructor on the day of the absence by telephone or personal visit. If an absence is anticipated, the student is to make a scheduling arrangement in advance with the instructor. Two (2) or more absences, for whatever reasons may be cause to withdraw a student from the course. A student who is fifteen (15) minutes late is considered TARDY. Three (3) tardies constitute one absence. It is the student's responsibility to keep tract of his/her attendance record and for all assignments, materials, examinations, etc. missed. Important announcements are made at the beginning of class and may not be repeated.
   
2. Dress Code

   Students will be expected to attend class / laboratory and assigned clinical sites clean and neatly dressed to present a professional appearance. Students not conforming to the dress code while at clinical may be sent home at the instructor's discretion, and will be required to make up the time. Repeat violations will result in the student being placed on probation.

   a. A laboratory coat must be worn buttoned during all laboratory sessions requiring processing or testing of blood samples. Disposable lab coats will be provided and are NOT to be worn outside the laboratory area.

   b. Appropriate footwear will be required in the campus laboratory and clinical settings. Closed-toe shoes (no sandals or canvas shoes) that are soft-soled, such as white leather-type tennis or similar shoes, must be worn in student laboratory.

3. Student’s hair must be clean, neat and of a normal hair color. The hair must be drawn back if longer than shoulder length or hanging in the face. Male students must either shave regularly or if they choose to wear a mustache and/or beard, must keep em clean and well groomed. (No five o'clock shadows.)
   
4. Students must bathe regularly to avoid offensive odor. In addition, students must refrain from excessive use of cologne / aftershave lotion, or makeup.
   
5. Keep fingernails clean and at a reasonable length. Reasonable length is defined as 1/8" above the fingertips.
   
6. Jewelry should be limited to wedding rings and a wrist watch. A conservative necklace that is kept close to the skin (not dangling) and conservative earlobe earrings (no more than one pair) that do not extend more than ½ inch below the earlobe are acceptable.
   
7. Dress tactfully. Avoid wearing clothes which are overly revealing, which may represent a safety hazard or which may be offensive to patients or laboratory personnel. Scrubs are the required attire on campus or in clinical.
   
8. Turn pagers and cell phones OFF or set them to MUTE. It is very disruptive to the learning environment to have these devices go off during class.
   
   Additional Requirements

The "Environment of Care" exams and HIPPA student training module MUST be completed prior to attending the first clinical day. A copy of the test results are sent to the instructor upon completion of the test. Any student not completing the exam cannot attend clinical. This test may be accessed at: http://www.austincc.edu/health/dmt.php

All students accepted into the Phlebotomy Program must have completed the immunizations required by Texas Law and have a physical examination. Print the Immunization Form. The immunizations must be signed by a healthcare provider. The Health Data Form to must be completed by your healthcare provider.

Each student must set up an Internet email account. If you do not have Internet access at home a free email account can be obtained through Yahoo. Yahoo accounts can be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet. Computers for student use are located on every ACC campus. I will communicate on a regular basis through email and you will be expected to communicate with me weekly concerning your progress in your clinical assignments.

Basic computer skills will be needed to successfully complete the course. BlackBoard, an online course delivery system, will be used for discussion, homework submission, taking exams and quizzes, and for enhanced course activities. You can access the site at: http://acconline.austincc.edu , vist the "Student Guide - Getting Started with Blackboard" prior to the first class day. Students are generally NOT uploaded into the course until the week before classes start. Your first assignment will be to post an introduction in the "Discussion Board" area.

Special Requirements for Clinical Practice

Phlebotomy students must carry liability insurance which will be automatically purchased as part of the payment of the registration fees.

1. Phlebotomy students must provide proof of immunization, Immunization Form , to diphtheria, rubella, and tetanus at the time of application. Proof of immunization or record of physician-diagnosed illness for rubeola (measles) and mumps must be provided, as well as, documentation of a TB test performed within the last 12 months.
2. Regular and punctual attendance on all clinical days is required. Absences or tardies from clinical for reasons other than health or emergencies will not be tolerated, and the student may be subject to withdrawal from the program if more than two absences are recorded or there is documented evidence of chronic tardiness. All absences, regardless of excuse, must be made up by the student. The student must coordinate the make-up day with the instructor and the clinical site. The student must notify the clinical site and the instructor of all absences or tardies as far in advance as possible or at least within the first hour they are scheduled. Clinical sites are extremely intolerant of excessive absences and tardies.
3. A student who is late by 5 minutes or more will be considered officially tardy. Three official tardies will constitute one absence. Clinical sites are extremely intolerant of tardiness and may dismiss you from the site as a result of excessive tardies.
4. Students are required to act in a courteous, professional manner at all times during the clinical rotation. Any display of unprofessional, or unethical conduct by the student may result in immediate dismissal from the Program.

Student Service Work Policy

Students are not to be substituted for regular staff. After demonstrating proficiency, students, with qualified supervision, may be permitted to perform procedures. Service work by students in clinical settings outside of regular academic hours must be noncompulsory.

Special Laboratory Requirements

1. It is the responsibility of the student to prepare for each lecture/laboratory session. Laboratory exercises must be read prior to attending the laboratory period to provide the student with the basic understanding of what will be expected of him/her during the laboratory session.
2. Each student is responsible for his/her own work and for the cleaning up of their work station.
3. Blood, urine, and other biological specimens possibly containing pathogenic organisms will be collected and used in this course, therefore, the following precautions must be observed:
   1. Eating, drinking or smoking will not be permitted in the laboratory. Avoid putting objects in your mouth.
   2. Wash your hands before leaving the laboratory for any reason. Proper hand washing is essential in preventing the acquisition and spread of potentially harmful organisms.

      a. Wet hands and apply a small amount of an antiseptic soap.
      b. Vigorously lather hands, wash well between the fingers and up the wrists for at least 15 seconds.
      c. Rinse well with a moderate stream of water in a downward motion.
      d. Dry hands with a paper towel and use the towel to turn off the faucet, do not touch the faucet with your hands.
      e. Because frequent hand washing may be very damaging to the skin, frequent application of hand lotion is encouraged.

4. Disinfect work area thoroughly after each laboratory session.
5. Cover spills with paper towels, soak thoroughly with disinfectant and wait 15 minutes before cleaning it up.
6. All accidents are to be reported immediately to the laboratory supervisor/instructor.

Student Evaluation

1. Measurement, Written

1. Unit pretests will be given over previously covered lecture material and the accompanying laboratory exercises. A score of 70% must be obtained before you can take the major exam.
2. A minimum of four (4) written examinations will be given over lecture material to comprehensively assess student’s knowledge of concepts, principles, techniques and procedures. These examinations will be given online through BlackBoard. Students are expected to exhibit the highest level of ethical and honest behavior. The final exam will be given in class. The score earned on the final exam MUST be within plus or minus 5 points of the students major exam grade average.
3. Points will be awarded for completion of assignments listed in the discussion forum of BlackBoard: http://acconline.austincc.edu
4. Periodic review of your course notebook divided into the following areas: Syllabus, Schedule, Course Objectives, Lecture Guide, Laboratory Manual, Graded Lab exercises, and Graded Study questions

2. Measurement, Laboratory Experiences

1. Points are awarded for the successful completion of laboratory exercises as related to the specific objectives for each exercise.
2. Points are awarded for proper response to study questions / written assignments required for each laboratory exercise. 
3. Points are awarded for the laboratory practical at the end of the semester. The practical is the comprehensive final exam for the laboratory component of the course.

3. Measurement, Clinical

The Clinical Practicum portion of the grade is determined by evaluation by the clinical faculty and communication on a weekly basis via BlackBoard. A student failing the Clinical Practicum component of this course, but passing the lecture and laboratory will NOT be eligible to take the national certification examination.

1. Passing of the clinical component is based on successful completion of clinical objectives, weekly postings to BlackBoard during clinical and written evaluations prepared by the clinical instructors.
2. Completing Medtraining tutorials.
3. Students must complete and provide documentation for a minimum of 112 clinical hours and must achieve a minimum rating of at least "average" in all areas on the final clinical evaluation.
4. Students must perform and provide documentation of a minimum of

   (1) 100 successful venipunctures
   (2) 10 capillary punctures

4. Determination of Final Grade

1. Lecture: 2/3 of final grade

   (1) Online Quizzes = 5%
   (2) Participation in Discussion Forum = 5%
   (3) Examinations = 50%
   (4) Final Exam = 40%

   b. Laboratory 1/3 of Final Grade

(1) Laboratory exercises and Study Questions = 75%
(2) Laboratory Practical Exam = 25%

3. Clinical

The grade for the Clinical Practicum component of this course will be determined as follows:

1. Weekly posting to Discussion Board and online quizzes15%
2. Grades on Medtraining Tutorial exams 15%
3. Final Clinical Evaluation 70%

4. Grading:

A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 70 - 79%
D = 60 - 69%
F = 59% or below

 

PROMOTION, FAILURE AND/OR DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM

1. A minimum grade of "C" (70%) is required to be certified eligible to take the national certification examinations.
2. Students must complete the required number of hours, required number of procedures, and successfully complete all objectives required in the clinical component.
3. Students must successfully complete the classroom and clinical components of the course to receive a certificate of completion. The awarding of the certificate is not contingent upon a student passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.
4. Any student may be withdrawn from the program for excessive absences (see Attendance Policy), and / or consistently failing to meet class assignments, disruptive conduct during lecture or laboratory, or for displaying conduct detrimental to the ethics of phlebotomy, and / or failure to meet minimum competency levels in the clinical component.
5. The student may utilize the "Student Grievance Procedure of Austin Community College" in the disposition of a grievance or complaint without fear of recrimination or retaliation.

Professional Ethics and Confidentiality

It is expected that laboratory professionals may encounter very ill or possibly contagious patients in routine practice. As a Phlebotomy student, you should expect occasions when you will be working with these patients or their specimens as part of your clinical experience. It would be considered unprofessional, and unethical to refuse to respectfully and properly treat these patients and their specimens.

Failure to comply with the above is cause for immediate dismissal from the program..

Physical Risk Statement

Interactions with clients in the health care system carry inherent risks to both the client and caregiver, including, but not limited to, communicable diseases. In this document, as well as in the curriculum, students will be given information regarding known risks for various diseases and provided skills to implement precautions appropriate to these risks. All students are expected to provide appropriate care to all clients assigned to them in any health care setting as a learning experience. These assignments may include clients with medical diagnoses of tuberculosis, hepatitis, AIDS, or other infectious diseases.

Further more, the student understands that participation in this Program exposes the student to certain risks of illness, injury or infectious contact. The College will not be held responsible for any illness or injury, or infectious contact which occurs during the participation in the Program. The student's signature on the Statement of Understanding page is an acknowledgment of this policy.

Insurance

Safety Policy

Professional Risks

Interactions with clients in the health care system carry inherent risks to both the client and care giver, including, but not limited to, communicable diseases. In the curriculum, students will be given information regarding known risks for various medical conditions and provided necessary skills to implement precautions. Standard precautions, prescribed by the Center for Disease Control, will be taught to all students and must be strictly adhered to.

All students will be expected to provide appropriate care to all clients assigned to them in any health care setting as a learning experience. These assignments may include clients with medical diagnoses of tuberculosis, hepatitis A, B or C, and/or AIDS. Additionally, it will be the responsibility of the student to implement Standard Precautions as appropriate when providing care and adhere to all facility policies.

Program Applications of Standard Precautions

Since medical history and examination cannot reliably identify the infectivity of all patient's blood and body fluids, precautions against exposure must be followed for all patients. The concept of Standard Precautions (sometimes called Universal Precautions) was first introduced in 1987 by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to decrease the occupational risks of blood-borne diseases such as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and hepatitis B to healthcare workers. The application of universal precautions is continually evolving; all body fluids must be handled with the same precautions as blood.

1. Use barrier protection routinely to prevent skin and mucous membrane contamination with blood or other body fluids.
2. Wear gloves:
   When cuts, scratches, or other breaks in skin are present.
   When performing phlebotomy.
   When collecting capillary blood specimens.
   When handling any blood or body fluids.
   Anytime it appears that contamination of the hands may occur.
3. Change gloves after each patient contact or when visibly contaminated with blood.
4. Wear a mask, eye glasses or goggles, or face shield during procedures that are likely to generate droplets of blood or other body fluids to prevent exposure of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes.
5. Wear a fluid-resistant gown, apron, or other covering when there is a potential for splashing or spraying of blood or body fluids onto the body.
6. Wash hands or other skin surfaces thoroughly and immediately if contaminated with blood or other body fluids.
7. Wash hands immediately after gloves have been removed even when no external contamination has occurred.
8. Handle laboratory instruments, especially needles and scalpel blades, with extreme caution.
9. Place used needles, disposable syringes, skin lancets, scalpel blades, and other sharp items into a puncture-resistant biohazard container for disposal.
10. Use a single-handed method to activate needle safety device.
11. Use appropriate safety tranfer devices when transferring blood from a syringe to a test tube.
12. Needles should NOT be recapped, purposely bent, cut, broken, removed from disposable syringes, or otherwise manipulated by hand.
13. Exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis should be covered with an occlusive dressing to prevent contamination.
14. All specimens of blood and body fluids should be put in well-constructed containers with secure lids to prevent leaking during transport.
15. Use mechanical pipettes for manipulating all liquids (including body fluids, chemicals, or reagents) in the laboratory.
16. Decontaminate all laboratory work areas with an appropriate chemical germicide after a spill of blood or other body fluids and when work activities are completed. Cover spills with paper towels, soak thoroughly with disinfectant and wait 15 minutes before cleaning it up.
17. Pregnant laboratory workers are not thought to be at greater risk of infection than others in the laboratory. However, if an infection does develop during pregnancy or the mother is a carrier prior to the pregnancy, the infant is at risk of infection by perinatal transmission. Therefore, pregnant laboratory workers should be especially aware of universal precautions.
18. Use proper hand washing technique, as demonstrated by the instructor.
19. Wear closed toe shoes made from material other than cloth.
20. It is the students responsibility to sanitize their lab coats at least once per semester. Lab coats must be transported home in a sealed plastic bag.

If you do have a blood or body fluid exposure, after any immediate first-aid measures, inform the Phlebotomy Program Director or an Austin Community College phlebotomy clinical instructor at once so you can receive appropriate counseling, guidance and assistance in completing the forms for insurance. The Program Director or the clinical instructor will assist in providing and completing the required documentation for any and all exposures.

Policy and Procedures for Inclement Weather

Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather. If classes are not in session, notification is made through local radio and television stations, as well as ACC’s Channel 19 and on the web at www.austincc.edu. These local media should be consulted regarding resumption of classes. If classes are currently in session, the Vice President's office will appoint staff to deliver notices to all classrooms/laboratories. If you are in a clinical assignment when the official notice is released, you should use your best judgement as to whether it is safer to remain at the site until the roads are safer or to leave immediately. If you feel you must remain at the clinical site please stay in the lobby or other appropriate place until you determine it is safe to leave. You may not stay in the clinical department.

Criminal Background

Community Standards for criminal background checks were developed in conjunction with the Austin Health Industry Steering Committee (HISC) to meet clinical agency compliance with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards pertaining to human resource management. JCAHO requires verification of competency of all individuals who have direct contact with patients or employees; this includes students doing clinical rotations in the facility. Competency extends beyond technical skills to an individual’s criminal history.

Successful completion of a criminal background check is required for admission and continuation in all Health Sciences Programs. Students will be given specific directions from the program about how to obtain the background check. DO NOT submit order to PreCheck until you receive directions from the department. The student should review all apropriate information about the process at http://www.austincc.edu/health/background.php .

Upon completion of the Phlebotomy admissions process you will be conditionally accepted to the program and will be notified to complete the Criminal Background Check process.

Health Sciences Substance Abuse Prevention Policy

The well-being of students, patients and clients is essential to the delivery of safe health care by students in clinical settings. The well being of patients and clients cared for by our students is of primary concern in all Health Sciences programs and a carefully designed and administered drug and alcohol misuse procedure can reduce accidents. Therefore, the Health Sciences Department is adopting a substance abuse testing program wherein a student who is participating in clinical classes will be tested for drugs when there is reasonable suspicion that the student is under the influence of alcohol and /or illegal drugs, i.e. drugs which are controlled substances under federal law which are not being used under the supervision of a licensed health care professional, or otherwise in accordance with the law.

Students will be asked to submit to drug screening by their ACC clinical instructor at the expense of the college in the following circumstances:

1. Observable indication of actual use or impairment such as slurred speech, lack of coordination, incoherency, marijuana or alcohol odors.
2. Possession of drugs, apparent paraphernalia or alcoholic beverages.
3. Detailed, factual and persistent reports of misuse by multiple colleagues.
4. Abnormal or erratic behaviors such as sudden outbursts, mood swings, hostility or unusual anxiety that suggests possible drug use or alcohol misuse.
5. Involvement in suspicious accidents.
6. Apparent lapses in judgement or memory.
7. Unusual lethargy.

Testing Procedure:

1. Document student's behavior. Confer with program coordinator. If a program coordinator is the faculty member considered about the student's behavior or the program coordinator is unavailable, the conference will be with the dean or dean's designatee.
2. If the student denies being under the influence of unauthorized substances, a request for a drug screen will be initiated.
   1. The student will sign a consent to undergo drug screening.
   2. If the student refused to consent to drug screening, the student will be immediately dismissed from the program.
3. Institute a Request for Drug Screen. Provide verbal and written instructions for the testing procedure, including time frames for the test.
4. Arrange for transportation directly to a designated testing center by taxi accompanied by a Health Sciences representative.
5. After the drug screen specimen has been obtained the student will be transported by taxi back to the point of origin or home.
6. Student is excluded from all clinical activities pending results of the drug screen.
7. Drug screen findings will be interpreted by the designated testing center with in 24-48 hours.
8. Results will be sent to the Dean of Health Sciences where they will be kept in a confidential, locked file. Results of the drug screen will be released to the program coordinator on a need to know basis only. Records may be released only to the student or the decision-maker in a lawsuit, grievance or other legal proceeding against the College or its agents arising out of the positive drug test.
9. All positive drug screens will be reviewed by an independent Medical Review Officer. During the review process the student will have the opportunity to:
   1. Explain the cause of the positive drug screen.
   2. Provide the name of the physician authorizing any prescription medications. The Medical Review Officer will contact the attending physician for verification. If verification is obtained the student will be placed on probation. Any subsequent evidence of substance abuse will result in a recommendation that the student be dismissed from the program. The student may appeal the recommendation using the Student Complaint Procedure in the ACC Student Handbook.
10. If the drug screen is positive and unexplained unverified via the Medical Review Officer, the student will be:
    1. Dismissed from the program and
    2. Reported to the state licensing agency, if applicable.
11. A student who tests positive will be referred to a community resource for evaluation by the ACC counselor at the student's expense.
12. If the drug screen is negative, the student will be immediately reinstated in clinical by the program coordinator and will be provided opportunity to make up assignments. The student will be subject of all other objectives related to safe behavior and care of clients.
13. Readmission to the program is based on program admission policies.

Probation Policy

Probation is a trial period in which the student must improve or be withdrawn from the program. A student may be placed on probation in the Phlebotomy Technician program by for any of the following reasons:

1. Academic failure-- inability to make 70% or better in the lecture or laboratory components.
2. Unsatisfactory clinical performance-inability to achieve minimum competency performing routine procedures as determined by the clinical faculty.
3. Inappropriate conduct -- inability to act in a manner that reflects favorably upon the Program.
4. Inability to maintain physical and mental health necessary to function in the Program.
5. Failure to develop those qualities considered essential to the ethical practice of Phlebotomy.
6. Insubordination-failure to follow written and verbal instructions provided by clinical faculty.

The time and terms of probation are to be determined by the faculty and Program Director. ACC Counselors may be asked to attend the meeting to assist students in meeting the terms of probation. For example, if the student is having attendance issues the counselor can provide counseling on time manangement or direct the student to a workshop on time management.

Continued problems with one or more of the above standards will result in the student being withdrawn from the Program.

In all instances, the student is provided individual counseling and assistance.

Complaint Procedure

The intention of the student grievance procedure at Austin Community College is to assure the aggrieved student of due process and neutral evaluation in the disposition of the grievance or complaint. While the procedure will not guarantee the student that the result will be totally satisfactory, it is intended that sufficient options for resolution of the matter be available and that there will be no recrimination or retaliation brought against the student as a result of filing a grievance.

The procedure for filing a complaint can be found in the Austin Community College http://www.austincc.edu/handbook/.

The following procedure applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You must complete each step before proceeding to the next one.

1. First meeting. Attempt to resolve the complaint immediately with the person directly involved, in a meeting outside of the classroom environment. Bring materials pertaining to the complaint. Each individual should take notes of the meeting for mutual clarification. There may be instances when you cannot meet with the individual; if this is the case, proceed to step 2. Note: This step can be completed by telephone conference.
2. Meeting with supervisor. If unable to resolve the complaint with the individual involved, you must request a meeting with the employee’s supervisor within 10 business days after the first meeting (excluding week­ends, holidays, and scheduled breaks). The supervisor will respond to the request by scheduling a meeting within 10 business days to discuss the issue with you and, if desired, with the employee. All parties should make every effort to resolve the complaint at this level.
3. Written complaint. If you cannot resolve the complaint in the meeting, you must submit a formal, written complaint to the supervisor within 10 business days. Complaint forms are available from the campus administrative office, department chairs, instructional deans, assistant deans, and the Student Services office at any campus. Write the complaint as briefly and succinctly as possible. Counselors from Student Services may advise you on the process of preparing your written statement. This completed form must be submitted to the supervisor within 10 business days of the meeting in Step 2. The supervisor will sign the form to acknowledge that a joint meeting has occurred. This does not constitute agreement to your complaint.
4. Written complaint forwarded to dean or next level supervisor. Ask the supervisorto for ward the complaint with written statements from the parties involved to the appropriate dean or next level super visor. This form and written statements should be forwarded to the next level in the supervisory chain within five business days of the complaint having been submitted to the supervisor. The dean or next level supervisor will acknowledge receipt of Campus Resources to Help You Succeed the student’s complaint within five business days.
5. Meeting with dean or supervisor next level. The dean or next level supervisor will schedule a time to meet with you. At this time you can discuss the complaint with the dean or next level supervisor. Bring all supporting documentation to the meeting. The dean or next level supervisor will deliver a decision in writing within 10 business days of the meeting.
6. Appeal to associate vice president. If the complaint has not been resolved, you may appeal the dean’s or next level supervisor’s decision within 10 business days to the associate vice president overseeing the department involved in the complaint. Your written appeal, including all supporting documentation, will then be forwarded to the department’s associate vice president, who may request an appointment with you to discuss the appeal or may choose to make a decision based upon a review of the written documentation. Determination: The associate vice president will make a decision concerning the complaint and notify you of the decision in writing within 10 days of receiving the appeal. The decision of the associate vice president is final.

Registering for the Course

1. Instructor approval is required to register for this course.
2. Only students who have completed the admissions process and have been conditionally accepted into the program will be approved for registration.
3. There are 2 ways to register for the course:
   1) Continuing Education - Pass/Fail - receive certificate
   2) College credit - receive letter grade and certificate
4. Students taking the program for college credit must be registered with the college. Please go to http://www.austincc.edu/apply/creditenrollment.php for college enrollment information.
5. If registering for credit or CE you MUST register for two courses: PLAB 1023 and PLAB 1066.

Approximate Cost of Program

Cost is approximate and subject to change. The following miscellaneous charges apply to all students: $20.00 lab, $3.10 accident insurance, $10.00 malpractice insurance, $45.00 textbook,$10.00 parking and $2.00 ID badge = approximately $90.10. NOTE: These are estimates based on tuition and fees as of November 5, 2009

NOTE: Students not registered by the deadline will be dropped from the system and will be replaced by those students on a waiting list. As a courtesy, please call 223-5918 and leave a message that you are no longer interested in the program. This will allow us to inform those waiting for a spot in the program to register sooner and plan their schedule.

Counseling Services

The counselors assist with the most frequently expressed student concerns:

Counselors also provide an assessment program. Vocational interest inventories identify areas of interest in career fields. Aptitude tests assess skills and abilities. Personality tests clarify problem areas in personal functioning. Students can consult with a counselor to determine if an assessment is needed.

The counselors are the persons to see for any type of help you might need. If they can't provide the information or assistance you need, they will be able to refer you to someone who can.

Visit http://www3.austincc.edu/evpcss/rss/counsel/counseling.htm for locations, phone numbers and hours.

If serious problems exist, the Plebotomy Program Director/Instructor may require a student to make an appointment with the counselor.

Student Financial Aid

Austin Community College provides information on financial aid to assist students; the financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment.

The College expects students to make a maximum effort to assist themselves and provide a portion of their college expenses. Students should view financial aid only as a supplement to the financial resources of the applicant.

Students must reapply each year for financial aid and mail applications by the following suggested dates. Students who plan to attend both fall and spring need apply only once for that academic year. If an application is late, the College awards funds only if funds are available.

Fall and Spring April 1
Spring Semester October 15
Summer Semester March 15

The Financial Aid Offices can provide the necessary forms and provide additional information:

All phone and fax numbers fall under the 512 area code; campus location information here.

Location	Phone	Fax	Operating Hours
Cypress Creek, Room 1002.1	223-2023	223-2057	Mon-Tues: 8-6:30, Wed-Fri. 8-5
Eastview, Bldg 2000/Rm 2113	223-5152	223-5900	Mon-Tues: 8-6:30, Wed-Fri. 8-5
Northridge, Bldg 1000/1106B	223-4734	223-4227	Mon-Tues: 8-6:30, Wed-Fri. 8-5
Pinnacle, Rm 223	223-8012	223-8688	Mon-Tues: 8-6:30, Wed-Fri. 8-5
Rio Grande Annex, Rm 154	223-3055	223-3108	Mon-Tues: 8-6:30, Wed-Fri. 8-5
Riverside, Bldg G, Rm 8102	223-6022	223-6144	Mon-Tues: 8-6:30, Wed-Fri. 8-5

Library Facilities

Library services at Austin Community College are available at following campuses: Riverside, Rio Grande, Northridge, Pinnacle, Cypress Creek, and Eastview.

The Health Sciences Collection is located at the Eastview Campus. The Health Sciences Collection consists of approximately 8,000 health sciences books, 200 health care journals, 1,400 items of audiovisual software, and 100 computer software titles. The book collection, located on open shelves and covering the fields of medicine, surgery, nursing, allied health, hospitals, public health and the pre-clinical sciences, is classified and cataloged according to the system of the National Library of Medicine. The journal collection is on open shelves in alphabetical order by title, and indexes provided are: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Hospital Literature Index, and Index Medicus.

Audiovisual software is also classified and cataloged according to the National Library of Medicine System. It is stored on open shelves for student use at carrels equipped with filmstrip/audio-cassette projectors, slide/audio-cassette projectors, and video-cassette players.

The computer center is equipped with Personal Computers, MACs and printers for student and faculty use.

Books, articles, and audiovisual material may be placed on reserve in the library by your course instructors to be used as reference or for special assignments. You may also use any other library at any ACC campus for checking out materials. Books may be returned to any ACC library, regardless of which campus they were checked out. The librarian may also be able to assist you with on-line computer searches for specific subjects -- consult the librarian for more information. Instruction in the use of computer and audiovisual hardware and software is available.

ACC's cooperative arrangements with other libraries in the community expand the students' access to needed materials. Any student with an ACC ID card, regardless of residence, may use the collections and services of the Austin Public Library free of charge. Public library cards are available on application and take about two weeks to obtain. The University of Texas at Austin and St. Edward's University offer ACC students a limited number of special borrower library cards at no charge. Applications for these cards are available each semester from the ACC Library and afford the user full borrower privileges at the libraries for that semester. Austin Community College, along with other academic and public libraries in Texas, participate in a state-funded program, TexShare, which was established to allow participants to share resources. The TexShare libraries have agreed to extend free reciprocal borrowing privileges to each other's library patrons in an effort to provide direct access to materials that are not available at the home library. For more information visit: http://library.austincc.edu/gen-info/texshare-cards-about.htm. For a list of participating college and university libraries visit: http://www.texshare.edu/generalinfo/about/programs.html

In addition to these resources, ACC participates in an inter-library loan system which makes materials available from libraries across the country.

Your ACC identification card and a picture ID is required for checking out any library material.

MLT /Phlebotomy Faculty and Staff

TERRY M. KOTRLA

Department Chair

Office Phone (512) 223-5932 Pager (512) 606-2188

Work e-mail: kotrla@austinc.edu Home e-mail: tkotrla@austin.rr.com

Professional Educational Background

Brazosport College
Lake Jackson, Texas
Dates Attended: June 1976 to May 1978
Associate of Science Degree in Chemistry

University of Houston at Clear Lake City
Clear Lake City, Texas
Dates Attended: September 1978 to August 1980
Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology

MT (ASCP) #139171
BB (ASCP) #301

Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Date Attended: January 1999 - present
Master of Science in Distance Education in Progress

Professional Experience

Pasadena General Hospital -- Pasadena, Texas
Position: Medical Technologist -- Generalist
Dates: August 1979 to July 1980

Seton Medical Center -- Austin, Texas
Position: Medical Technologist -- blood bank, hematology, coagulation, and urinalysis
Dates: Full-time from September 1980-May 1984
Dates: May 1984 to Present - PRN

Austin Community College -- Austin, Texas
Position: Assistant Program Coordinator - MLT
Position: August 2000-present

Dates: November 1984 to May 1992
Position: Associate Professor

Dates: August 1992 to Present
Position: Professor

Position: Program Director Phlebotomy Technician Program
Dates: January 1994 to Present

Position: Faculty Advisor, MLT Student Club
Dates: September 1995 to Present

CAROLYN A. RAGLAND

Assistant Department Chair

Office Phone (512) 223-5931 Home Telephone (512) 243-1818

e-mail: cragland@austincc.edu

Professional Educational Background

Southeastern Iowa Area Community College
Burlington, Iowa and Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Dates Attended: September 1967 to December 1970
Applied Associate Degree in Laboratory Science

Illinois Central College
Peoria, Illinois
Dates Attended: September 1971 to December 1978
Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences

Bradley University
Peoria, Illinois
Dates Attended: January 1978 to June 1979
University of Illinois -- Medical Center
CAHP Peoria School of Medicine
Dates Attended: September 1979 to June 1980
Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology

MT (ASCP) #136955
NCA ASCLS #079519

Southwest Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas
Dates Attended: August 1982 - December 1989
Masters of Science in Health Professions

Professional Experience

St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center -- Peoria, Illinois
Position: Histologist
Dates: March 1971 to September 1973
Position: MLT (ASCP) Urinalysis
Dates: October 1974 to February 1976
Position: MLT/MT ASCP Chemistry
Dates: February 1976 to August 1980

Medical Parkway Clinical Laboratory -- Austin, Texas
Position: Staff Technologist - MT (ASCP)
Dates: October 1980 to May 1981

Austin Community College -- Austin, Texas
Medical Laboratory Technology Program
Dates: August 1981 to January 1985

Position: Faculty
Dates: January 1985 to April 1994
Position: Education Coordinator
Dates: April 1994 to September 1995

Position: MLT Professor & Program Coordinator - September 1995 - September 2005
Position: MLT Professor and Assistant Program Coordinator September 2005 to present

Forms

Please sign and/or initial ALL forms in this section and turn in to the Phlebotomy Department Head. These will become part of your permanent record.

Statement of Understanding

After thoroughly reading and familiarizing yourself with the Phlebotomy Student Handbook policies and procedures read and initial each of the following statements.

___ I have read the Technical (Non-Academic Admissions) requirements and understand that if I have difficulty in any of these areas, I may not be successful in passing the Phlebotomy course.

___ I have read the (Phlebotomy Technician Student Handbook) and understand the policies and procedures stated within. I understand that if I cannot support and abide by these policies and procedures, it may be in my best interest to seek another program in which to develop my technical skills.

___ I have been informed of the amount of clinical time required to complete the requirements of PLAB 1166 to successfully complete the Phlebotomy program.

___ I have read the (Phlebotomy Safety Policy and Applications) in this Student Handbook. I have been informed that biological specimens and blood products utilized in student lab and clinical rotations may possess the potential of transmitting infectious diseases such as hepatitis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). I understand that even though diagnostic products are tested for HIV antibodies and Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), that no known test can offer 100% assurance that products derived from human blood will not transmit disease. I understand that I will be taught the proper way to handle patient specimens and reagents prepared from biological materials (Standard / Universal Precautions) to decrease the risk of exposure and I agree to abide by them.

___ I understand that the college does not provide healthcare insurance but offers optional health insurance at my own expense. I have been advised to carry medical insurance and acknowledge that my health insurance and/or expenses are my responsibility.

___ I understand that the Student Accident insurance which I pay for as part of my tuition and fees will cover the costs related to accidents or injuries which occur in the classroom or at the clinical site. A small co-payment is required at the time of service.

___ I understand that I must submit proof of all immunizations required by Texas law.

__ I understand that I must pass a Criminal Background Check.

Student Name (printed): _______________________________

Date: _________________________________ ___ ___

Consent for Drug Screening

I, _______________________________ , recognize that the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs or substances can create an unsafe clinical working environment for myself and others. I agree to provide a blood, urine and / or breath sample to the drug testing laboratory designated by Austin Community College. I also permit the testing laboratory to release the results of the drug screening testing to designated Austin Community College authorities.

Student: _______________________________

Date _________________________________

Faculty _______________________________

Date _________________________________

Are you presently (or plan on) working a full- or part-time job?

If "Yes," how many hours per week? ___ ___ ___ ___

Are you receiving (or going to receive) VA benefits?