Patient Care Technician

This is an in-person, on-campus course, and students must be fully vaccinated.

This Certification course provides all of the requirements for health care provider and professional rescuer, which includes adult, child, infant CPR,rescue breathing, and use of AED (Automatic External Defibrillator). AHA requires a "pass" grade on skills, exam, and minimum of 84 score on written exam to qualify for certification. Dress comfortably.

Required Textbook to be read prior to class: American Heart Association: BLS for Healthcare Providers (latest edition).

This is an in-person, on-campus course, and students must be fully vaccinated.

Attain employee training on external bleeding control, injuries, wound care, asthma and allergic reactions, (weather-related shocks, burns, poisons, and sudden illness in the workplace. Learn to recognize everyday emergency situations, and take appropriate action until professional help arrives.

The American Heart Association guidelines mandate the required text: Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Student E-Workbook (American Heart Association website: AHA Product #15-1018) be read prior to class.

This is the foundational course to learn the language of medicine, using word parts and the basics of anatomy and physiology to understand the most common diseases, treatments, procedures, and acceptable abbreviations.

Pre-/Co-Requisite:

Pre-/Co-Requisites

AHX-100 Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR)

or valid AHA certification in this course.

Obtain the introductory skills to secure an entry-level position. Learn various methods of blood collection through venipuncture, capillary puncture and, existing intravascular devices. Emphasizes use of anticoagulants, the order of draw and, procedures for obtaining and processing specimens. Safety considerations for all health care professionals and patients discussed. Registrants should purchase stethoscope, B/P cuff and non-latex gloves.

The phlebotomist is a vital member of the clinical laboratory team, whose main function is to obtain patient's blood specimens by venipuncture and micro-collection for testing purposes. Phlebotomists are employed throughout the healthcare system including in hospitals, neighborhood health centers, medical group practices, HMO's, public health facilities, veteran hospitals, insurance carriers, and in other healthcare settings. The demand for phlebotomy technicians has increased substantially with the overall complexity of healthcare services and the risks of infectious disease. Current healthcare industry experts predict a 15% increase in phlebotomy jobs by 2024.

This program prepares learners to collect blood specimens from clients for the purpose of laboratory analysis. Learners will become familiar with all aspects of blood collection and will review the skills needed to perform venipunctures safely. Topics in this course include medical terminology, related anatomy and physiology, blood collection procedures, and procedures for collection of other types of specimens within the scope of practice of the phlebotomist.

As part of this program, Learners will complete the following hands-on labs and activities:

• Donning and Doffing Medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Donning and Doffing Isolation PPE
• Preparing for the Patient Encounter
• Performing Hand Hygiene
• Performing Required Steps in Patient Identification
• Using a Tourniquet, Palpating the Vein, and Using a Venoscope
• Decontaminating a Puncture Site
• Performing Venipuncture with the Syringe Method
• Performing Venipuncture with a Winged Infusion/Butterfly Set
• Performing Venipuncture with the Evacuated Tube Method
• Performing Microcollection Procedures
• Performing Capillary Blood Collection Procedures
• Performing a Blood Smear for Microscopic Slides
• Performing a Heal Stick Procedure
• Performing Procedures for Capillary Blood Collection
• Performing Radial ABG Procedure
• Taking Vital Sign Measurements

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Explain the steps in selected specimen collection procedures performed by the phlebotomy technician
• Explain the safety procedures in the healthcare setting and specifically in performing specimen collection procedures
• Identify specific supplies and equipment used in selected specimen collection procedures
• Explain precautions and guidelines when collecting specimens in special populations such as pediatrics and geriatrics
• Define quality of care and explain the impact on patient medical care when quality and safety are compromised in phlebotomy procedures
• Describe the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and medical terminology associated with phlebotomy
• Describe the requirements of the successful phlebotomy career including desired character traits, training and education, roles and responsibilities
• Explain how phlebotomists communicate with others in the healthcare setting verbally, nonverbally, within the health record, and using computer systems
• Identify common legal issues, ethical issues, and regulatory issues commonly impacting the phlebotomist

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience. As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.

Register using this Link

The increase in longevity and the recent changes in the health care system have created an increased need for educated and skilled Nursing Assistants. This program gives students an excellent opportunity to acquire the necessary occupational skills required for C.N.A.s. The CNA profession is ideal for people seeking flexible hours working in nursing homes, hospitals, doctors' offices and health care facilities. The program includes anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of patient care and clinical experience in a residential health care facility. Screen reader support enabled.

Pre-/Co-requisites: Basic Cardiac Life Support (AHX-100), also known as CPR; High School Diploma or GED/HSE; and US Citizenship or Legal Working Permits.

The following is required prior to the start date of clinical externship:

1. Copy of physical examination (within the last 6 months);
2. Updated immunization data: PPD, MMR, Tdap;
3. COVID card (2-3 vaccinations);
4. Flu vaccine (current);
5. Titer vaccinations: Varicella, HepB; and
6. CPR Certification Card

These documents must be presented to the instructor at the time of in-person skills labs on campus, and then again on the start date of the externship.