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Health Care Assistant Certificate Program

Phlebotomy Technician

The purpose of the Health Care Assistant (HCA) technical certificate of credit is to prepare graduates to enter the workforce in a variety of health careers, including electrocardiography technician, medical coding, medical unit secretary, patient care technician, and phlebotomy technician. The concentrations offered build upon a common core of general education and Health Sciences courses. Students also have the option to complete more than one concentration in order to compete for positions with employers who are seeking multi-skilled health care assistants.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The certificate program prepares graduates for employment in a variety of positions in medical facilities and offices. Electrocardiography technicians perform EKGs in hospitals, clinics, and physician's offices. Medical coders review information in a patient's medical chart and assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure. These codes are then used for medical information purposes and to determine the amount the hospital or physician will be reimbursed for the services provided to the patients. Medical unit secretaries coordinate the clerical and communication functions of a patient-care unit in hospitals and health care facilities. Patient care technicians work in health care facilities under the direct supervision of a licensed health care professional and are trained to perform clinical skills such as blood collection, EKGs, recording vital signs and patient treatments, and other tasks related to patient care. Phlebotomists collect blood samples for a range of medical tests.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

HCA, PHLEBOTOMY CURRICULUM

The standard curriculum for the HCA, Phlebotomy option is designed for the quarter system. Students may enter the HCA, Phlebotomy option during Fall and Spring quarters, Vidalia campus, and Winter and Summer quarters, Glennville campus. The Phlebotomy option generally takes 4 quarters to complete. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 44 credit hours.

CURRICULUM OUTLINECREDITS
GENERAL CORE COURSES15
ENG 101* English (OL)5
-OR-
ENG 191*Composition and Rhetoric (OL)5
MAT 101* General Mathematics (OL)5
-OR-
MAT 191*College Algebra (OL)5
PSY 101*Psychology (OL)5
-OR-
PSY 191*Introductory Psychology (OL)5
OCCUPATIONAL COURSES 26
AHS 101*Anatomy and Physiology(OL)5
AHS 104*Introduction to Healthcare3
AHS 109*Medical Terminology (OL)3
PHL 103* Introduction to Venipuncture** 4
PHL 105* Clinical Practice 8
XXX xxx* Electives 3
FUNDAMENTAL OCCUPATIONAL COURSES3
SCT 100*Introduction to Microcomputers (OL)3

* "C" or higher is required for designated courses.

(OL) designation indicates course is available online in selected quarters.

**Students with one quarter or greater lapse after completion of PHL 103 must re-take PHL 103 prior to enrolling in PHL 105.

PROGRAM COSTS

(Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)

Tuition/Fees: $2,592

Books/Supplies: $900

Uniform Costs: $75

Liability Insurance: $12 per year

Physical Exam: $150

Criminal Background Check: $50

#4402 Forensic Drug Panel (7) or similar screening: $25

TB Test: $40

Hepatitis B Series: $100

CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete a total of 240 clinical hours within PHL 105. Students must obtain 50 venipunctures and 5 fingersticks from their approved clinical site. Students will be responsible for securing the clinical sites with assistance from the instructor. Prior to beginning practicum courses, students must submit a medical exam stating that the student is in good health. This must include documentation of TB skin testing, and all required immunizations, including Hepatitis B. Students who refuse Hepatitis B vaccination must sign a declination form and be aware that clinical sites may refuse to accept them. Forms will be provided by the instructor.