AustinCommunity College

Phlebotomy Technician Program
PLAB 1166/1066 Phlebotomy Clinical Practicum
Course Syllabus
Summer 2016

Course Web Site:

Course Outline and Schedule:Students are assigned clinical activities by program faculty. Schedules will vary as to site location and hours and will be made available to the student.

Course Number and Name / Section / Synonym
PLAB 1166 Practicum / 001 / 03964
PLAB 1166 Practicum / 002 / 03965
PLAB 1166 Practicum- Traditional / 003 / 04842
PLAB 1166 Practicum / 004 / 03966
PLAB 1166 Practicum / 005 / 05718
PLAB 1166 Practicum- Traditional / 007 / 04843
Faculty Information
Instructor / Carolyn Ragland, MSHP, MT(ASCP)
Campus/Office / Eastview - 9316
Office Hours /
Phone / Office 512- 223-5931, Cell 512-484-4018
Email /
Instructor / Lois Wagoner, BS, MT (ASCP)
Campus/Office / Cypress - 1136
Office Hours /
Phone / Cell (512) 627-5550
Email /
Instructor / Debbi Burns MLT (ASCP)
Campus/Office / RRC/ 3117.08
Office Hours /
Phone / Cell (512) 632-8352 Office 512-223-0244
Email /
Instructor / Claudia Gonzalez
Campus/Office / RRC/3117.14
Office Hours / Please go to
Phone / 512-223-0250
Email /
Instructor / Kathy Park
Campus/Office / RRC/3117.15
Office Hours / Please go to
Phone / 512-223-0251
Email /
Instructor / Cynthia Melendez
Campus/Office / Adjunct
Office Hours / By appointment only
Phone / 512-785-5228
Email /
Instructor / Dustin Brewster
Campus/Office / Adjunct
Office Hours / By appointment only
Phone / TBA
Email /
Instructor / Yvette Ysa-Ramirez
Campus/Office / Adjunct
Office Hours / By appointment only
Phone / TBA
Email / TBA
EMERGENCY ONLY if primary instructors cannot be reached
Keri Brophy-Martinez, Dept. Chair / Office (512) 223-5877
Cell (512) 536-0032 /
COURSE INFORMATION
Length of Course / 11 Weeks- Tech Prep / 6 weeks- Traditional
Dates / June 1- August 14, 2016 / July 7- August 14, 2016

COURSE RATIONALE

An intermediate or advanced type of health professions work-based instruction that helps students gain practical experience in the discipline, enhances skills, and integrates knowledge. The emphasis is on practical work experience for which the student has already acquired the necessary theoretical knowledge and basic skills. The clinical rotation experience is a privilege. Training students slows the work process during the initial time frame that a student is on-site. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional, generally a clinical preceptor. Students will be held to the highest level of work ethics including attendance, reviewing notes, and interacting appropriately with both patients and clinical staff with an eagerness and willingness to apply their knowledge to the tasks at hand. The ultimate goal of the rotation is that the student is able to accurately and competently perform basic phlebotomy with minimum supervision. The practicum is an unpaid learning experience.

There are very few ways to adequately express our appreciation for the efforts of the clinical faculty, but

upon completion of the rotation students are encouraged to do something to express their appreciation for

the training they have received. The clinical faculty do not receive compensation for training a student, but

a genuine ‘thank-you’ from a student would be valued and appreciated. On the last day of the rotation, a

thank you card, home-baked or store-bought treat, or flowers would be an extra treat, but a heart-felt

thank you is at least deserved and encouraged.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The student will demonstrate skill development in the performance of a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and standard precautions which includes: vacuum collection devices, butterfly needles, capillary skin puncture,syringes and blood culture, and specimen collection on adults, children and infants. Emphasis is placed on infection control and prevention, proper patient identification, labeling of specimens, quality assurance, specimen handling, processing and accessioning.

The course is designed to allow students to develop the skills, knowledge, and attitude required to function in a professional manner in the health care setting. Laboratory information services, client services and quality assurance may be covered. Students must perform a minimum of 100 successful venipunctures and 8 successful skin punctures. Students will be scheduled for a minimum of 112 hours up to a maximum of 120 hours of clinical, Monday through Friday during the day shift. Students who successfully complete PLAB 1323/1023 and PLAB 1166/1066 will be awarded a certificate of completion and be eligible to take a national certification exam.

PREREQUISITES

  • Successful completion of PLAB 1323 with a grade of “C” or better.
  • Successful completion of PLAB 1023 with a grade of “C” or better, taught by ACC MLT faculty.
  • Successful completion of High School HST course with a grade of 80% or better.
  • Submission of all pre-clinical paperwork, ACC Health Data/Physical Exam form, documentation of negative TBtest on ACC Initial Program TB Test Form, and flu shot (if required).
  • Compliance with ACC’s Urine Drug Screening Policy.
  • Compliance with ACC’s Criminal Background Policy.
  • Compliance with ACC’s Health Insurance Policy.

COURSE GOALS

  • Performs phlebotomy procedures and tasks in an accurate, timely and professional manner.
  • Demonstrates communication skills necessary for working in the health care setting.
  • Demonstrates safe and skillful use of phlebotomy equipment.
  • Demonstrates basic understanding of quality assurance.
  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills and ability to solve problems.
  • Emphasizes professionalism, including initiative, positive interpersonal skills, teamwork,respect and caring.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Psychomotor and Cognitive Objectives

  1. With 100% accuracy, properly identify patients prior to performing any procedure.
  2. Properly identify him/herself to the patient as an ACC student and by stating his/her first name.
  3. Properly inform the patient of any procedures and get verbal consent to proceed.
  4. Select the appropriate equipment needed to perform a venipuncture including needle, syringe or vacuum collection system, blood tubes, alcohol wipe, sterile gauze, tourniquet and band aid.
  5. Select the appropriate blood collection tubes considering the tests requested, minimum sample requirements and the needs of the patient.
  6. Identify and select a suitable venipuncture or capillary site.
  7. Properly prepare a venipuncture or capillary site.
  8. Apply a tourniquet correctly.
  9. Perform a venipuncture correctly using appropriate technique and order of draw, observing the recommended safety precautions.
  10. Perform the necessary follow-up care on patients following a venipuncture or capillary procedure.
  11. Identify appropriate sites for capillary puncture in infants, children and adults.
  12. Perform a capillary puncture using acceptable technique and order of collection, observing appropriate safety precautions.
  13. Collect a suitable blood specimen following capillary puncture.
  14. Observe appropriate precautions and procedures when collecting specimens under isolation conditions.
  15. When appropriate, notify appropriate clinical personnel and ACC professorof specimen collection irregularities or potential problems.
  16. Observe appropriate specimen perseveration and handling procedures.
  17. Identify situations where special precautions may be necessary including Nursery, Pediatrics, ICU/CCU, Emergency Room, surgery and other special areas of the hospital and take action as necessary.
  18. Label all specimens correctly with the necessary informationin the presence of the patient.
  19. Properly dispose of all used equipment.
  20. Collects 80% of assigned patients using acceptable technique and following appropriate safety procedures.

Affective Objectives

  1. The Student performs assigned tasks with interest and enthusiasm.
  2. The student demonstrates dependability by always being on time or early, and by notifying professor and clinical supervisor of tardiness and/or absences.
  3. The student maintains a rigid attendance policy in which there are only excused absences or tardiness.
  4. The student maintains a clean and orderly work area.
  5. The student accepts constructive criticism as a learning process.
  6. The student demonstrates inquisitiveness by asking necessary questions concerning practical performance or theoretical application of laboratory procedures.
  7. The student acquires competence and independence in the correct performance of laboratory procedures.
  8. The student understands what s/he is to do when given oral or written directions.
  9. The student demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills by interacting with patients, peers, and other healthcare workers in a highly ethical and professional manner as to not offend or cause problems by inappropriate comments.
  10. The student will maintain confidentiality of patient information by not sharing patient names or results of procedures with any individual who does not have an absolute need to know.
  11. The student performs work at pace of peer groups with minimum procedural errors.
  12. Students follow all safety policies and adhere to the department’s Exposure Control Plan (EPC) and Chemical Hygiene Plan. (CHP).

Upon completion of the Certificate in Phlebotomy, the student will:

  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 and anatomic terminology in order to relate major areas of the clinical laboratory to general pathologic conditions associated with the body systems.
  4. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of specimen collection and specimen integrity in the delivery of patient care.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of collection equipment, various types of additives used, special precautions necessary and substances that can interfere in clinical analysis of blood constituents.
  6. Follow standard operating procedures to collect specimens.
  7. Demonstrate understanding of requisitioning, specimen transport and specimen process.
  8. Demonstrate understanding of quality assurance and quality control in phlebotomy.
  9. Communicate (verbally and nonverbally) effectively and appropriately in the workplace.

Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, the student will be able to:

  1. Collect and process biological specimens for analysis.
  2. Perform analytical tests on body fluids, cells, and products.
  3. Recognize factors that affect procedures and results, and take appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated.
  4. Monitor quality control within predetermined limits.
  5. Perform preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or refer to appropriate source for repairs.
  6. Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public.
  7. Recognize the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interact with them with respect for their jobs and patient care.
  8. Apply basic scientific principles in learning new techniques and procedures.
  9. Relate laboratory findings to common disease processes.

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 now requires degree plans in institutions of higher education incorporate these competencies and identify to the student how these competencies are achieved in course objectives. Examples of SCANS competencies being incorporated into this course are as follows:

COMPETENCY / EXAMPLE
Resources / Following Standard Precautions, performs vein and capillary puncture procedures using only appropriate and necessary supplies within a predetermined reasonable amount of time.
Interpersonal / Demonstrates an understanding of the profession of Phlebotomy through ethical behavior when dealing with patients and other members of the health care team, including maintaining a professional appearance to relieve patient anxiety and maintaining patient confidentiality.
Information / Record quality control results for basic CLIA waived laboratory tests performed and point out unexpected results to a supervisor.
Systems / Use problem-solving skills to troubleshoot basic equipment or procedures that do not fall within standards, take corrective actions or inform an appropriate supervisor.
Technology / Perform vein and capillary puncture procedures using a variety of methods and equipment including Vacuum collection system, microcollection devices, Winged Infusion Set, and Syringe and needle.
Basic Skills / Locates, understands, and interprets written information in laboratory procedures to perform tasks. Receives, attends to, interprets and responds to both verbal and written messages and other cues such as body language from patients and other health care staff. Speaks clearly and communicates a message, understands and responds to listener feedback and asks questions when needed.
Thinking Skills / Recognizes and adapts new knowledge and skills in both familiar and changing situations. Assess each patients unique attributes in order to select the best and most appropriate collection equipment and method. Participates in continuing education in order to maintain and expand knowledge and skills.
Personal Qualities / Demonstrates knowledge of phlebotomy skills and abilities. Pays attention to details, displays high standards of ethical behavior, attendance, punctuality, enthusiasm, and optimism when dealing with patients. Always maintains patient confidentiality.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

  1. Scrubs – must adhere to College policy.
  2. ACC Student Identification Badge
  3. Pen and/or sharpie
  4. One (1) inch binder with dividers
  5. Small (pocket size) note pad for taking notes during clinical.
  6. Clinical paperwork: Weekly Evaluations, TrainingLog Sheets, Check Off Forms,Orientation to Clinical Site Form, Competency Assessment Form and Final Clinical Evaluation
  7. Exposure procedure
  8. Textbook, lecture guide and laboratory notebooks from PLAB 1323/1023 class.

MATERIALS RECOMMENDED

  1. BOC Study Guide- Phlebotomy, 1stedition, ASCP, Susan Phelan, ISBN 9780891896128. You may order online at: The approximate cost for non-members is $65.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

  1. Discussion of policies and procedures.
  2. Observation of clinical staff
  3. Performance of procedures under supervision of clinical staff
  4. Completion of BlackBoard postings
  5. Medtraining Module tutorials and exams
  6. Verbal and written feedback and constructive criticism of technique and progress

ACC EMAIL

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACC email account when communicating with instructors and staff. Instructions for activating an ACC email account can be found at

COURSE POLICIES

  1. You must have reviewed the Phlebotomy Student Handbook. This may be done online or you may print out the entire document. You must sign and turn in all forms found at the end of the document if this has not been done so already.
  1. Pre-Clinical Requirements
  1. All pre-clinical assignments required by ACC, St. David’s, and Austin Regional Clinic must be completed and appropriate documentation submitted. Students who do not complete all pre-clinical assignments will not be allowed to attend clinical. The Austin Regional Clinic documents can be accessed from the Pre-Clinical Assignments section of PLAB 1323. All other modules and tests may alsobe accessed at:

In addition to the above modules, a small number of clinical affiliates have additional modules that must be completed prior to attending clinical at their facility. If a student is assigned a clinical rotation at one of these affiliates, the instructor will inform the student of the additional modules and provide information for completion of the additional modules.

  1. The ACC Health Data / Physical Exam form, completed by your healthcare provider, must be uploaded into CastleBranch (CertifiedProfile) by the stated deadline. The demographic information is to be completed by the student. Failure to submit the completed form will prevent the studentfrom attending clinical. The Health Data / Physical Exam Formis located at:
  2. Documentation of a two step Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or a TB Blood Test performed

within 90 days of the start of the program is required. If the two step Tuberculosis Skin Test is positive, a TB Blood test must be performed. If the TB Blood test is positive, physician documentation by chest x-ray within the last 2 years must be submitted, along with the TB questionnaire.The Initial Program Tuberculosis (TB) Test form is located at:

  1. Phlebotomy students must carry liability insurance which will be automatically purchased as part of the payment of the registration fees.
  2. Phlebotomy students must submit for a criminal background check and have a “clear” status.
  3. Phlebotomy students must be in compliance with ACC’s Urine Drug Screening Policy.
  4. All Health Sciences students are required to carry some type of personal health insurance. Phlebotomy students must show proof of Health Insurance Coverage as required by ACC Health Sciences.
  1. Dress Code – key word “conservative”

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. Clothing: Properly fitting, clean scrubs must be worn during all clinical activities. Students must avoid wearing overly revealing scrubs. All students assigned to hospital locations must abide by College policy by wearing teal colored scrubs.

b. Shoes: Shoes must be closed-toed and soft-soled, non-marking. Leather-type tennis or similar

shoes are strongly recommended. Shoes with canvas or porous mesh material, clogs, crocs or

other types of shoes with no back or holes in the top are not allowed.

c. Hair: Hair must be clean, neat and of a normal hair color. If the hair’s length is at or below the

shoulder, or has a tendency to hang in the face, it must be drawn back; such as in a clip or band.

d. Head coverings: Nothing shall be worn on the head (baseball caps, scarves, hats, etc.) unless it is of a required religious nature. If the head covering falls below the shoulders it must be tucked

securely inside the scrub top or lab coat to prevent contamination by blood and/or body fluids.

e. Beards: Male students must either shave regularly or if they choose to wear a mustache and/or beard, must keep them clean and well groomed.