COURSE MATERIALS REQUIRED

1. Phlebotomy Course Objectives, Lecture Unit Notes, Laboratory Exercises, Course Schedule and Assignments are available online at the course website: http://sites.austincc.edu/health/plab/courses/phlebotomy/. These are also available in the Phlebotomy Lecture and Lab packets that will be given to you by your instructor. In some cases, resources may be made available via Blackboard.

1. Scrubs (two sets)- appropriately fitting and professional in appearance. Teal scrubs are required for the laboratory component of the PLAB 1323/1023 course and the clinical practicum component of the program (PLAB 1166/1066).
2. Shoes. Leather-type tennis or similar shoes.  Shoes must be closed-toed and soft-soled, non-marking.
3. Gloves- must fit properly. Nitrile is strongly recommended. Latex gloves are discouraged due to the frequency of latex allergy.  VINYL gloves are NOT permitted.
4. Face covering or mask, if applicable.
5. Three (3”) inch or larger 3-ring binder with dividers.

Suggested organization of notebook:

1. 1. 1. Schedule and Assignments
      2. Syllabus
      3. Originals of documents uploaded to Castle Branch
      4. Laboratory Exercises
      5. Graded Lab Papers
      6. Graded Study Questions
2. Sharpie permanent marker, Ultra fine point, black or blue
3. Black or blue ink pen
4. Austin Community College Student Photo ID- MUST be worn daily.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS

1. Time Commitment

According to “Hints on How to Succeed in College Classes”

http://tinyurl.com/n83tktx you should budget your time per week for this three-hour credit course as follows:

1. Reading assigned text 2 to 4 hours
2. Homework assignments 2 to 3 hours
3. Time for review and test preparation 2 hours
4. Total study time 6 to 9 hours PER WEEK

1. Instructor Recommendations

1. Review the course objectives and unit notes for each lecture and lab.
2. Review the materials and take notes as appropriate.
3. Write down questions that you have as you review the material.
4. Look the questions up in the lecture or lab guide.
5. If you are still confused on a concept or principle, write it down, then speak to your instructor after class, during office hours, or email them with your question(s).

       3.   Attendance Policy

The Attendance Policy is designed to set a pattern of professional behavior which mirrors the attendance expectations in the clinical environment. Excellent attendance and punctuality are key behaviors which demonstrate responsibility and commitment as the student progresses towards completion of course goals and objectives.
Regular and punctual attendance is required at all lecture and lab sessions. Class roll will be taken during each class period. Tardiness to class is strongly discouraged. Important announcements may be made at the beginning of class which may not be repeated.

If you must be absent or tardy, you must notify your instructor by phone call, text, or phone message, or by email in a timely fashion at least 30 minutes prior to class start time. Each student is responsible for making up all class assignments, lab exercises, etc. when absent from class.

Once a student has incurred two (2) absences, for whatever reason, the Corrective Action/Disciplinary Measures Policy will be initiated as follows.

a. Two absences- Verbal conference with instructor that will define what policy is

 not being met, as well as set up an action plan with a follow-up conference date.

b. Three absences- Conference report with instructor stating what actions will

be necessary to avoid probation.

c. Four absences- Probation.

d. Five absences- Withdrawal. Terms of probation were not met. If this occurs past

 the time for withdrawal, the student will receive an “F” for the course.

 Withdrawal is based on absences equal to or greater than 25% of the material. The attendance policy is subject to review and modification by department officials.

Leaving greater than 15 minutes before the end of class will incur the equivalence of a tardy. If a student leaves class early three days this will equal an absence. This rule applies to both class and clinical, unless class or student in clinical is dismissed by the instructor or clinical mentor.

Inclement Weather/Campus Closures

For the most efficient and accurate information, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in ACC’s test message alerts at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency-information/acc-emergency-alert

Under the direction of the College President’s office, classes at Austin Community College may be canceled and the College closed due to inclement weather or other situations. Notification of class cancellation, College closing/reopening is made through local radio and television stations, through ACC text message alerts, and posted on the College’s home page at http://www.austincc.edu

In compliance with the Texas Education Code, make-up classes may be scheduled to satisfy contact hour requirements. In such cases, students will be notified through their instructors who will receive instructions from their Department Chair.

1. Dress Code-

See Dress Code Polices in Phlebotomy Student Handbook.

1. Turn cell phones off or set them to mute. It is very disruptive to the learning environment to have these devices go off during class. Use of computers during class shall be restricted to note taking, e-text book access, and classroom activities. If the student chooses to use cell phone or tablet applications during the laboratory component of the course, these items must have a protective cover that can be disinfected at the conclusion of the activity.

The policies concerning Social Media and Portable Electronic Devices as stated in the Phlebotomy Technician Student Handbook will be followed and enforced in the classroom and laboratory.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICUM – PLAB 1166/1066

1. Immunizations. Health Sciences students must comply with both Texas law and clinical facility requirements related to immunization and testing. Immunizations are required for all students. Please refer to form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17wIxa25hZfBGCeCr2I1kEMd1oRWmdIb4/view
2. Phlebotomy Student Handbook. Students are required to review the Phlebotomy Student Handbook and provide their course instructor the completed signature page by the first day of class. The handbook can be found at: http://sites.austincc.edu/health/student/handbooks/#plab
   1. Failure to turn in Phlebotomy Student Handbook signature page by the stated due date will result in the initiation of the Corrective Actions/Disciplinary Measures Policy.
3. Drug Screening. All Phlebotomy students must comply with the ACC Health Science Department Drug Screening Policy. Drug screens are required for all students.
4. Criminal Background Check. Only students with a clear criminal background check as defined by the ACC Health Science Department will be allowed to continue to the clinical practicum course. Criminal background checks are required for all students.
5. Health Insurance. As stated in the Phlebotomy Handbook, all Health Sciences students are required to carry personal health insurance. Health Insurance Coverage must be Major Medical Insurance and include emergency care. It usually includes primary and specialty care, urgent care including emergency room, hospital inpatient services, as well as ambulatory/outpatient services.

1. Copy the front and back of your insurance card to upload to Castle Branch.
2. If your card does not have your name listed, you will need a letter from your insurance

company stating that you are a covered dependent. This letter will also need to be uploaded to CastleBranch.

1. Your insurance must be in effect for the entire period that you are attending clinical practicum.
2. Students that are unable to provide proof of health insurance will not be able to attend

the practicum. If the student is unable to attend the practicum, the course objectives will

not be met. This may result in the student being withdrawn from the program.

 Health Insurance information can be found at the following webpage: 

http://sites.austincc.edu/health/student/resources/#health-insurance

Proof of Health Insurance must be uploaded to CastleBranch by the deadline posted in the announcements page in Blackboard. Failure to upload documents by the stated due date will result in the initiation of the Corrective Action/Disciplinary Measures Policy at the conference level. This syllabus serves as the verbal warning.

1. Flu Shots
   1. 1. Fall & Spring semesters only
      2. The ACC Flu Vaccine Form and information regarding flu shot clinics can be found at

 https://sites.austincc.edu/health/flu-shot/

The Flu Vaccine Form must be uploaded into CastleBranch by the deadline posted in the announcements page in Blackboard. Failure to upload documents by the stated due date will result in the initiation of the Corrective Action/Disciplinary Measures Policy at the conference level. This syllabus serves as the verbal warning.

7.  Completion of the ACC Health Data / Physical Exam form

1. Print the Health Data/Physical Form for Phlebotomy at the following webpage:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E6oE0aHuT9oK3YMNJJjOOBmWTTSPOxg1/view

 Program of application and Applicant information – to be filled out by the student. Health Data/Physical forms are required for all students.

1. The results of the physical examination must be performed by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.  Physical exams performed more than 12 months before the start of the program will not be accepted. Form must be appropriately signed, dated, and if available, a facility stamp included.

This form must be uploaded into CastleBranch by the deadline posted in the announcements page in Blackboard. Failure to upload documents by the stated due date will result in the initiation of the Corrective Action/Disciplinary Measures Policy at the conference level. This syllabus serves as the verbal warning.

1. Completion of the Annual Program Tuberculosis (TB) Test Form

1. Print the Annual Program Tuberculosis Test form found at:

http://sites.austincc.edu/health/student/resources/#tb-testing

1. Test results occurring more than 90 days before the start of the Phlebotomy Program are NOT acceptable.
2. Program of application and Applicant information – to be completed by the student.

TB testing requirements (please read carefully):  a TB blood test (Quantiferon or TSPOT) is required. If the TB blood test is positive, physician documentation and a chest x-ray must be submitted, as well as the TB questionnaire. For more information, please refer to the TB Test Instructions:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16ei_9lM9N8QwEiuLEHoV2x_FMvIlu4gw/view

1. The results of the TB testing must be reviewed by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.  Form must be appropriately signed, dated, and if available, a facility stamp included.

This form must be uploaded into CastleBranch by the deadline posted in the announcements page in Blackboard. Failure to upload documents by the stated due date will result in the initiation of the Corrective Actions/Disciplinary Measures Policy at the conference level. This syllabus serves as the verbal warning.

1. Pre-Clinical Assignments –

1. Prior to attending the clinical component of this course, each student must complete all required Pre-Clinical training modules. Most of the required modules can be accessed from the Clinical Modules section of the ACC Health Science Student Resources Page: 

        http://sites.austincc.edu/health/student/resources/#clinical-modules

A few modules can only be accessed from the PLAB 1166/1066 Requirements section of Blackboard. Additional instructions can be found on the PLAB 1166/1066 Requirements section of Blackboard.

     All phlebotomy students must complete the following modules:

• • • St. David’s Health Care Partnership – College Student Orientation Manual; Mandatory Education Module (Online Exam); Statement of Responsibility; Confidentiality and Security Agreement; and the Commitment to Values Statement. NOTE: Phlebotomy students are NOT required to complete the Meditech Access Request page, but must complete the Confidentiality & Security Agreement.
• ACC – HIPAA Student/Employee Training Module
• Austin Regional Clinic – ARC/Covenant Code of Conduct Manual, Code of Conduct Acknowledgement, ARC Required Trainings Acknowledgement Form, ARC Compliance Training, ARC OSHA Training, ARC HIPAA Training, ARC ADA Training, and Confidentiality and Compliance Acknowledgment. Links to these modules and forms can be found under the Pre-Clinical tab in Blackboard.

NOTE – you must have access to a printer WHEN working on these assignments as

 you will need to print documentation pages or confirmation emails.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete the Modules, print, sign, and date the appropriate documentation and upload it into CastleBranch by the deadline posted in the announcements page in Blackboard. The student must also verify that all documents submitted to CastleBranch have been accepted. If an uploaded document is rejected by CastleBranch, it is the student’s responsibility to make any corrections and/or provide additional documentation to CastleBranch as necessary.

Failure to upload documents and/or verify that documents have been accepted by Castle Branch by the stated due date will result in the initiation of the Corrective Actions/Disciplinary Measures Policy at the conference level. This syllabus serves as the verbal warning.

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 information for the completion of these additional modules will be provided. Students may be contacted via email by the clinical site. Students are to complete and submit these modules promptly prior to the deadline as instructed.

1. COVID Documentation-
   1. The College does not require vaccination against COVID-19 for admission to the College or to the College’s health science programs but some of the organizations with which the College has affiliation agreements do require vaccination against COVID-19 for all students participating in a clinical rotation at their facility. Students may be required to either upload a copy of the completed COVID vaccine card or submit an exemption.  Details will be provided during student orientation and in class, as necessary.

ADDITIONAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1.   Technology and basic computer skills requirements: Students must have access to a computer with internet connection and have the ability to upload documents. Students may use their home computers OR may use any public computer, including those in the Learning Labs, high schools, and libraries at all ACC campuses. Students must have basic keyboard and computer skills to successfully complete the phlebotomy courses. Example activities:

1. Blackboard and accessing course materials: Blackboard, an online course delivery system, will be used for important announcements, email communication, discussion board postings, homework submission, taking exams and quizzes, and for enhanced course activities. Students who are not familiar with the features of Blackboard should review links at the Blackboard ACC Student Support page before the first day of class:  https://instruction.austincc.edu/students/kb/blackboard/
2. To verify a working email account, students are required to email their course instructor through their ACCmail account during the first week of class.  Students are to email their instructor their name as they wish it to appear on their phlebotomy certificate, their personal email address, and their cell phone number. 
3. Other assignments: Following each class period, it will be the responsibility of the student to check for daily assignments. These assignments can be accessed through the course webpage: 
   1. 1. 1. http://sites.austincc.edu/health/plab/courses/phlebotomy/
         2. On the course website, click on the down arrow to the right of the Schedule, and then click on the specific day to find the Lecture topics, Laboratory information, and the Assignments for each class day.

STUDENT EVALUATION

1. LECTURE- 65% of course grade

1. 1. MTS Training Modules – 5% of Lecture Grade

The student must complete MTS Training Modules (access them from the Med Training button in Blackboard or at http://www.medtraining.org). The modules can be repeatedly taken until the deadline and the student is encouraged to repeat the modules until a score of 80% or better is obtained. Your username and password will be your ACCeID without the first letter. Example:  ACCeID x123456 would be “123456”.

Late assignments will not be accepted. Students can work on MTS assignments in advance of when they are assigned. MTS Training Modules completed after the due date will be recorded in the Blackboard Grade Center as zeros. Students are encouraged to complete the modules even if the due date has passed. Problems accessing the Med Training assignments should be brought to the course instructor’s attention as soon as possible.

1. 1. Discussion Board Assignments – 5% of Lecture Grade

Points will be awarded for completion of assignments listed in the discussion forum of Blackboard. Postings submitted after the due date will be reviewed by the faculty, but the grade awarded will be zero.

1. 1. Quizzes/Admission Tickets – 5% of Lecture grade

The scores from the Admission Tickets, in class Quizzes, Respondus Lockdown Quiz, and Exam Review Quizzes are averaged together and counted towards the lecture grade.

1. 1. Admission Tickets will be given over lecture material to ensure that students are coming to class prepared. Admission tickets MUST be submitted to Blackboard by 8:30 on the specific class day the content is covered. Students only have one (1) attempt to complete the admission ticket. The questions will address the objectives, reading material, and lecture guide. If the student does not submit the admission ticket prior to the deadline, a zero will be recorded.

1. 1. Quizzes will be given on a regular basis at the start of class. If you are late or absent, you will not be allowed to take the quiz and a zero “0” will be recorded.

1. 1. Respondus Lockdown Browser Quiz may be given through Blackboard to ensure the student has assessed and verified that the computer used for testing is working correctly in the Lockdown Browser environment if necessary.

1. 1. Exam Review Quizzes will be given over lecture material and the accompanying laboratory exercises which will be covered on each major exam. There is an Exam Review Quiz for each of the four (4) major exams. The corresponding review quiz must be completed with a score of 80% or better before you are allowed access to the Exam.  The quizzes are located in the Exam and Quizzes folder in Blackboard. The quizzes can be taken repeatedly, and students must score 80% on the review quiz before having access to the major exam.

1. 1. Exams – 40% of Lecture grade

Four (4) course examinations will cover lecture material and related lab material to comprehensively assess the student’s knowledge of concepts, principles, techniques, and procedures. The exams may be given on campus, proctored by an instructor, or given through Respondus Lockdown Browser. Please be advised that some ACC computer labs do not have Respondus Lockdown Browser available. The instructor and course schedule will provide you with the date, time, and location.

1. Comprehensive Lecture Final – 45% of Lecture Grade

A comprehensive final exam covering all lecture materials will be given. The exam may be given on campus, proctored by an instructor, or given through Respondus Lockdown Browser.  The instructor and course schedule will provide you with the date, time, and location.

Blackboard Online System

A considerable portion of this course will be conducted via the computer online Blackboard Learning  System. Announcements, email communication, and course examination activities will be conducted  through the Blackboard platform. Students may use their home computers OR may access all  materials, at any public computer, including those in the Learning Labs and libraries at all ACC campuses. 

BLACKBOARD EXAMINATION POLICY - Students are expected to exhibit the highest level of ethical and honest behavior.

1. Course examinations will be timed and may be taken in Blackboard Respondus LockDown Browser/Monitor or proctored by ACC faculty. Students who have provided their instructor with an SAS form, requesting accommodation(s) should meet with the instructor the first week of class.
2. Unless otherwise stated, NO unauthorized study materials are to be used during the examination. This includes, but is not limited to, internet resources, notes, lab materials, dictionaries, translators, or textbooks. In addition, cell phones must be set to “silent” or turned off during exams. The Program’s Corrective Actions/Disciplinary Measures policy will be implemented at the Probation level if a student is found using unauthorized materials.
3. Students are expected to take each test at its assigned time and within the posted time limit.
   1. If a student fails to take or complete a regular lecture exam, the grade of the comprehensive final exam will be averaged in the place of the first missed exam grade unless there is an extenuating circumstance, such as severe illness/injury, death of an immediate family member, participation in legal proceedings or military duties. Under these circumstances, the student can use the grade of the comprehensive final exam to replace the missed exam OR the student can take the missed exam within 48 hours from the initial scheduled date of the missed exam.  This option can only be used once during a semester. Note:  documentation of extenuating circumstances is required.
   2. A missed exam cannot be taken for “practice”. The Corrective Actions/Progressive Discipline process will also be initiated at the student conference level. If any additional exams are missed, grades of “0” will be recorded and a probation form administered.
   3. If the final exam is missed, a grade of “0” will be recorded unless there is an extenuating circumstance, such as severe illness/injury, death of an immediate family member, participation in legal proceedings or military duties. Additionally, students who miss the final exam due to extenuating circumstances must provide documentation and arrange time with the instructor to reschedule the missed final exam. A rescheduled final exam must be completed prior to the end of the semester. Note:  documentation of extenuating circumstances is required.  
   4. Exams taken off campus, will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM on the posted exam day. The exams will be marked in Blackboard as “force-completion” exams. For example, if the exam is scheduled from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, the exam will close promptly at 7:00 pm. Give yourself plenty of time to begin the test and complete it. If you begin at 6:55 pm, the exam will automatically close at 7:00 pm. You will not be able to return back to the exam. If you have any questions, please review with the instructor.
   5. Students who fail to take or complete the lab final exam, will be given a Version B lab final exam. Students will automatically be assessed a 20% deduction from the final score.
   6. Failing to complete an exam includes Internet access problems or personal computer problems. The Progressive Discipline process will also be initiated at the Student Conference level. If any additional exams are missed, grades of “0” will be recorded and a Probation form will be administered.

1. Penalties for exceeding examination time limit.
   1. Each examination must be completed in one sitting; once opened, the exam must be completed within the allowed time limit.
   2. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor the examination’s time. Students should set an external timer to assist in monitoring the time left.
   3. Students arriving late to a scheduled on-campus exam will not receive additional time.
   4. Extension of time on exams: Only students providing a current signed Student Accessibility Services (SAS) letter / form requesting an accommodation for extension of time for examinations will be permitted additional time for examinations. SAS letters/forms must be provided to the course instructor at the beginning of the semester, at which time, the instructor will consult with the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office to make the needed arrangements. For more information, see STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES section.

1. Students are strongly advised NOT to use iPads, tablets, or cell phones to take course examinations. These devices may not be able to properly display the questions, graphics, or photographs in the exam, as Blackboard may not be fully functional on these devices. Additionally, these devices may not be compatible with the Respondus Lockdown Browser, which is required for all major exams and finals.
2. Note: Students are forbidden from electronic copying or printing of any course examination or quiz. Electronic copying or printing of exams and/or quizzes will be considered an act of cheating and student will be subject to penalties outlined in the Scholastic Dishonesty policy.
3. Instructors will perform a limited review of exams, with the class, once they close. Students may review their exam, within a week of the exam closing, with the instructor during office hours or by appointment. Students scoring 70% or less on course exams will be required to meet with the instructor.
4.  Respondus LockDown Browser
   This course may require the use of LockDown Browser for online exams. Additional information concerning the use of LockDown Browser for this course will be provided in Blackboard. Software for Respondus LockDown browser can be found by using the following link: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=999134577. 

LABORATORY- 35% of course grade

1. 1. Laboratory Exercises and Study Questions – 70% of Laboratory Grade

Points are awarded for the successful completion of laboratory exercises as related to the specific objectives for each exercise. Unless otherwise announced by the instructor, laboratory exercises are due the day the exercise is completed. No late lab exercises will be accepted. Lab exercises submitted after the due date will be reviewed by the faculty, but the grade awarded will be “0”.

Points are awarded for proper response to study questions and written assignments required for each laboratory exercise. Unless otherwise announced by the instructor or noted on the schedule, study questions are due the Friday following the lab procedure by 11:55 pm. No late study questions will not be accepted.  Study questions submitted after the due date will be reviewed by the faculty, but the grade awarded will be “0”.

1. 1. Comprehensive Laboratory Final Exam – 30% of Laboratory Grade

 A comprehensive final exam covering all lab materials may be given on campus, proctored by the instructor or given through Respondus Lockdown Browser.  The instructor will provide you with the date, time, and location.

1. Competency Assessment, Skills Mastery, and Program Progression
   Competency assessment is used to determine that the student has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform a basic laboratory procedure accurately.  Each competency assessment has a written set of specific criteria which must be performed without error to demonstrate that competency has been achieved.  The student will be provided with the assessment criteria and will receive feedback from the instructor during the skills practice sessions. 
   
   Clinical competencies are pass/fail and must be completed successfully to pass the course. If the student has an unsuccessful competency assessment, an action plan will be developed which will include remediation. Remediation can include demonstration of skills by the instructor, discussion of specific errors the student made and how to correct them, and additional practice opportunities. A failed competency will result in initiation of the progressive discipline policy.  The student will be allowed a total of four competency assessment attempts per procedure. If a student is unable to demonstrate competency after the final attempt the student will be withdrawn from all PLAB courses.  If the student fails the competency assessment, and the withdrawal date has passed the student will be awarded a “D” as the grade of record on the transcript. If the student has earned less than a “D,” then the grade of record on the transcript will be an “F.”

The student must receive a “Pass” for the artificial arm competency prior to being allowed to begin performing live draws in the on-campus lab. The student must receive a “Pass” on both the live draw venipuncture and capillary puncture competencies to continue to the PLAB 1166/1066 course.

Every effort will be made to complete the competency assessment process during scheduled course hours. However, if necessary, the instructor will make arrangements to meet with any student(s) in order to allow the student(s) the opportunity to complete the competency assessment process.

The competency assessment process is as follows:

1. 1. First unsuccessful competency assessment-
      1. The student meets with the instructor for a documented verbal warning to review the procedure for performing the specific skill. During the conference, remediation and an action plan for improvement will be developed.  The student will provide input as to what they will do to be successful.  This will be documented on the appropriate Corrective Actions/Disciplinary Measures Policy form.
      2. The student will be allowed to repeat the competency assessment at a specified time on another day.
   2. Second unsuccessful competency assessment –
      1. The student meets with the instructor for a written conference to review the procedure for performing the specific skill. During the conference, remediation and an action plan for improvement will be developed.  The student will provide input as to what they will do to be successful.  This will be documented on the appropriate Corrective Actions/Disciplinary Measures Policy form.
      2. The student will be allowed to repeat the competency assessment at a specified time on another day.
   3. Third unsuccessful competency assessment -
      1. The student will be placed on “Probation” and will meet with the instructor for additional remediation and to review and modify the original action plan for improvement as needed. The student will provide input as to what they will do to be successful.  This will be documented on the appropriate Corrective Actions/Disciplinary Measures Policy form.
      2. The student will be allowed a final opportunity to repeat the competency assessment on another day.
      3. If the student is unsuccessful on the final attempt, the student will meet with the department chair for an exit interview and withdrawal will be initiated.

GRADING

1. The lecture grade is worth 65% of the course grade and is calculated as follows:
   1. 1. MTS Training Modules = 5%
      2. Discussion Board Assignments = 5%
      3. Quizzes/ Admission Tickets = 5%
      4. Examinations = 40%
      5. Comprehensive Lecture Final Exam = 45%

1. The laboratory grade is worth 35% of the course grade and is calculated as follows:
   1. 1. Laboratory Exercises and Study Questions = 70%
      2. Comprehensive Laboratory Final Exam = 30%

1. Grade Scale
   • A = 90-100%
   • B = 80-89%
   • C = 70-79%
   • D = 60-69%
   • F = 59% or below
   • Incomplete (I) - To receive an “I”, a student must have a passing average (70% or better) and have completed at least 80% of the course work. An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

Submission of Work and Late/Missed Work Policy

• Assignments, study questions, and laboratory exercises must be uploaded into the Dropbox found in the Blackboard course by the posted due date on the course webpage, unless otherwise directed by the instructor.
• NO assignments (study questions, lab exercises, etc.)  will be accepted by email.
• Any assignment/lab turned in after the due date will receive a zero. NO exceptions.
• Admission tickets will not be accepted past the posted due date/time.
• It may not be possible to make up a missed laboratory assignment due to specimen, reagent and/or instructor availability.  However, the study questions can be turned in for full credit, if turned in by the posted due date. It is the student’s responsibility to coordinate with the instructor regarding potential lab make-up time. Rescheduling must be done within 2 days of the absence. If rescheduling is not requested, a zero will be recorded on the lab report.

COURSE MATERIALS RECOMMENDED

1. Textbook: Garza, Diana; Becan-McBride, Kathleen, Phlebotomy Handbook,10th Edition, 2019, Pearson. ISBN -10: 0134709322/ISBN -13: 9780134709321. To view or order textbooks go to: http://www.austincc.edu/online-services/view-order-textbooks

COURSE MATERIALS REQUIRED

1. Phlebotomy Course Objectives, Lecture Unit Notes, Laboratory Exercises, Course Schedule and Assignments are available online at the course website: http://sites.austincc.edu/health/plab/courses/phlebotomy/. These are also available in the Phlebotomy Lecture and Lab packets that will be given to you by your instructor. In some cases, resources may be made available via Blackboard.

Course Websites:

 http://sites.austincc.edu/health/plab/courses/phlebotomy/

https://sites.austincc.edu/health/plab/courses/phlebotomy/#schedule

Course Outline and Schedule:  The schedule is tentative and subject to change. Do NOT print the schedule until instructed by the professor. Changes will be communicated by the professor in class and posted as an announcement in Blackboard.

Students will access and may print out course materials from the course web site. Assessment activities are provided as a means of assisting students in determining their level of competence in given areas as well as to assist in reviewing for examinations. Assignments will be posted to enhance the student’s learning experience. The dates, times, and locations for course exams will be listed on the course schedule page and provided by the instructor.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The profession of phlebotomy is taught through didactics, student laboratory, and clinical experiences. The course will focus on skill development in the performance of a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and standard precautions. Blood collection procedures performed includes vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles, blood culture, and specimen collection on adults. Collection of specimens from children and infants is discussed. Emphasis will be placed on infection prevention, patient identification, specimen labeling, quality assurance, specimen handling, processing, accessioning, professionalism, ethics, and medical terminology.

Students will learn the theory and principles of CLIA waived laboratory tests and perform the tests in the student laboratory. The CLIA waived testing performed will include POC hemoglobin and glucose testing, urinalysis dipsticks, fecal occult blood, and pregnancy testing.

COURSE GOALS / RATIONALE

This course serves to develop a working knowledge of the principles and procedures of phlebotomy, to produce accurate, skilled phlebotomists with strong ethical and professional values, and to encourage respect and understanding of all allied health professionals.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The course objectives for each lecture unit of instruction and laboratory exercise are found on the course website and in the Phlebotomy Lecture Guide for that unit or laboratory activity.

Upon successful completion of each unit of instruction and laboratory activity, the student will be able to meet each course or laboratory objective listed in the unit.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Identify components of the health care delivery system and the services each provides;
2. Identify each department within the laboratory, list tests, and corresponding pathologic conditions associated with each department;
3. Apply knowledge of infection control and safety in the workplace;
4. Demonstrate basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of body systems and anatomic terminology;
5. Utilize computers, information systems and other technology as related to job duties and responsibilities;
6. Demonstrate basic understanding of age specific or psycho‐social considerations involved in the performance of phlebotomy procedures on various age groups of patients;
7. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of specimen collection and specimen integrity in the delivery of patient care;
8. Identify and report potential pre-analytical errors that may occur during specimen collection, labeling, transporting and processing;
9. Demonstrate knowledge of phlebotomy collection equipment, various types of additives used, special precautions necessary and substances that can interfere in clinical analysis of blood constituents;
10. Perform standard operating procedures to collect specimens via venipuncture and capillary (dermal) puncture;
11. Explain the collection of non-blood specimens, such as urine, stool, sputum, throat or others in order to instruct patients, process and handle non-blood specimens;
12. Perform specimen requisitioning and processing;
13. Transport specimens following safety regulations, predetermined criteria, and standard protocol;
14. Explain quality assurance and quality control in phlebotomy;
15. Communicate professionally (verbally and nonverbally) in the workplace;
16. Perform waived and POCT procedures as established using standard protocol and predetermined criteria for testing and quality assurance;
17. To promote diversity and cultural sensitivity among students and faculty in preparation for clinical practice.