Laboratory Assistant, C.A.S.

Sherri Craddock
Laboratory Assistant Program Coordinator
102 Advanced Technology Center (ATC), Fairmont / (304) 367-3634
Sherri.Craddock@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

The Laboratory Assistant certificate program is designed to educate and prepare students for work in a laboratory under the supervision of analysts, scientists, technologists, or technicians in the physical, chemical, biological and medical sciences. Students in this program receive one year (two semesters) of didactic instruction and laboratory training in basic and advanced laboratory skills, technical report writing, basic human anatomy and physiology, CPR (Basic Life Support) and safety procedures, communication, venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques, and computer concepts and applications.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the Laboratory Assistant, C.A.S. program is based upon the following criteria:

1. Apply to Pierpont Community and Technical College for the term you want to begin the program and meet the general admission requirements or be a current student
   1. First-time students should select “Health Sciences: Laboratory Assistant” as their educational goal on their application.
   2. Current students will need to complete a Change of Major form and select “Laboratory Assistant (Certificate)” as their requested major.
2. Have a high school and/or college GPA of 2.0 or better or passing score on High School Equivalency Exam.

Qualified students are accepted into the program until capacity is met.

 *Students can begin the program in the spring or fall semesters.

Program Requirements

• Students must pass a criminal background clearance check, meet health and immunization requirements, and drug testing.
• Students must be able to meet the essential functions of the program and classes, with or without accommodations.
• Students will need to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Students must complete each course in the Phlebotomy program model schedule with a grade of “C” or higher and maintain an overall 2.0 GPA to remain in the program.  Students who receive a “D” or “F” in a course must repeat the course before continuing in the program’s course sequence.  If students receive two such grades in the same course, they will be removed from the program.   

Readmission to the Laboratory Assistant Program will be determined on an individual basis. The decision will be made by the Laboratory Assistant Admissions Committee on the basis of the student’s prior academic performance in the program, the student’s qualifications when compared to the other applicants, and the availability of space.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Laboratory Assistant Certificate Program, graduates will be able to do the following:

• Attain basic skills in performing laboratory procedures, following quality control parameters and reporting results
• Attain knowledge and skill for preparation to qualify for a phlebotomy certification exam
• Attain cognitive knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and specimen processing, requisitioning, transport, and reporting in the delivery of patient care
• Demonstrate multitasking skills and flexibility in adapting to new situations
• Communicate verbally and non-verbally with patients, health care professionals and others in an effective, appropriate, and capable manner, respecting the confidentiality of patient results
• Exhibit conduct that reflects professional standards that are legal, ethical and safe

Opportunities

Graduates may go directly into the workforce. Laboratory Assistants may perform a variety of tasks depending upon where they are employed. They may perform phlebotomies, use computers and computer-interfaced equipment; perform quality assurance checks; collect and prepare samples for analysis; clean, maintain and set up equipment used in experiments or laboratory analyses; follow safety procedures; properly dispose of biological wastes; maintain laboratory supplies; perform routine mathematical calculations; or prepare chemical solutions, reagents and media.

Graduates may also choose to apply for admission into one of the competitive Associate degree health sciences programs at Pierpont Community & Technical College or transfer into a Baccalaureate degree program. Graduates of the Laboratory Assistant program who are admitted into a Pierpont Associate Degree Health Sciences Program can complete credit hours toward that degree (depending on the major) before beginning of the Associate degree program, including the Health Sciences (AAS).

Clinical Affiliates

The Laboratory Assistant program is currently affiliated with several medical institutions where students obtain practical experience in blood drawing techniques. Students are required to have background clearances, meet essential functions, and submit health documentation before attending clinical placements.