MED1140 - Specimen Collection and Procedures

Course Description

Students learn a variety of laboratory procedures, specimen collection, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment Waiver Test, and Point of Care Testing (PoCT). Includes performing proper venipuncture and finger-stick techniques for obtaining human blood specimens, as well as other methods of collecting body fluid specimens while complying with OSHA Standards.

Course Overview

In this introduction to specimen collections course, learners will gain the skills necessary to perform venipuncture and capillary (finger) sticks for the purpose of drawing and processing blood samples.  The Berkeley College Specimen Collection and Procedures course provides an introduction to the methods and techniques of acquiring specimens via multiple approaches. The gathering of bodily fluids is presented and simulated throughout the course. In addition to simulating the collection of specimens, learners will explore how to direct the patient, secure the specimen, complete the lab requisition from, and submit to the testing site. To ensure proper handling of these specimens, learners will gain the understanding of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), and other standards required in a laboratory setting.

Eligibility Requirements

This course is designed specifically for individuals who have healthcare work experience, or individuals who have a good understanding of human anatomy and physiology and who wish to be eligible to work in a diagnostic laboratory or as a phlebotomist is a hospital or a physician’s office.

When taken as a stand-alone course, applicants must provide documentation of transcripts’ showing the candidate has taken medical terminology or anatomy and physiology or human biology courses at a post-secondary institution, or proof that the applicant has graduated from a healthcare program.  Documentation of work experience can be in the form of a letter from his or her immediate supervisor on business letterhead documenting his or her experience working in the medical field. Documentation of the education maybe in the form of a valid diploma, or higher earned degree, transcript, or other acceptable official documentation which confirms that the applicant meets or exceeds the minimum level of academic training in medical terminology and human anatomy.  Please send documentation to maria-rivera11@berkeleycollege.edu.  

Certification Examination

All topics explored in this course prepare learners for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification examination offered through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The following costs are included in the fee for the Specimen Collection and Procedures course:

• Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification exam offered through the NHA
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification exam review
• Required E-text
• Lab fees

Course Outline

MED1140 - Specimen Collection and Procedures (15-week | 3 credits)

• Includes a mandatory 30-hour onsite lab component

Credit hours from this completed course may be applied toward credits for a degree program offered within the College’s School of Health Studies.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Phlebotomy Technician Training Program : Phlebotomy Technician