Mar 29, 2024  
2013-14 Academic Catalog 
    
2013-14 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Clinical Laboratory Assistant - CLLS.COC


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: School of Health & Patient Simulation

Link to website maintained by the School of Health

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant Program is nine (9) months in length and includes two (2) semesters of didactic work in addition to clinical practicum at an approved clinical laboratory affiliate. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating competency in the skills required in phlebotomy, specimen processing and performance of waived laboratory tests. Upon successful completion of the program a Certificate of Completion as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant is awarded. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national phlebotomy certification exam.

The primary goal of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program is to provide a quality education to the student and to facilitate the acquisition of the level of proficiency and competence required in the modern clinical laboratory. This program is approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Sciences, 5600 N. River Rd. Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, 773.714.8880, info@naacls.org

Program Mission Statement

The mission of Springfield Technical Community College’s Clinical Laboratory Assistant Program is to provide a quality education to the Health student with a focus on laboratory and phlebotomy skills at a level appropriate to meet the standards as set forth by NAACLS.

Clinical Laboratory Science Academic Requirements:

To continue in the progression of courses offered in the Clinical Laboratory Science program:

  1. Students must obtain a grade of “C” (73%) or higher in all Clinical Laboratory Science (CLLS) courses.
  2. Students must maintain an average grade of “C” (73%) or higher in all other courses within the program course of study.
  3. Students not meeting this requirement will be involuntarily removed from the program; their Clinical Laboratory Science status will be ended.
  4. Students will be terminated or denied a certificate of graduation if they do not complete the internship according to all Springfield Technical Community College policies.
  5. Students interested in petitioning for readmission should refer to the Petition for Re-admission located on the STCC website at http://health.stcc.edu/Special/index.html

Programmatic Technical Standard (PDF)

For information regarding gainful employment within this field, please Click Here.

Upon successful completion of the requirements for this program, a Certificate of Completion in Clinical Laboratory Assistant from STCC will be awarded.

Applying to this Program


Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

  • HS English - 4 years - with C+ grade or higher.
  • HS Algebra 2 with C+ grade or higher or placement in college level math.
  • HS diploma or GED
  • Placement at ENGL-100  and ALGB-097  or higher on the STCC English and math placement tests.
  • Write and submit a one page document outlining the steps you have taken to determine that Clinical Laboratory Science is the “right” field of study for you. Include some detail about each step you have taken to come to this decision.

Program Goals


  1. Provide the didactic and clinical experience necessary to acquire knowledge in Clinical Laboratory Science and General Education subjects.
  2. Insure that, upon completion of the program, students are competent at the career entry level and have the knowledge and background to successfully prepare them for employment.
  3. Provide a sense of responsibility and professionalism when interacting with patients, peers, fellow employees, and other health care providers.
  4. Communicate effectively and professionally and to prepare the student to function as part of a team.
  5. Instruct students in the analysis and interpretation of waived laboratory tests.
  6. Produce an understanding in the student of the importance of continuing education and professional awareness.
  7. Instill the importance of honesty and professionalism in the workplace.

Program Outcomes


The design of the curriculum and activities undertaken by the faculty of the CLLS.COC Program should achieve the following outcomes:

  1. Produce safe, competent graduates who possess entry-level Clinical Laboratory Assistant skills.
  2. The three year passing rate of the graduates who choose to take the Phlebotomy certification examination will be at least 95%.
  3. 100% of the graduates who seek employment as a clinical laboratory assistant will attain a position within six months of passing the national certification examination.

The Springfield Technical Community College Clinical Laboratory Certificate of Completion program admits 4-6 students each fall semester out of an average applicant pool of 16; the acceptance rate is generally 32%. The average graduation rate over the past three years is 69%. Of the graduates who took the National Phlebotomy Certification Examination in the past three years, 100% have passed.

The program administers student didactic and clinical course surveys, clinical performance assessments, graduate opinion surveys, clinical and academic faculty surveys, advisory board surveys and employer surveys to assess the effectiveness of the program. For the calendar years 2010 - 2012, 100% of the graduates who sought employment have reported they were able to secure a position within six months of passing the national certification examination. Some graduates choose to continue their education and do not seek employment.

Class of: Graduation rate Certification Examination Pass Rates Employment Rate
2010 56% 100% 100%
2011 100% 100% 100%
2012 50% N/A N/A

(CLLS.COC) Curriculum


Total (CLLS.COC) Curriculum Program Credits: 29


Department Personnel


Name Title Office Phone Email
Carolyn Kozlak Assistant Professor 20/302P 413-755-5162
ckozlak@stcc.edu
Susan Schneider Professor/Department Chair/Program Director 20/302Q 413-755-4846 saschneider@stcc.edu

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: School of Health & Patient Simulation