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Medical Laboratory Technician

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Medical Technology (MEDTEC) Courses

MEDTEC 310 Introduction to Medical Laboratory Techniques and Skin Punctures

  • Units:2
  • Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:AH 311 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course introduces concepts in clinical laboratory medicine including: quality control, analytical errors, laboratory math, specimen collection, safety, professionalism, and ethics. Students also utilize laboratory equipment and perform skin punctures on other students. Purchase of personal protective equipment and minor class supplies including, but not limited to: safety glasses, disposable gloves, and glass slides, is required. Students are further advised to ensure all their immunizations are current as blood and body fluids are utilized. Immunizations include, but are not limited to: Hepatitis B, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Varicella Zoster, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), and Influenza.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • discuss the major points of the Patient’s Bill of Rights and the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the phlebotomist’s responsibility for maintaining confidentiality of privileged information on individuals.
  • enumerate the different sections of a medical laboratory and the common tests and specimen requirements for each section.
  • choose the correct blood collection equipment for a variety of both skin and venial punctures, including the types of tubes and additives.
  • differentiate between capillary and venous specimens, state the acceptable order of draw for capillary specimens, and name the tests that cannot be performed on capillary specimens.
  • list the most-common pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical laboratory errors.
  • demonstrate at least ten skin puncture procedures on a variety of students with the correct documentation of patient and specimen identification and employ appropriate Standard Precautions and Lab Safety techniques.

MEDTEC 311 Advanced Phlebotomy Venipuncture Skills

  • Units:2
  • Hours:21 hours LEC; 45 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:MEDTEC 310 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students must be admitted to the Medical Laboratory Technician Program at Folsom Lake College. Students must also provide documentation of Hepatitis B vaccination status before beginning this class, as students will be handling blood and body fluid specimens in all class sessions. Students are also required to purchase their portion of the college's liability insurance policy.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course provides didactic instruction in Advanced Phlebotomy procedures as required by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations. Students learn to perform a venipuncture (the penetration of a vein with a needle to withdraw blood for therapeutic or clinical laboratory testing) on other students using the three available systems. Students may be required to attend a field trip and provide their own transportation. Purchase of personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, safety glasses, and disposable gloves is required. Students are further advised to ensure all their immunizations are current as blood and body fluids are utilized. Immunizations include, but are not limited to: Hepatitis B, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Varicella Zoster, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), and Influenza.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • differentiate the various arm veins and the suitability of each for venipuncture.
  • describe the risk factors, list the complications, and evaluate the appropriate phlebotomist responses associated with venipuncture complications for a variety of patient age groups.
  • list the pre-analytical sources of error in specimen collection, transport, processing and storage, and demonstrate correct procedures used to prevent such errors.
  • demonstrate at least 6 successful venipunctures on a variety of students using the 3 different methods and following appropriate safety and infection control procedures.

MEDTEC 312 Phlebotomy Clinical Internship

  • Units:2
  • Hours:9 hours LEC; 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:MEDTEC 311 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students must be admitted to the Medical Laboratory Technician Program and have met all requirements for entry including, but not limited to: passing all drug, background, and immunology screening requirements, paying their portion of the college’s liability insurance policy, and obtaining personal health insurance.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course provides a clinical laboratory experience in the phlebotomy department of a health care organization. The clinical internship is conducted as a non-paid laboratory experience and the student is required to attend the facility for the minimum required hours. Students will perform at least 50 venipuncture procedures on patients from a variety of age groups and medical conditions. Emphasis will be placed on safety, specimen quality, and proper venipuncture technique. Purchase of personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, safety glasses, and disposable gloves, is required. Students will also be required to provide their own transportation to the partner health care facility which may be outside of the Sacramento region.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • employ appropriate specimen processing and handling procedures, describe criteria for rejection, and recognize tests needing special handling or confirmatory testing.
  • apply departmental safety procedures, including the safe use and disposal of biohazardous material.
  • demonstrate correct techniques when performing a minimum of 50 venipunctures on patients from a variety of age groups and medical conditions, using appropriate infection control and safety precautions.
  • practice the correct administrative skills of a phlebotomist such as answering phones, specimen labeling, test ordering, accessioning, and specimen processing.

MEDTEC 323 Clinical Chemistry

  • Units:4
  • Hours:50 hours LEC; 66 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:CHEM 401 or 421 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:PSYC 330 or STAT 300 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course introduces students to mathematical applications in the clinical laboratory, especially as applied to quality assurance, quality control and reporting of results. Also covered is the basic biochemistry of metabolism, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and electrolytes, and the instrumentation used for their measurement. The study of endocrinology, enzyme function, therapeutic drugs, and blood gases will also be covered. Discussion topics will be correlated with applications in human medicine.Purchase of personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and disposable gloves, is required. Students are further advised to ensure all their immunizations are current as blood and body fluids are utilized. Immunizations include, but are not limited to: Hepatitis B, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Varicella Zoster, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), and Influenza.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • evaluate quality control results and explain any pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic variables in specimen testing.
  • cite the various analytes in the body, their critical values, and how each correlates with specific disease states.
  • describe the analytic methods behind basic chemistry instrumentation including the mechanism of measurement and any system limitations.
  • perform proper dilution technique through the utilization of various laboratory pipettes while following appropriate safety and infection control procedures.
  • analyze a calibration curve to identify the concentration of an unknown substance.

MEDTEC 324 Urine and Body Fluid Analysis

  • Units:2
  • Hours:20 hours LEC; 48 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:BIOL 400 or 440 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:MEDTEC 323
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

An introduction to the study of urine and body fluid analysis. Includes the anatomy and physiology of the kidney, physical, chemical and microscopic examination of urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids as well as quality control, quality assurance and safety. Also covered is the metabolism resulting in these body fluids and the associated abnormalities and their applications in human medicine. Purchase of personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and disposable gloves, is required. Students are further advised to ensure all their immunizations are current as blood and body fluids are utilized. Immunizations include, but are not limited to: Hepatitis B, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Varicella Zoster, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), and Influenza.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • evaluate quality control results and explain any pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic variables in specimen testing.
  • describe the principles and clinical significance behind urinalysis and body fluid testing and correlate test results with patient conditions.
  • perform a routine urinalysis on an unknown urine specimen while following appropriate safety and infection control procedures.
  • describe the composition, formation, and function of urine and selected body fluids.
  • state the collection procedure for urine and other selected body fluids and evaluate specimen quality.

MEDTEC 330 Hematology

  • Units:4
  • Hours:50 hours LEC; 66 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:BIOL 400 or 440 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:CHEM 401 or 421 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course provides an overview of human blood cell development and function. Hematological disorders and corresponding laboratory findings will also be addressed. Purchase of personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and disposable gloves, is required. Students are further advised to ensure all their immunizations are current as blood and body fluids are utilized. Immunizations include, but are not limited to: Hepatitis B, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Varicella Zoster, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), and Influenza.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • demonstrate an understanding of the components of human blood including cellular characteristics, functions, abnormalities, critical values, and disease states.
  • describe the coagulation mechanism and correlate abnormalities with disease states.
  • demonstrate the blood cell count procedure within stated limits of accuracy while following appropriate safety and infection control procedures.
  • perform the slide stain procedure and demonstrate competency in blood cell differentiation while following appropriate safety and infection control procedures.
  • evaluate quality control results and explain any pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic variables in specimen testing.

MEDTEC 340 Immunology and Immunohematology

  • Units:4
  • Hours:50 hours LEC; 66 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:CHEM 401 or 421 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:MEDTEC 330 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course introduces the principles of the immune response, including cells and function of the immune system as well as antibody and antigen reactions. Blood grouping, compatibility testing, transfusion medicine, immunological and serological testing procedures are also discussed.Purchase of personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and disposable gloves, is required. Students are further advised to ensure all their immunizations are current as blood and body fluids are utilized. Immunizations include, but are not limited to: Hepatitis B, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Varicella Zoster, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), and Influenza.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • recognize components of the immune system and their protective action as applied to injury or disease.
  • describe the characteristics of ABO, Rh, and other blood group systems, and identify their role in blood compatibility.
  • explain Immunohematology testing procedures including the resolution of forward and back-type mismatching, antibody panel interpretation, proper transfusion reaction workup, and quality control.
  • define the principles and clinical significance behind serology and immunohematology testing, while explaining any pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic variables.
  • perform immunohematology testing on an unknown sample including forward and back typing, antibody screen, and antibody identification, while following appropriate safety and infection control procedures.

MEDTEC 350 Clinical Microbiology

  • Units:4
  • Hours:50 hours LEC; 66 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:BIOL 400 or 440 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:CHEM 401 or 421
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course discusses pathogenic bacteria, fungi and parasites. Emphasis is placed on morphology and identification of medically important organisms and techniques used in their identification. Purchase of personal protective equipment and minor class supplies including, but not limited to: safety glasses, disposable gloves, and glass slides, is required. Students are further advised to ensure all their immunizations are current as blood and body fluids are utilized. Immunizations include, but are not limited to: Hepatitis B, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Varicella Zoster, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), and Influenza.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • discriminate between normal and abnormal flora for all areas of the body.
  • describe proper methods of specimen collection and evaluate specimen acceptability while explaining any pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic variables.
  • evaluate the impact of various infectious diseases, including descriptions of the causative agent(s), signs and symptoms, pathogenesis, virulence factors, epidemiology, diagnosis, biochemical testing, treatment, and prevention.
  • demonstrate safe use, handling, and disposal of microbiological organisms and bio-hazardous waste.
  • perform Gram Stain and biochemical testing to identify an unknown organism while following appropriate safety and infection control procedures.
  • describe quality control procedures utilized in the microbiology department and the frequency in which they are performed.

MEDTEC 360 Chemistry and Urinalysis Practicum

  • Units:4
  • Hours:216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:MEDTEC 323 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students must be admitted to the Medical Laboratory Technician Program and have met all requirements for entry including, but not limited to: passing all drug, background, and immunology screening requirements, paying their portion of the college’s liability insurance policy, and obtaining personal health insurance.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course provides a clinical laboratory experience in the chemistry department of a health care organization. Instrumentation and manual methods will be introduced. The clinical internship is conducted as a non-paid laboratory experience and the student is required to attend the facility for the minimum required hours. Emphasis will be placed on technique, accuracy and precision as well as quality control, bio-marker significance, and urinalysis procedures. Purchase of personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, safety glasses, and disposable gloves, is required. Students will also be required to provide their own transportation to the partner health care facility which may be outside of the Sacramento region.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • demonstrate an understanding of chemistry and urinalysis test results and understand their clinical significance.
  • apply departmental safety procedures, including the safe use and disposal of biohazardous material.
  • demonstrate familiarity with basic department specific maintenance procedures and apply quality control and corrective action procedures as appropriate.
  • perform specimen analysis as appropriate, correctly interpreting chemistry and urinalysis results.
  • employ appropriate specimen processing and handling procedures, describe criteria for rejection, and recognize tests needing special handling or confirmatory testing.
  • perform both macroscopic and microscopic urinalysis procedures including the identification and differentiation of urine elements.

MEDTEC 361 Hematology and Hemostasis Practicum

  • Units:4
  • Hours:216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:MEDTEC 330 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students must be admitted to the Medical Laboratory Technician Program and have met all requirements for entry including, but not limited to: passing all drug, background, and immunology screening requirements, paying their portion of the college’s liability insurance policy, and obtaining personal health insurance.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course provides a clinical laboratory experience in the hematology department of a health care organization. Instrumentation and manual methods will be introduced. The clinical internship is conducted as a non-paid laboratory experience and the student is required to attend the facility for the minimum required hours. Emphasis will be placed on technique, accuracy and precision as well as blood cell differentiation, blood cell indices, and coagulation procedures. Purchase of personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, safety glasses, and disposable gloves, is required. Students will also be required to provide their own transportation to the partner health care facility which may be outside of the Sacramento region.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • demonstrate an understanding of hematology test results and their clinical significance.
  • apply departmental safety procedures, including the safe use and disposal of biohazardous material.
  • demonstrate familiarity with basic department specific maintenance procedures and apply quality control and corrective action procedures as appropriate.
  • perform specimen analysis as appropriate, correctly interpreting automated CBC and coagulation results.
  • employ appropriate specimen processing and handling procedures, describe criteria for rejection, and recognize tests needing special handling or confirmatory testing.
  • produce acceptable peripheral blood smear slides and correctly identify cellular components.

MEDTEC 362 Immunology and Immunohematology Practicum

  • Units:4
  • Hours:216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:MEDTEC 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students must be admitted to the Medical Laboratory Technician Program and have met all requirements for entry including, but not limited to: passing all drug, background, and immunology screening requirements, paying their portion of the college’s liability insurance policy, and obtaining personal health insurance.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course provides a clinical laboratory experience in the immunology/immunohematology department of a health care organization. Instrumentation and manual methods will be introduced. The clinical internship is conducted as a non-paid laboratory experience and the student is required to attend the facility for the minimum required hours. Emphasis will be placed on technique, accuracy and precision as well as specimen receipt and evaluation, special handling procedures, and component processing in the transfusion service. Purchase of personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, safety glasses, and disposable gloves, is required. Students will also be required to provide their own transportation to the partner health care facility which may be outside of the Sacramento region.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • demonstrate an understanding of immunology and immunohematology test results and their clinical significance.
  • apply departmental safety procedures, including the safe use and disposal of biohazardous material.
  • demonstrate familiarity with basic department specific maintenance procedures and apply quality control and corrective action procedures as appropriate.
  • perform specimen analysis as appropriate, correctly interpreting serology and blood Bank results.
  • demonstrate familiarity in the immunohematology department by correctly interpreting blood type and antibody identification.
  • employ appropriate specimen processing and handling procedures, describe criteria for rejection, and recognize tests needing special handling or confirmatory testing.
  • execute proper blood product handling and dispensing procedures.

MEDTEC 363 Microbiology Practicum

  • Units:4
  • Hours:216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:MEDTEC 350 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Enrollment Limitation:Students must be admitted to the Medical Laboratory Technician Program and have met all requirements for entry including, but not limited to: passing all drug, background, and immunology screening requirements, paying their portion of the college’s liability insurance policy, and obtaining personal health insurance.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course provides a clinical laboratory experience in the Microbiology department of a health care organization. Instrumentation and manual methods will be introduced. The clinical internship is conducted as a non-paid laboratory experience and the student is required to attend the facility for the minimum required hours. Emphasis will be placed on technique, accuracy and precision as well as specimen evaluation, organism identification, and susceptibility testing. Purchase of personal protective equipment, including a lab coat, safety glasses, and disposable gloves, is required. Students will also be required to provide their own transportation to the partner health care facility which may be outside of the Sacramento region.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • demonstrate an understanding of microbiology test results and their clinical significance.
  • apply departmental safety procedures, including the safe use and disposal of biohazardous material.
  • demonstrate familiarity with basic department specific maintenance procedures and apply quality control and corrective action procedures as appropriate.
  • employ appropriate specimen processing and handling procedures, describe criteria for rejection, and recognize tests needing special handling or confirmatory testing.
  • perform specimen analysis as appropriate, correctly interpreting culture results.
  • demonstrate familiarity with the isolation and identification of pathogenic organisms in various specimen types.

MEDTEC 495 Independent Studies in Medical Technology

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

To be written at the time this course is applied.


MEDTEC 499 Experimental Offering in Medical Technology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

To be written when this course is to be offered.