Allied Health

Diagnostic Technician Certificate

Overview

This certificate prepares students to function in a variety of settings assisting with diagnostic testing including phlebotomy and EKG. The additional courses provide students with the vocabulary and communication skills to work with the public in the health care setting.

Graduates are eligible to take the national credentialing exams in Phlebotomy and EKG.

Diagnostic Technician Certificate Admission Requirements

The pivotal course in the Diagnostic Technician Certificate is Fundamentals of Phlebotomy (DTC104). In order to apply for the Fundamentals of Phlebotomy course, you must attend an information session. For more information regarding admission requirements for the Diagnostic Technician Certificate, please visit: Unique Admissions Requirements.

In addition to attending an information session, admission into this Allied Health certificate requires that the student meet all College Medical and Immunization Requirements, the Diagnostic Technician Certificate’s Technical Standards (Physical and Behavioral Capabilities), and pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Record Information (SORI) check.

The Immunization Requirements are available at: Student Immunization Records.

Diagnostic Technician Certificate Technical Standards

In order to be eligible for and successfully complete the Diagnostic Technician Program, certain physical and behavioral standards are required as part of the program and clinical/lab experience. These technical standards have been developed using the U.S. Department of Labor's skills and abilities for those working in a medical setting. Some cooperative work experience opportunities may have additional requirements beyond the technical standards listed here and requirements may vary by agency. Students must satisfy the program’s technical standards and the individual agency requirements before a clinical assignment is approved.

These technical standards are established in accordance with the Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act. All students must be able to satisfy these standards with or without a reasonable accommodation. These include:

Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal)

• Communicate effectively either independently or with corrective devices.
• Communicate in English through reading, orally and in writing to instructors, professors, clinical staff, clients, families and all members of the health care team.
• Understand oral directions/requests from health care workers, clients, voice pages and telephone messages stated in a normal tone.

Auditory Ability

• Hear all alarms on technical and supportive equipment set at a normal volume.
• Listen and respond to distress sounds from clients.

Visual Ability

• See and accurately read all written medical information pertaining to the client.
• See and accurately read all readings and functions of technical equipment pertaining to client care.
• See and accurately read all calibrated containers for accurate measurement of body fluids and specimens, medical administration devices (syringes, pumps etc.)
• See and accurately perform a client assessment pertaining to specimen collection.

Physical Strength (Gross Motor Control)

• Ability to lift 25 pounds unassisted in a safe manner, thereby protecting yourself, the client, and those in close proximity to you.
• Bend and/or lift to assist client and manipulate client equipment.
• Lift to safely transfer or position all clients in various situations.
• Move, push or pull equipment, beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, etc.
• Ability to raise arms over one’s head in order to assist clients and manipulate equipment.
• Stand independently.
• Walk/ stand for extended periods and distances over an 8- hour period.

Manual Dexterity (Fine Motor Movement)

• Accurately manipulate equipment.
• Accurately palpate the vein when drawing blood
• Accurately handle sterile equipment without contaminating syringes, needles, solutions, etc.
• Successfully don and remove protective apparel (including sterile gloves) to maintain standard precautions.

Behavioral/Mental Performance

• Function safely, effectively and calmly under stressful situations.
• Prioritize and manage tasks simultaneously.
• Exhibit social skills necessary to interact therapeutically with clients, families, staff and faculty.
• Maintain personal hygiene consistent with department dress code guidelines.
• Display ethical attitudes and actions consistent with professional behavior.
• Display the social skills to behave with politeness, tact and sensitivity to others in all settings.
• Exhibit respect for cultural and ethnic differences of clients, peers and individuals.
• Remain free from alcohol and/or chemical impairment in classroom and clinical settings at all times.

Career Outlook

This occupational profile is provided by O*NET.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Diagnostic Technician certificate, students are able to:

• Communicate and interact with a caring and professional attitude in the clinical setting
• Demonstrate competence and accuracy in skills and procedures involved in the diagnostic tests which involve phlebotomy and EKG
• Interpret medical terminology pertaining to the practice area.