Associate of Applied Science in EKG-Phlebotomy Technician
Degree Overview
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This Program prepares students to operate an EKG machine and to work as technicians in non-invasive cardiac diagnostic laboratory units in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, medical clinics, and other medical facilities. Students will learn how to prepare patients for EKG mountings, how to operate a 12 lead EKG machine, how to interpret EKG readings including identification of signs of advanced heart diseases, interpretation of advanced arrhythmias, interpretation of hypertrophies as well as myocardial infarction.
Additionally, students will acquire the professional skills needed to perform phlebotomy procedures (drawing blood). Students will also learn how to perform medical asepsis techniques, blood collection, patient identification, finger sticks, venipuncture, heel sticks, and collection of urine samples. Upon completion of the Program, students will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to practice competently as EKG and phlebotomy technicians.
Completion of the EKG-Phlebotomy Program is acknowledged by the awarding of an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Medical Technologist (AMT), and the National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP) certification exams
Program Requirements and Online Options
Students can complete the program through classroom instruction. Arts and Sciences courses can also be completed online. It typically takes weeks 60 weeks (6 quarters) to complete the entire Associate’s program without breaks.
Credits Required
Number of Classes
Core Component
67.5
15
Arts and Sciences
22.5
5
Total Required for Graduation
90
20
Core Courses
Arts and Sciences
Blood Chemistry Analysis - EPT210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 155
This course introduces students to various methods of analysis used in clinical chemistry laboratories to assist in diagnosing, monitoring treatment, and preventing disease. The course also includes theory and analysis of chemical constituents of the blood. In addition, the course includes detailed theory, testing methodologies, reference ranges, clinical significance, and laboratory analysis of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and liver function tests. After learning proper methods of specimen collection, preservation, and the processing of patient specimens, the students learn tests that measure carbohydrate metabolism including glucose testing for hyper and hypoglycemia. The course includes as well detailed theory and laboratory analysis of the following: renal function test (BUN, creatinine, and clearance tests), lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides), and liver function tests (bilirubin). Additional units of study include serum electrolytes, pH and blood gases, therapeutic drug monitoring automation, and laboratory information systems. Laboratory component required
Clinical Hematology I - EPT220
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 155
This is a basic hematology course that studies the cells of the blood. Diseases and conditions that would result in abnormalities in laboratory tests performed are also discussed. This course introduces the learner to basic techniques in performing and interpreting tests of blood group serology. This course also exposes students to practices/techniques used in a transfusion laboratory/department. Additional topics of discussion include major hematological disorders with identification of typical findings on blood smears are emphasized. The anemias and leukemias are studied in detail; cytochemical stains are introduced. The course also includes a study of the blood coagulation process, its theory and practical application
Clinical Hematology II - EPT230
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 155
This course provides further instruction and study of the techniques of blood group serology, compatibility testing, and the selection of the proper blood component for the patient. Adverse reaction to blood products and reaction investigations are discussed. Basic concepts of humoral and cell mediated immunity are also considered. The role and pathways of complement are discussed and diagrammed. Types of antigen-antibody reactions are studied including agglutination, precipitation, and labeled immunoassays. Immune disorders including hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, transplantation, and tumor immunology are studied in detail. The serological diagnosis of infectious diseases such as spirochetes, streptococcal, viral infections, and HIV are discussed. This course is intended to broaden the student’s knowledge of blood bank analysis and procedures performed in a hospital setting. Discussions of donor screening, blood processing, and component preparations are in accordance with the American Association of Blood Bank Standards
Advanced Electrocardiographic Interpretation - EPT250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 285
This course will prepare students to operate a 12-lead EKG machine utilizing the proper techniques of performing electrocardiograms, stress tests, and holter monitor exams. Students will be able to perform EKG mountings and tracings, will learn the cardiovascular system, and interpret EKG readings including recognition or normal and abnormal arrhythmias. Students will also become cognizant of advanced heart diseases such as myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure including interpretation of advanced arrhythmias, hypertrophies, heart blocks, premature ventricular contractions, and fibrillations
Cardiac Rehabilitation - EPT260
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 285
This course studies the role of exercise in health and disease, specifically acute and chronic effects of exercise upon the cardiovascular system. Students explore therapeutic benefits of exercise intervention and rehabilitation for individuals with heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The course provides students with an opportunity to learn concepts of physiological principles and ideas related to clinical cardiopulmonary assessment. Students will gain knowledge of the graded exercise stress test (GXT) in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Students will also identify advantages and disadvantages various GXT protocols. Students will explain the normal and abnormal physiological adaptations during the GXT. Students also list and explain absolute and relative contraindications to the GXT and the exercise therapy session. In addition, students interpret GXT and EKG results to appropriately assess exercise response, identify EKG changes during the GXT, explain the appropriate response, explain the effects of the major cardiovascular drugs on the GXT and Rx responses, and list the normal emergency equipment and drugs available during GXT and Rx therapy sessions
Cardiovascular Invasive/Non invasive Procedures - EPT270
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 285
This course introduces the basic principles and applications of echocardiographic procedures. Emphasis is placed on the physical assessment, physical principles of cardiac ultrasound, and echocardiographic imaging planes. Upon completion, students should be able to identify echocardiographic views with application of echocardiographic principles. Students will explore in detail the construction and purpose of specialized equipment and its utilization during invasive procedures such as coronary angiogram, percutaneous coronary intervention, balloon angioplasty, coronary stenting, atherectomy, intravascular ultrasound, angiojet thrombectomy, transesophageal echocardiogram, pacemaker implantation, peripheral implantation, peripheral artery angiogram/intervention, and EVLT (Endovenous laser treatment ) procedures
EKG-Phlebotomy Externship - EPT290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: "C" grade or higher in all curriculum courses (with the exception of one General Education course which should be taken concurrently with EPT 290)
This course will give students the opportunity to apply the techniques and skills learned in MED255 in a clinical setting. Students will be able to perform medical asepsis techniques, blood collection, patient identification, finger sticks, venipuncture, heel sticks, and the proper collection of urine samples. In addition, students will perform electrocardiograms, stress tests, and holter monitor exams. Upon completion of the course, students will have the necessary skills to practice competently as EKG and phlebotomy technicians. External laboratory component required
Anatomy and Pathophysiology I - MED110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is a scientific study of the structure of the human body and its parts, including relationships, functions, and disease processes of the integumentary digestive urinary systems, and nutrition and metabolism.
Medical Terminology - MED120
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents a study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, special endings, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content. A programmed learning, word building systems approach is used to learn word parts for constructing or analyzing new terms. This provides the opportunity to decipher unfamiliar terms and check their spelling. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage, and pronunciation. Abbreviations are introduced as related terms are presented with each unit.
Basic Clinical Procedures - MED140
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED110
This course focuses on universal precautions in the medical environment, including understanding blood borne pathogens, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis, infection control, collecting and handling specimens and an introduction to microbiology. In addition, the student will gain proficiency in medical asepsis in a simulated setting. Also covered will be emergency procedures.
Principles of Phlebotomy - MED155
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 120 & MED 210
This course discusses the process of blood collection for the purposes of testing and diagnostics. Students will be exposed to the role of a phlebotomist, quality assurance, anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, safety, equipment, technicians, specimen collections, and special procedures. Topics include CLIA, HIPAA, and OSHA guidelines. Supplemental Lab Fee Required.
Lecture Hours: 30; Lab Hours: 30
Anatomy and Pathophysiology II - MED210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED110
This course is a scientific study of the structure of the human body and its parts, including relationships, functions, and disease processes of the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, and reproductive systems.
Medical Office Practice - MED250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED120
This course introduces the student to the administrative functions of the medical office or clinic. Emphasis is placed on written and oral communication, scheduling, medical records, documentation and filing. In addition, telephone techniques, etiquette and management/human resource skills will be covered.
Phlebotomy - MED255
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED 140 and MED 210
This course is a review of laboratory and clinical procedures in a medical office. It includes the discussion of possible complications of phlebotomy. The student will perform venipuncture and capillary sticks while using proper safety procedures.
Electrocardiography - MED285
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MED210
This course enables the student to perform electrocardiography (EKG) and recognize and interpret basic cardiac rhythms along with atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias. Recognition and identification of the location of various myocardial infarctions is also included in the course. Utilizing the skills learned, the student will be able to identify and respond appropriately to life threatening cardiac arrhythmias and EKG changes.
College Composition - ENG111
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on reviewing grammar, sentence structure, punctuation skills, and style points required for effective written communication. Students use a standard handbook and apply proofreading skills to all types of written communications. The student is guided in learning writing as a process: understanding audience and purpose, exploring ideas and information, composing, revising, and editing.
Current Topics in English - ENG290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in English including, but not limited to, introductory topics in understanding and creating various genres of English communication such as narrative prose, technical communication, poetry, and cinematic forms.
Oral Communications - ENG310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents the principles and functions of spoken communications. The student learns how to prepare to deliver various types of oral presentations. Emphasis is on planning and on how to orient content to a particular audience. Students present short talks and plan and present longer, more formal speeches on assigned topics and/or on topics of choice.
Advanced Composition and Research - ENG320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent
This course emphasizes advanced writing and research including understanding the documentation process, presenting material in academic form, and academic research techniques. Materials may Include MLA and APA styles effective use of internet research tools, critical reading processes, and research writing techniques.
Special Topics in English - ENG490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: ENG111 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in English. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics such as English philology and etymology, as well as advanced topics in rhetoric and critical interpretation of texts.
Principles of Ethics - HUM110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course focuses on the application of ethics to personal and professional life. Positive and negative sides of behavior and how this affects self-image and self-respect will be discussed.
Spanish I - HUM210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course uses vocabulary and structure through a series of activities designed for realistic communication which allow students to achieve both written and spoken Spanish language skills. Through reading, dialogue, and associated study, students develop an understanding of the language and cultural distinctions of Spanish speakers worldwide.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in philosophy, religion, culture, and/or language arts.
World Literature - HUM320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes an understanding and appreciation of world literature. Materials covered Include Western and non-Western literary endeavors. Focus will be on similarities among the various literatures, analysis of literary genre, and appreciation of voice.
The American Experience - HUM330
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the development of American values and Institutions through analysis of social, political, and economic materials. The course examines the Influence of political, economic, social, and environmental factors as it explores Ideas of Individualism, success, and national character. Materials may include historical documents, literature, and social, political, and artistic works.
Understanding World Cultures - HUM410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course discusses civilizations and cultures as they evolved from Eastern, Western, African and South American influences. The student is enabled to relate diverse cultures to their impact on contemporary society, politics, and world events.
Spanish II - HUM420
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: HUM310
This course reviews the fundamentals of the Spanish language and provides special attention to the continuing development of students' conversational and reading skills. Students build upon their understanding of the language in both written and oral forms.
Special Topics in the Humanities - HUM490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities II - HUM491
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Special Topics in Humanities III - HUM492
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in the humanities. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in ethics, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, and/or language arts.
Fundamentals of Mathematics - MAT110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an introduction to the basic techniques of mathematics and applies them to problem solving in different areas of business and industry. This course does not count towards the Bachelor's program.
College Algebra - MAT210
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course explores a series of algebraic concepts including rational expressions, radicals and exponents, quadratic equations, systems of equations, and applications.
Current Topics in Mathematics - MAT290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on current issues in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, set theory, algebraic concepts, geometry, and probability.
Statistics - MAT310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course presents material essential in an increasing number of professional fields by providing a new type of competence, quantitative literacy. Topics include descriptive statistics; collecting and interpreting data; inferential statistics; probability; consumer mathematics; management mathematics; and growth and scaling.
Calculus - MAT410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: MAT210 or equivalent
This course focuses on techniques of differential and integral calculus likely encountered in professional activities and real-world situations. Students will gain a sound, intuitive understanding of the basic concepts of calculus through a problem-solving approach. Topics include functions, graphs, and limits; differentiation; derivatives; exponential and logarithmic functions; integration; and variables.
Special Topics in Mathematics - MAT490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: Permission of the Instructor
This course concentrates on special topics in mathematics. Topics may include, but are not limited to, mathematical history and philosophy, Euclidian and non-Euclidian geometries, linear algebra, polar coordinates, vectors, partial derivatives, line integrals, and multiple integrals, as well as applications for these topics.
Social Psychology - PSY110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course provides an application of the Psychological principles to the development of a stable social framework within business and personal environments.
Current Topics in Psychology - PSY290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in learning, memory, motivation, emotion, states of consciousness, psychological assessment, mental health, psychology of personality, and creativity.
Organizational Behavior - PSY310
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites:
Human Growth & Development - PSY320
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course emphasizes the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the human organism. Materials include those related to the various stages of the life span, and the developmental Influence of social class, the family, the school, and the group. A focus is placed on the abilities, needs, problems, and concerns of humans to change throughout life, and how people are shaped by their experiences throughout their development.
Critical Thinking and Reasoning - PSY340
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is designed to help students develop thinking skills and make good judgments. Participants are exposed to both logical and illogical thinking processes as a means to develop their skills in reasoning, analysis and the use of logical arguments. Various kinds of arguments are presented and analyzed, and logical fallacies are explored with the goal of reaching sound conclusions. Deductive and inductive reasoning are examined as are the criteria for sound reasoning and common reasoning mistakes people make. Students debate issues from different sides with both logical and illogical arguments.
Special Topics in Psychology - PSY490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: PSY110 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on special topics in psychology. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in deviant behavior, psychological testing and assessment, religious behavior, neurophysiology, and psychology and the law.
General Science - SCI110
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines scientific concepts and principles in an integrated manner to provide an overview of the sciences. Topics include physics, astronomy, chemistry, earth science, and biology as a means to address areas such as growing global population, limited resources and the fragile environment.
Microbiology - SCI250
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course examines the structure, nutrition, growth, genetics, classification, and ecology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Attention will be given to methods of microbial control, and the human immune response to microbes. Students will also learn the fundamentals of microscopy, laboratory safety, scientific method and techniques of experimentation. Laboratory component required
Current Topics in Science - SCI290
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None.
This course concentrates on current issues in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, introductory topics in meteorology, geology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and the space sciences.
Introduction to Biochemistry - SCI360
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: SCI110
This course examines the basic structures and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides and proteins and their role in human metabolism. Vitamins, co-enzymes, and minerals are examined and pathways for xenobiotic metabolism are discussed.
Impact of Science and Technology - SCI410
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of science and future thinking. The content demonstrates how scientific and technological advances have significantly impacted all aspects of contemporary life.
Special Topics in Science - SCI490
Credits: 4.5Prerequisites: None
This course concentrates on special topics in science. Topics may include, but are not limited to, advanced topics in interdisciplinary topics such as the history of science and technology, cross-cultural studies of science, cosmology, biotechnology, the use of science and technology to enhance human abilities and quality of life, and techniques for assessment and remediation of science and technology hazards.












