Practicum in Health Science - Phlebotomy & EKG
Recommended Grade Level: 12
Course Description: A course designed to give students practical application of previously studied knowledge and skills to gain two certifications. For the phlebotomy certification, students will learn and practice techniques for drawing blood from patients, including venipuncture and capillary sticks. Hospitals, laboratories and other employers have an increasing demand for phlebotomists. Most seek, and many require, a professional certification. Common duties of a Phlebotomy Technician include: Draw blood from patients and blood donors Evaluate patients’ ability to withstand procedure Explain blood-drawing procedure to patients and answer questions Perform basic point of care testing, such as blood glucose levels Prepare blood, urine and other specimens for testing Verify patient/donor identity Maintain medical equipment such as needles, test tubes and blood vials For the EKG certification, they will learn the principles of electrocardiograms and practice running electrocardiograms on patients. EKG rhythms provide important data for the diagnosis of heart conditions. A CET has the credentials nearly all healthcare employers require to perform the critical tasks of administering EKGs, as well as Holter monitoring and stress testing. These tests can be performed during physical exams, when cardiovascular problems are suspected, or in preparation for surgery. Common duties of an EKG Technician include some or all of the following tasks: Set up and administer EKGs (electrocardiograms) and stress tests Prepare patients for Holter or ambulatory monitoring Edit and deliver final test results to physicians for analysis Schedule appointments Transcribe physicians’ interpretations |