The Laboratory Assistant works under the supervision of analysts, scientists, technologists or technicians in the physical, chemical, biological and medical sciences. Laboratory Assistants may perform a variety of tasks depending upon the type of agency for which they work. They may perform phlebotomies use computers and computer-interfaced equipment; perform quality assurance checks; collect and prepare samples for analysis; clean, maintain and set up equipment used in experiments or laboratory analyses; follow safety procedures; properly dispose of biological wastes; maintain laboratory supplies; perform routine mathematical calculations; or prepare chemical solutions, reagents and media.
Program Overview:
The Laboratory Assistant Program at Pierpont Community & Technical College is a one-year certificate degree program designed to educate and prepare students for work in a laboratory under the supervision of a technologist, technician, analyst or scientist.
Students in the program receive one year of didactic instruction and laboratory training in basic and advanced laboratory skills, technical report writing, general chemistry, basic anatomy and physiology, CPR (Basic Life Support) and safety procedures, venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques and computer concepts and applications.
The Laboratory Assistant Program is currently affiliated with several medical institutions where students obtain practical experience in blood drawing techniques. Some clinical affiliates require background clearances.
Employment and Educational Advancement Opportunities:
After successful completion of the program, graduates may go directly into the workforce or apply for admission into one of the associate degree health careers programs or transfer to a baccalaureate degree program. Laboratory Assistants are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, research facilities, industry, federal and state agencies. Those graduates of the Laboratory Assistant program who are admitted into one of the competitive associate degree health careers programs at Pierpont Community and Technical College will have completed 13-19 hours of credit that will be applied to their specific area of study.
