Before you begin, you’ll need to meet key health and safety requirements set by our clinical partners. See what’s required and take your next step.
Laboratory Assisting
To begin, connect with an advisor who can guide you through program options and next steps, including the application process.
This award is not eligible for Financial Aid
The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Laboratory Assisting program provides education and training for employment in various laboratories. Laboratory Assistants perform specimen processing, inventory management, conduct quality control and quality assurance activities, perform point-of-care testing, and use computers to assist in testing and document laboratory activities. Students in the Laboratory Assisting Program will be in contact with potentially infectious blood, tissues, and body fluids. This program contains the courses to satisfy the requirements for the Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Phlebotomy, if applicable.
This is a Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.
Details
Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
Laboratory Assisting (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5134N
Total credits required
5-9
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Admission criteria
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to participate fully in classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting program activities.
Formal application and admission to the program are required. Obtain an Application from the Program Director, a Health Professional Academic Advisor, or the Phoenix College Web site.
Notes
This program is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
What You'll Learn
- Apply safety and government standards and compliance to the laboratory setting.
- Demonstrate critical thinking, professional and ethical conduct in laboratory practices.
- Communicate sufficiently to serve the public, patient and members of the healthcare team.
- Implement quality assurance and quality control principles to specimen transport, specimen processing, and laboratory testing.
- Perform specimen testing using proper procedures, equipment, and techniques.
- Apply relevant methodologies and techniques including problem solving and troubleshooting for specimen processing and testing.
Career Statistics
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLB109 | Phlebotomy: Basic Skills | 0–4 | ||
| PLB111 | Specimen Processing and Advanced Techniques in Phlebotomy Procedures | OR Verification of two years of employment as a clinical lab assistant, specimen processer, or phlebotomist (0) 0-4 |
0–4 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LBA155 | Laboratory Assisting: Principles and Procedures | 5 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLB109 | Phlebotomy: Basic Skills | 0–4 | ||
| PLB111 | Specimen Processing and Advanced Techniques in Phlebotomy Procedures | OR Verification of two years of employment as a clinical lab assistant, specimen processer, or phlebotomist (0) 0-4 |
0–4 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LBA155 | Laboratory Assisting: Principles and Procedures | 5 |
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
This certificate is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=180670.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Laboratory Assisting
While you’re on the waitlist, take time to explore courses, short-term programs, and scholarships that can help you reach your goals and keep you moving forward.
Explore your future in healthcare with resources that help you understand career paths, program requirements, and next steps so you can start preparing with confidence.