Skip to content

Health Professions

Clinical Lab Assistant (CLA)

On this page

Clinical lab assistants perform the basic functions of laboratory work under the supervision of other laboratory professionals. Tasks include processing specimens, simple testing, reporting results, and performing data entry in a laboratory setting. Work settings include doctor’s offices, hospitals, research facilities, and industrial laboratories.

Career Opportunities

Clinical lab assistant is an entry-level position that typically does not require a credential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2008-2009) predicts excellent job opportunities as openings for clinical lab assistants are projected to grow 14% between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations.

Graduates of this Bellevue College certificate program should have a hiring advantage over applicants who have no training in laboratory work. Job seekers will also need English language skills.

The lab assistant job often serves as a stepping stone for further advancement in the healthcare field, and lab assistants who continue their education can move up in the laboratory or into other healthcare positions. Because of this upward mobility within the field, there are frequent openings for new entry-level applicants.

Nationally, pay generally ranges from $11.29 to $25.73 per hour with an average of $17.86, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages survey (May 2008). Pay varies by experience, employer, and locality.

For currently available jobs and pay information in Washington, visit www.washingtonhealthcarecareers.com.

Certificate of Accomplishment

This certificate has a total of 29 credits and is usually completed in three (3) quarters. It prepares students for entry-level positions in clinical laboratory settings.

See the full Certificate of Accomplishment curriculum.

Requirements

  • Acceptance to Bellevue College as a credit student
  • Basic computer skills and access to a computer with Internet access is highly recommended
  • Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 for advanced classes

Advising

For more information, questions or advising assistance, please contact our office.

Scheduling and Pre-requisites

How does one determine if a career in healthcare is appropriate for them?

Not everyone is prepared to deal with blood and body fuilds on a daily basis, interface with people experiencing pain and grief, work odd hours outside the "normal" 8 am to 5 pm time designation, or work 12-hour shifts as required in many healthcare positions. To familiarize students with what it takes to be successful in the healthcare field we recommend all students take Introduction to Healthcare (HPRO 100) during their first quarter. There they will gain insight into various healthcare positions, what personality types are typically successful in each of those positions, and the opportunity to complete a personality/career profile that will match their specific personality traits against current healthcare job descriptions.

How many credits and how long does it take to complete this certificate?

The Clinical Lab Assistant certificate program offers a Certificate of Accomplishment composed of 29 credits. Students should expect to take three (3) quarters to complete it.

What is the usual progression through classes in this certificate?

Because of pre-requisites, the usual progression through classes is as follows:

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter
HPRO 100 (5 credits) HPRO 125 (5 credits) HPRO 146 (5 credits)
HPRO 105 (2 credits) HPRO 130 (4 credits) HPRO 147 (5 credits)
HPRO 120 (3 credits)    
Total: 10 Credits Total: 9 Credits Total: 10 Credits

NOTE: HPRO 146 and 147 are each 5.5 weeks long and are taken back-to-back in the same quarter. Neither class is offered during summer quarter.

Is there a faster, full-time progression through these classes?

For full-time students only, the following is the only "fast track" progression currently offered. No class substitutions or reordering of classes is allowed at this time.

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter
HPRO 100 (5 credits) HPRO 130 (4 credits)
HPRO 105 (2 credits) HPRO 146 (5 credits)
HPRO 120 (3 credits) HPRO 147 (5 credits)
HPRO 125 (5 credits)  
Total: 15 Credits Total: 14 Credits

NOTE: HPRO 146 and 147 are each 5.5 weeks long and are taken back-to-back in the same quarter. Neither class is offered during summer quarter. At this time, HPRO 130 is the only class that may be taken concurrently with HPRO 146 and HPRO 147.

Can one get hired as a Clinical Lab Assistant without phlebotomy skills?

There are specialty laboratories that require clinical lab assistant skills where no phlebotomy skills are needed because one never sees patients. However, hospitals seem to prefer that their Clinical Lab Assistants have both phlebotomy and laboratory testing skills. Therefore, segments of the job market are more open to those with both skills. Because of this, we advise anyone applying for the Clinical Lab Assistant Certificate to also apply for the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate.

Will healthcare facilities hire someone with Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is the one health condition that may prevent a person from being hired into a position that requires patient contact. It is a serious enough condition that one should research the hiring practices of local healthcare facilities before considering a career in healthcare. There are multiple healthcare positions that require no interaction with patients (i.e., filing, billing, coding), but hiring into these positions is left to the discretion of the healthcare facility.

What days, times, and quarters are classes held?

Most classes occur between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Occasionally there may be weekend classes or field trips. Courses will primarily be in the classroom with some online work. Where applicable, classes may be offered totally online. The following link shows quarterly offerings.

Projected Class Offerings

Do any of the classes have pre-requisites? Class pre-requisites are as follows:

  • HPRO 100: None
  • HPRO 105: None
  • HPRO 120: None
  • HPRO 125: None
  • HPRO 130: None
  • HPRO 131: None
  • HPRO 134: HPRO 125 recommended.
  • HPRO 135: HPRO 100, 105, 120, 125, 130, and BTS 144, BTS 161.
  • HPRO 141: Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 and HPRO 100, 105, 120, 125, and 130 with a C- or better at BC or permission of instructor. Minimum of first 2 of 3 Hepatitis B immunizations.
  • HPRO 144: Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 and HPRO 100, 105, 120, 125, 130 and 141 at BC with a C- or better; successful passing of HPRO 141 skills tests and permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 146: Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 and HPRO 100, 105, 120, 125, and 130 with a C- or better or permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 147: HPRO 146 with a C- or better.
  • HPRO 174: Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 and HPRO 100, 105, 120, 125, and 130 with a C- or better or permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 175: HPRO 174 and BTS 144 with a C- or better or permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 176: HPRO 134, 135, 175, BTS 104, and BTS 161 with a C- or better and permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 180: Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 and BTS 144, BTS 161, HPRO 105, HPRO 120, HPRO 125, HPRO 130, HPRO 134, and HPRO 141 with a C- or better at BC or permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 181: HPRO 180 at BC with a grade of C- or better, successful passing of HPRO 180 skills tests, and permission of instructor.

Why are there pre-requisites on classes?

Pre-requisites are in place to help students succeed in advanced classes. In pre-requisite classes students will learn medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, CPR, HIV/AIDS, and HIPAA - all required information to successfully achieve the learning outcomes of advanced classes.

Can pre-requisite classes be waived if similar classes have been taken at other colleges?

Yes, it is possible to have classes waived. Each request is evaluated on an individual basis. Factors taken into consideration include: what the class is, where it was taken, how many credits it is, what grade was received, and how long ago the class was taken (especially important with math and science classes). To begin the process, students must supply a copy of their transcripts listing all classes they wish waived along with a completed Petition for Course Substitution/Waiver form.

Can students test out of a class or be given credit for work experience?

Currently, students can test out of HPRO 120, Medical Terminology. To test out of this class, complete the attached form, bring it to the Registration Office, and pay the assessment fee plus half the tuition for a 3-credit class. If one passes the exam with a 'C' or better, they will receive credit for the course but the grade will not go towards their GPA. If one receives a 'C-,' the class will be waived but the student will need to take another HPRO class of at least 3-credits. If one does not pass the exam, they will need to enroll in the class and pay full tuition as no part of the testing fee will be credited towards that tuition.

Bellevue College has a "Credit for Professional Certification or Training" form that allows credit for work world activities. Please see the Evaluations Office (room B125) for more information and associated fees.

FAQ's

How much study is required in this program?

Based on experience and recommendations we believe students who study an additional three (3) hours "outside class" for every hour spent "in class" are more successful in achieving the course's learning outcomes. (Example: A 5-credit class requires 5 hours of classroom instruction per week. This equates to 15 hours of additional weekly study "outside the classroom." That totals 20 hours per week dedicated to just one 5-credit class!)

What supplies are needed for class?

Most classes need the required textbooks, notebooks, scantrons, highlighters, pens and pencils. Some classes require scrubs and specially prepared "kits" that contain the necessary class supplies. Access to a computer with the Internet, word processing, spreadsheet software, and e-mail are necessary. Bellevue College has a student computer lab located in the "N" building for students without computer access.

Are there supply fees for classes?

Many classes require the purchase of expensive medical supplies to keep instruction state-of-the-art.  The fees for these materials are either attached to the class as a supply fee or materials are packaged as a supply kit available in the bookstore for purchase with the class textbook.

Why do Health Professions online classes require on-campus final and midterm examinations?

The policy in the Health Sciences, Education & Wellness Institute is that all online classes have proctored midterms and finals - something not unusual in the majority of colleges and universities. These exams will be held at Bellevue College at a time designated by the course instructor. Alternative sites and times are possible for out-of-state students and any student who cannot make the regularly scheduled exam. However, alternative sites may charge a proctoring fee, which the student is responsible for paying. It is also the responsibility of the student to find and set up the alternative site and time. During these examinations, students will be required to show photo identification before being allowed to sit for the exam. Failure to bring photo identification will result in not being allowed to take the examination and may result in a failed grade.

Why is computer competency necessary?

Lack of competency in computer skills may result in an inability to not only complete program requirements but to eventually obtain a position in the healthcare field as the medical world is now requiring that most employees have basic computer skills. This includes word processing, file saving and transfer, Internet, and e-mail usage, as well as specific software for patient records, laboratory testing, appointment scheduling, etc.

Is one guaranteed a job after completing a certificate program?

Bellevue College does not guarantee any student a job after completing any of its programs or degrees. Health Professions certificates offer a better prepared potential employee for competitive entry-level healthcare positions.

Does Health Professions offer job placement?

Health Professions does not offer job placement for anyone enrolled in its certificate programs. It is suggested that students check the following websites for job availability: www.washingtonhealthcarecareers.com and www.workforceexplorer.com.

Are Health Profession classes transferable?

Health Profession classes are designed to help people transition into entry-level healthcare positions. These classes are not transferable to 4-year colleges or universities.

Who can be contacted for more program information?

For more information, questions or advising assistance, please contact our office.

Page last revised on September 23, 2011

Site managed by Theresa Moss & Web Services