By Lori Bane, PhD, MT(ASCP), Jennifer Chin, MLT(ASCP); Patrick Johnson, PhD, MLS(AMT); Brittany Devine, MLS(ASCP); Casonya Cason, Phlebotomist (AMT); Michael D. Todd, DHSc, MS, MLS(ASCP); Pauline Matthews, MHSA, BSMT
This course examines the essential functions and technical standards used by U.S. phlebotomy education programs to prepare students for safe, competent clinical practice. Through a qualitative analysis of publicly available program documents, participants will explore five core competency domains—physical and motor abilities, sensory and observational skills, cognitive abilities, communication, and professional behavior—and their role in patient safety, clinical readiness, and workforce preparation. The course also discusses variability in accommodation language, ADA considerations, and opportunities to improve consistency, accessibility, and inclusivity while maintaining rigorous educational and professional standards.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this article, the reader will be able to:
- List and describe the five core domains of essential functions for phlebotomy students with examples from clinical practice.
- Discuss key methodological features and trustworthiness strategies of the study from the article.
- Explain how essential functions relate to patient safety, clinical competency, and accommodation considerations.
- Analyze implications of variability in program technical standards for admissions, clinical readiness, and inclusive educational practices.
About the Presenters
Lori Bane, PhD, MT(ASCP) serves as the Program Director for Medical Laboratory Tech and Phlebotomy Programs at Chattahoochee Technical (Chatt Tech) College. She is a seasoned public health professional and laboratory
scientist with over 30 years of experience spanning federal government and clinical laboratory practice.
Jennifer Chin, MLT(ASCP) serves as the Clinical Coordinator for Chatt Tech College. She is a previous alumnus who has a passion for teaching laboratory technology and helping others.
Patrick Johnson, PhD, MLS(AMT) is an adjunct professor at Chatt Tech with a strong background in medical laboratory science and healthcare administration and holds a doctorate and master’s degrees.
Brittany Devine, MLS(ASCP) is an adjunct professor at Chatt Tech who brings a strong background in blood banking.
Casonya Cason, Phlebotomist (AMT) is a registered phlebotomy technician with over 30 years of experience in phlebotomy and has an MBA in Healthcare Administration and Project Management.
Michael D. Todd, DHSc, MS, MLS(ASCP) is the Director of Laboratory Services at Wellstar Douglas Hospital. He has a long-standing 28-year career in the Medical Laboratory field.
Pauline Matthews, MHSA, BSMT is the Assistant Director of Laboratory Operations Management at Kaiser Permanente.
Course Includes
- 1 Lesson
- 1 Test
- Course Certificate
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Medical Laboratory Observer (MLO) is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E. ® Program.
Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Passing scores of 70 percent or higher are eligible for 1 contact hour of P.A.C.E. credit. This test is no longer valid for CEs after August 2027.
