Performing the duties of any healthcare professional usually requires constant, close physical contact with patients and clients. Healthcare professionals use special hygiene practices and protective gear to protect themselves from the transmission of communicable diseases (like COVID-19). Risks associated with performing physical duties in a caring profession cannot be entirely eliminated by any amount of caution or protection. All applicants should carefully consider what their personal risk tolerance, physical capabilities, and any other limiting factors that might prevent them from achieving success as a healthcare professional. The application requirement for volunteer hours in a "patient-related environment" is intended to aid students in making that decision. Because this requirement may not be accessible to all applicants, nor is it advisable during the current efforts being made to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, it is exempted until such time as the province of British Columbia officially announces achievement of "Phase 4" of the Restart BC plan.

Working as a Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant is physically demanding. It requires a high level of manual dexterity, minute precision, physical strength, controlled sensitivity to disturbing medical scenarios and the ability to work in a busy and sometimes stressful environment.

Medical Laboratory professionals must be able to:

• exert fine motor control;
• perform exacting physical tasks repetitively, with precision;
• safely lift and move incapacitated patients or heavy lab equipment;
• stand for long periods of time;
• demonstrate good visual depth perception and discernment of color scale;
• work in an environment containing chemicals that may provoke sensitivity reactions;

The Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Program includes classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences that impart necessary knowledge and skills for practice in the field. Training includes non-invasive exercises such as participation in clinical simulations as well as invasive training such as participation in venipuncture exercises and capillary collection.

These exercises will:

• be explained or demonstrated by an instructor, staff member, or other assigned qualified personnel;
• involve students (EACH OTHER), staff members, clinical personnel, or consenting volunteers as subjects;
• include collecting and giving small quantities of blood on a regular basis;
• be conducted in an environment appropriate for learning;
• be supervised;
• require that students be prepared and employ due care, safety, and attention in their completion.

Students participate at clinical practicums at accredited clinical sites in a variety of Hospital and community laboratory locations throughout British Columbia. Students may designate preferences for locations but will be assigned based on availability. Students are responsible to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements for their practicum experience. Students are required to comply with all workplace policies at each practicum site as well as all policies governing students at the Camosun College.

Students must also:

• Complete and pass a Criminal Record Check
• Provide evidence that they do not have TB
• Maintain (and be able to provide) records of current immunizations or immunity
• Adhere to any additional workplace requirements for clinical placement such as: CPR Certification & Mask Fit Testing

DECLARATION:

I am aware of the physical requirements for the Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant program as described above. I confirm that I possess the physical capabilities and attributes to perform these functions.

I hereby also acknowledge I am aware of the program requirements for the Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant program as described and agree to participate in classroom, laboratory and clinical activities that impart necessary knowledge and skills for practice in the field.

I understand that if I am offered a seat in the program, I will be informed about how to obtain the required Criminal Record Check. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General will determine my risk in relation to working with children and vulnerable adults. I acknowledge that I must obtain a clearance letter from the Ministry before I can participate in any clinical activities involving patients or clients. I understand that if I cannot obtain a "clear" criminal record check, I will be unable to progress or complete this program. I know that I must also complete an immunization form at a later time. The British Columbia Health Authorities require students to be fully immunized in order to go out to their clinical practicum based on the Practice Education Guidelines in British Columbia.

I understand that if I discover at some later time that I am not suited for the caregiving professions, which results in my being incapable of performing the duties of a Medical Laboratory Assistant; that I may be unable to complete all of the requirements for this program.