Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year.

Program Title: 	Medical Laboratory Assisting 	
Program Type: 	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

Career Certificate Program	
Program Number	H170306	
CIP Number	0351080201	
Grade Level	30, 31	
Program Length	465 hours	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	
Basic Skills Level	Computation (Mathematics): 	9	Communications (Reading and Language Arts):	11	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as medical laboratory aides, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians.

The content includes, but is not limited to, communication, interpersonal, and professional skills, appropriate scientific principles of microbiology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, and physiology integrated into skill development and clinical learning.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 3 occupational completion points.

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S. Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44(3) (b), F.S.

To teach the courses listed below, instructors must hold at least one of the teacher certifications indicated for that course.

The following table illustrates the postsecondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	
A	HSC0003	Basic Healthcare Worker	LAB TECH @7 7G	90 hours	
B	MEA0520	Phlebotomist 	LAB TECH @7 7G
MED ASST 7G
PARAMEDIC @7 7G
REG NURSE   7 G
RESP THER @7 7G
PRAC NURSE @7  %7%G (Must be a Registered Nurse)	75 hours	
C	MEA0560	Medical Lab Assistant  	LAB TECH @7 7G	300 hours	

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood-borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Demonstrate accepted professional, communication, and interpersonal skills.
13.0	Discuss phlebotomy in relation to the health care setting.
14.0	Identify the anatomic structure and function of body systems in relation to services performed by the phlebotomist.
15.0	Recognize and identify collection reagents, supplies, equipment, and interfering chemical substances.
16.0	Demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary to perform phlebotomy.
17.0	Practice infection control following standard precautions.
18.0	Practice accepted procedures of transporting, accessioning, and processing specimens.
19.0	Practice quality assurance and safety.
20.0	Identify the federal and state laws that regulate the provision of laboratory services, including CLIA, Florida Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code.
21.0	Demonstrate basic knowledge of microbiology.
22.0	Demonstrate basic knowledge of urinalysis.
23.0	Demonstrate basic knowledge of clinical chemistry.
24.0	Demonstrate basic knowledge of hematology.
25.0	Demonstrate basic knowledge of Immunohematology.
26.0	Demonstrate the basic knowledge of and perform clinical laboratory Point of Care (POC) testing (Waived).
27.0	Successfully complete learning experiences in the clinical setting.

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Medical Laboratory Assisting
Career Certificate Program Number: 	H170306

The Basic Health Care Worker (HSC0003) is referred to as the Health Science Core and is the first OCP in the majority of the Career Certificate Program health science programs. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.

Course Number:  HSC0003
Occupational Completion Point:  A 
Basic Healthcare Worker – 90 Hours	

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link: 
https://www.fldoe.org/file/20894/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2627.rtf

Course Number: MEA0520
Occupational Completion Point: B
Phlebotomist – 75 Hours	
12.0	Demonstrate accepted professional, communication, and interpersonal skills. The student will be able to:	
12.01	Demonstrate the appropriate professional behavior of a phlebotomist and describe the scope of practice (job skills and duties) for a phlebotomist.	
12.02	Explain to the patient the procedure to be used in specimen collection. 	
12.03	Explain in detail the importance of identifying patients correctly when drawing blood.	
12.04	Explain the importance of continuing education in relation to certification to maintain competency and skills.	
13.0	Discuss phlebotomy in relation to the health care setting. The student will be able to:	
13.01	List, classify, and discuss various departments and services within the health care setting in which the phlebotomist must interact with to obtain laboratory specimens from patients.	
13.02	Identify the major departments/sections with the clinical laboratory, the major types of procedures run in each department/section, and their specimen requirements.	
13.03	Describe roles of the major classifications of clinical laboratory personnel (i.e., pathologist, chief/administrative technologist, CLS, MLS, MLT, MT, phlebotomist, lab assistant, etc.).	
14.0	Identify the anatomic structure and function of body systems in relation to services performed by the phlebotomist. The student will be able to:	
14.01	Describe and define major body systems with emphasis on the circulatory system.	
14.02	List and describe the main superficial veins used in performing venipuncture.	
14.03	Locate the most appropriate sites(s) for capillary and venipuncture.	
14.04	Describe the function of the following blood components: erythrocytes, thrombocytes, leukocytes, and plasma.	
14.05	Compare and contrast serum and plasma as they relate to blood collection.	
14.06	Discuss hemostasis, hemolysis, and methods of prevention as they relate to blood collection. 	
15.0	Recognize and identify collection reagents supplies, equipment, and interfering chemical substances. The student will be able to:	
15.01	Identify and discuss the proper use of appropriate types of equipment needed to collect various clinical laboratory blood specimens by venipuncture.	
15.02	Explain the special precautions and types of equipment needed to collect blood from the pediatric patient. 	
15.03	Identify and discuss the proper use of supplies used in collecting short-draw specimens or difficult draws. 	
15.04	Identify and discuss the proper use of the various types of anticoagulants, preservatives, and gels used in blood collection, and the vacuum tube color-codes for these additives.	
15.05	Describe the types of specimens that are analyzed in the clinical laboratory and the phlebotomist's role in collecting and/or transporting these specimens to the laboratory.	
15.06	Describe substances potentially encountered during phlebotomy that can interfere in the analysis of blood constituents.	
15.07	Define and utilize correct medical terminology and metric measurement needed for specimen collection.	
16.0	Demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary to perform phlebotomy. The student will be able to:	
16.01	Follow approved procedure for completing a laboratory requisition form and recognize a properly completed form.	
16.02	Demonstrate knowledge of established protocol for patient and specimen identification. 	
16.03	Discuss appropriate methods for facilitating and preparing the patient for capillary and venipuncture collection.	
16.04	List appropriate antiseptic agents useful in preparing sites for capillary and venipuncture for adult and pediatric patients.	
16.05	Perform venipuncture by evacuated tube, butterfly, and syringe systems, demonstrating appropriate use of supplies, proper handling of equipment and specimens, and appropriate patient care.	
16.06	Describe the correct order of draw.	
16.07	Describe the use of barcoding systems used for specimen collection.	
16.08	Convey an understanding of capillary puncture using appropriate supplies and techniques for both adult and pediatric patients.	
16.09	Describe the most common complications associated with capillary and venipuncture, their causes, prevention, and treatment.	
16.10	Recognize and respond to possible adverse patient reactions such as allergies, convulsions, syncope, lightheadedness, vomiting, and nerve involvement. 	
16.11	Perform appropriate procedures for disposing of used or contaminated capillary and venipuncture supplies.	
16.12	Demonstrate the proper procedure for collecting blood cultures.	
16.13	Demonstrate a working understanding of how the age and weight of patients impact the maximum amount of blood that can be safely drawn.	
17.0	Practice infection control following standard precautions. The student will be able to:	
17.01	Define the term “hospital-acquired infection.”	
17.02	Describe and practice procedures for infection prevention, including hand washing skills.	
17.03	Discuss transmission-based precautions.	
17.04	Identify potential routes of infection and their complications.	
18.0	Practice accepted procedures of transporting, accessioning, and processing specimens. The student will be able to:	
18.01	Instruct patients in the proper collection of urine (clean catch, mid-stream), sputum, and stool specimens.	
18.02	Follow the approved procedure for preparation and processing (e.g., centrifugation, separation, aliquoting, labeling, and storage) of serum, plasma, urine, sputum, stool, and wound culture specimens.  	
18.03	 Describe the significance of time constraints for specimen collection, transporting, and delivery.	
18.04	 Describe routine procedures for transporting and processing specimens, including DOT packaging requirements.	
19.0	Practice quality assurance and safety. The student will be able to:	
19.01	Distinguish and perform procedures that ensure the reliability of test results when collecting blood specimens.	
19.02	Practice appropriate patient safety.	
19.03	Practice safety in accordance with OSHA (State & Federal guidelines) for chemical, biological, and PPE established procedures, including proper disposal of sharps and biohazardous materials. 	
19.04	Follow documentation procedures for work-related accidents.	
19.05	Implement appropriate Joint Commission patient safety goals and other accrediting/regulatory agency guidelines.	
	
Course Number: MEA0560
Occupational Completion Point: C
Medical Lab Assistant – 300 Hours	
20.0	Identify the federal and state laws that regulate the provision of laboratory services, including CLIA, Florida Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code. The student will be able to:	
20.01	Explain the CLIA test complexity model and describe the characteristics required for FDA classification of a test as waived.	
20.02	Understand the CLIA 88 classification of laboratory testing into waived, moderate, and highly complex, including the personnel qualified to perform each.	
20.03	Explain the categories of testing personnel established by both CLIA and Florida regulations and describe the basic educational and/or experiential qualifications for each category.	
20.04	Explain the differences in requirements for a physician practice laboratory, a hospital laboratory, and an independent clinical laboratory.	
20.05	Describe Alternate Site Testing requirements as they apply to hospitals in Florida, and compare and contrast these with the requirements of the Federal CLIA program and their four types of certificates:
•	Certificate of Waiver
•	Certificate of Provider Performed Microscopy.  
•	Certificate of Compliance
•	Certificate of Accreditation
Apply the concepts of Point-of-Care or Near Patient testing to these requirements.	
20.06	Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of “scope of practice”, “professional judgment”, and “duty/obligation to report”.	
21.0	Demonstrate basic knowledge of microbiology. The student will be able to:	
21.01	Perform techniques of microbiology related to disinfection techniques.	
21.02	Discuss techniques of microbiology related to isolation techniques.	
21.03	Perform techniques of microbiology related to sterilization techniques.	
21.04	Perform techniques of microbiology related to slide preparation. 	
21.05	Describe the basic operation and principles related to the usage of microscopes.	
21.06	Understand the staining and microscopic examination of Gram stains.	
21.07	Discuss the significance of selecting appropriate transport media and primary culture media for a given specimen type.	
21.08	Perform basic techniques of microbiology with respect to routine and emergency specimen collection, including time constraints. 	
21.09	Perform basic techniques related to inoculation of primary culture media and transfer of cultures.	
21.10	Discuss classification, composition and preparation of culture media.	
21.11	Discuss how sample collection techniques can impact microbiological tests and the interpretation of cultures.	
22.0	Demonstrate basic knowledge of urinalysis. The student will be able to:	
22.01	Understand urinalysis techniques related to normal and abnormal components of the urine.	
22.02	Perform urinalysis techniques related to the collection and preservation of specimens, including time constraints.	
22.03	Perform urinalysis techniques related to the physical properties of urine. 	
22.04	Perform urinalysis techniques related to chemical analysis of urine. 	
22.05	Describe the clinical significance of abnormal chemical analyses of urine.	
22.06	Discuss urinalysis techniques related to the determination of urine specific gravity.	
22.07	Discuss urinalysis techniques related to the microscopic identification of significant elements.	
22.08	Perform urinalysis techniques related to principles and use of centrifuge.	
23.0	Demonstrate basic knowledge of clinical chemistry. The student will be able to:	
23.01	Perform techniques of clinical chemistry related to metric measurement and use of labware, including reconstituting reagents and preparing dilutions.	
23.02	Perform techniques of clinical chemistry related to reagent preparation, laboratory equipment, and laboratory techniques.	
23.03	Discuss techniques of clinical chemistry related to standardization of procedures and use of standards, blanks, and controls.	
23.04	Discuss the importance of Quality Assurance as it relates to patient results.	
23.05	Discuss principles of common clinical chemistry analyzers, including visual colorimetry and spectrophotometry.	
23.06	Demonstrate basic understanding of the relationship between common clinical chemical tests and specific body systems and disorders.	
24.0	Demonstrate basic knowledge of hematology. The student will be able to:	
24.01	Discuss techniques of hematology related to counting formed elements of blood.	
24.02	Perform techniques of hematology related to preparation and staining.	
24.03	Discuss techniques of cell differential microscopic examination of blood films.	
24.04	Perform appropriate techniques for making a peripheral blood smear for hematologic evaluation.	
24.05	Perform techniques of hematology related to spun hematocrit tests.	
24.06	Discuss techniques of hematology related to the use of platelet function analyzing instruments.	
24.07	Perform techniques of hematology related to hemoglobin tests.	
24.08	Understand the use of and importance of red blood cell indices. 	
24.09	Discuss basic techniques of hematology related to normal and abnormal physiology.	
25.0	Demonstrate basic knowledge of Immunohematology. The student will be able to:	
25.01	Discuss the functions of the Immunohematology department.	
25.02	Understand the significance of the ABO blood group system and Rh blood group system in transfusion medicine.	
25.03	Discuss the significance of forward typing and reverse typing in determination of a patient or donor ABO type.	
25.04	Discuss the performance and interpretation of ABO and Rh typing tests.	
25.05	Define hemagglutination and describe antibody-antigen reactions as they relate to ABO/Rh typing tests.	
25.06	Discuss Rh typing and interpret the results.	
25.07	Explain the process of blood donation and the requirements necessary to donate blood.	
25.08	Discuss tests performed on donated blood before it can be transfused	
25.09	Explain the three blood components that can be obtained from a unit of donated whole blood and how these components would be beneficial to patients.	
26.0	Demonstrate the basic knowledge of and perform clinical laboratory Point of Care (POC) testing (Waived). The student will be able to:	
26.01	Demonstrate the ability to interpret instructions of point of care testing specific to microbiology, hematology, urinalysis, and clinical chemistry, including, but not limited to the following:   
•	Test principle
•	Storage and stability
•	Internal vs. external quality control 
•	Specimen collection and preparation 
•	Directions for use 
•	Interpretation of results 
•	Interfering substances	
26.02	Identify normal limits and associate abnormal results with disease and disorders. 	
26.03	Perform instrument maintenance.	
26.04	Discuss the significance of reporting critical values as it applies to Point of Care testing. 	
26.05	Demonstrate knowledge of the frequency in which quality control procedures should be performed.	
27.0	Successfully complete learning experiences in the clinical setting. The student will be able to:	
27.01	Observe and, as appropriate, participate in the skills outlined in outcomes for medical lab assisting. 	
27.02	Complete clinical rotations. 	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools, and equipment, as well as experimental, quality, and safety procedures, are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence, and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore, the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

The Core should be taken first in the program. Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Basic Skills 

In Career Certificate programs offered for 450 hours or more, in accordance with Rule 6A-10.040, F.A.C., the minimum basic skills grade levels required for postsecondary adult career and technical students to complete this program are:  Computation (Mathematics) and Communications (Reading and Language Arts). These grade level numbers correspond to a grade equivalent score obtained on a state-designated basic skills examination. 
 
Adult students with disabilities, as defined in Section 1004.02, Florida Statutes, may be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirements (Rule 6A-10.040).  Students served in exceptional student education (except gifted) as defined in s. 1003.01, F.S., may also be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirement.  Each school district and Florida College System Institution must adopt a policy addressing procedures for exempting eligible students with disabilities from the Basic Skills requirement as permitted in Section 1004.91, F.S.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology, and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.