Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program

Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program

Classes Start February 10th

Discover a path to a career in healthcare with the College of Health Care Professions’ Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program. Our program is an intensive 12-week program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for the National Healthcareer Association’s CPT exam. Our program offers a blend of in-depth lectures, practical laboratory sessions, and real-world clinical experiences, focusing on essential aspects of phlebotomy practice, such as medical terminology, anatomy, patient care, and specialized blood collection techniques. Designed for those with a high school diploma or GED, this program not only offers preparation to take the certification exam; but instills professional skills for quality patient service in preparation for an entry-level position in the field of phlebotomy.

Phlebotomy Technician Skills and Course Modules

MODULE IMODULE IIMODULE III

Introduction to Healthcare

MDP100

Students will learn basic medical terminology and anatomy and physiology to prepare for healthcare certification programs. Students will identify basic structures, functions and dysfunctions of the body, as well as medical terminology, abbreviations and symbols necessary for building a medical vocabulary. Students will learn about transmission of disease, hand washing techniques and gloving. This course will ensure students are aware of biohazards and airborne pathogens, including infection control procedures and laboratory safety. Finally, this course covers the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and CPR certification. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits0 

Phlebotomy Technician

PLB101

Students will learn the role of the phlebotomy technician, including safety and compliance specific to the role. This course includes information on patient preparation and routine blood collections. Students will learn about special collections and how to process specimens. Students will take assessments preparing for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam, including practice NHA certification tests. Prerequisite: MDP100

Lecture24hr.
Laboratory24hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits0 

Phlebotomy Clinical

PLB102

Students will practice phlebotomy skills in a clinical setting. Students must successfully complete 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary or finger sticks in order to pass this course and be eligible for the CPT exam through NHA. Prerequisite: PLB101

Lecture0hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship40hr.
Total Hours40hr.
Credits0 

What will I learn in the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program?

In the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program, you will have the opportunity to learn a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge essential for a career in phlebotomy, including:

  • Basic medical knowledge: Understand the basic medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology foundational for healthcare certificate programs
  • Disease transmission and infection control: Learn about the transmission of diseases, infection control procedures, and laboratory safety, including effective hand washing techniques and proper gloving methods
  • Healthcare law and compliance: Gain knowledge about the Health Information and Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other relevant healthcare regulations
  • CPR certification: Receive training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), an essential skill for healthcare professionals
  • Role of a phlebotomy technician: Understand the specific responsibilities and duties of a phlebotomy technician, including safety and compliance aspects specific to the role
  • Patient preparation and care: Learn how to prepare patients for blood draws, ensuring their comfort and safety
  • Blood collection techniques: Acquire skills in routine and special blood collection methods, including venipuncture and capillary/finger sticks
  • Specimen processing: Understand how to handle and process blood specimens correctly for testing and analysis
  • Professional skills: Develop professional attributes such as neatness, professionalism, and excellent customer service skills—all of which are crucial in a healthcare setting
  • Clinical experience: Gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting, practicing phlebotomy skills to complete the required number of successful venipunctures and capillary sticks

By the end of the program, you should be prepared to take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam through the National Healthcareer Association and embark on a new career in phlebotomy.

What does a Phlebotomy Technician do?

A Phlebotomy Technician, sometimes referred to as a Phlebotomist, plays a vital role in the healthcare system, primarily focusing on the collection of blood samples from patients. Their key duties and responsibilities include some of all of the following:

  • Blood sample collection, drawing blood from patients for various tests, transfusions, donations, or research. This involves venipuncture (puncturing a vein with a needle) and sometimes capillary draws (such as finger sticks)
  • Patient preparation and care, properly preparing patients for the blood draw, explaining the procedure to patients to alleviate anxiety, and ensuring patient safety and comfort during the process
  • Verification and labeling, verifying patient information to maintain accurate medical records and labeling collected samples correctly to ensure they are properly processed and analyzed
  • Adhering to safety standards and following strict safety protocols to prevent contamination and infection
  • Specimen processing, possibly including centrifuging (spinning) the blood to separate plasma and preparing samples for laboratory samples
  • Record keeping, such as maintaining accurate and detailed records of patient information, blood draws, and specimen handling
  • Interacting with laboratory staff, collaborating with laboratory technicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure samples are processed in a timely manner
  • Customer service, communicating with patients to help them feel at ease during what can often be a stressful procedure
  • Maintaining equipment, ensuring all phlebotomy equipment and supplies are properly maintained, stocked, and functioning

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected rate of growth for employment of phlebotomists is 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average rate for all occupations. The projected number of job openings for phlebotomists is expected to be 10,800 each year.

Program Requirements

Program participants must:

  • Have at least a high school diploma or GED
  • Be able to read and write English
  • Pass the Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 12
  • Have good coordination, neatness, professionalism, and excellent customer service skills

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a phlebotomy technician?

A phlebotomy technician, or phlebotomist, is a healthcare professional specialized in drawing blood for tests, transfusions, research, or donations. They are skilled in venipuncture and capillary draws, ensuring patient comfort and adhering to safety protocols. In addition, their responsibilities include preparing and reassuring patients, accurately labeling and processing blood samples, maintaining sterile equipment, and keeping detailed records. Phlebotomists are crucial personnel in healthcare, working closely with laboratory staff and other medical professionals to facilitate patient care and diagnosis. Phlebotomists must be technically proficient and have excellent interpersonal skills.

Where does a phlebotomy technician work?

Phlebotomy technicians work in a variety of healthcare settings where blood drawing and sample collection are required. Common workplaces include hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donation centers, physicians’ offices and clinics, outpatient care centers, public health facilities, and research institutions. In each of these settings, phlebotomy technicians are vital in ensuring that blood collection is performed safely, hygienically, and efficiently, contributing significantly to patient care and diagnostics.

How long is the training program and what is my expected time commitment?

Our Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program is structured to be completed within 12 weeks. This time frame is designed to include comprehensive training in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Your expected time commitment includes regular attendance in classroom lectures, hands-on practice in a lab setting, and a clinical externship to gain real-world experience in a healthcare setting, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills under supervision.

What can I expect from CHCP during the program?

CHCP provides you with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in the classroom, along with practical experience in a clinical setting. You will have the opportunity to learn the hard and soft skills needed to begin work as an entry-level addiction or mental health technician. In addition, our program focuses on preparing students for the certification exam—the National Healthcareer Association’s Phlebotomy Technician exam (CPT). Finally, CHCP offers lifetime career services that include resume, interview, and placement assistance.

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