Phlebotomist, Certificate

Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

Degree/Certificate:     Certificate
HEGIS Code:             5205
SUNY Code:              0905
Major Code:              PHLB

The Career

Phlebotomists are specialized clinical support workers who collect blood from patients for laboratory testing. Results from laboratory testing provide valuable information to physicians for diagnosing and treating patients. These individuals are responsible for the performance of venipunctures; capillary punctures; skin stick; arterial punctures; handling of blood; handling of test tubes; use of a centrifuge; wearing gloves; wearing masks and gowns when necessary; keeping careful records; dealing with a broad spectrum of the population; handling difficult, confused, resistant or very young patients; and at times may work in an emergency setting or work with other professionals in an emergency setting.

Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, commercial laboratories, private physician offices, public health departments, clinics and blood banks.

The NCCC Approach

Because of the profession, course work consists of studies in clinical procedures. The student will complete a clinical practicum in a hospital, diagnostic laboratory, blood bank or medical office. The student is responsible for transportation to the clinical practicum site.

Course work focuses on Human Anatomy and Physiology, Phlebotomy, Medical Ethics, OSHA Regulations, Patient Communication, Medical Terminology and Patient Care.

Admission

Students admitted in fall, spring and summer.  Because of the sequencing of courses, it may take longer than two semesters to complete the program if a student begins in a spring or summer semester.

All applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

1. High school diploma or equivalency diploma.
2. Applicants will be tested for academic foundations in reading, writing and mathematics. To be accepted into the program, applicants must earn the minimum required score on these tests or pass the academic foundations course listed below.

If below the required score in		Will need to pass
	Writing		ENG 099
	Reading		AAC 042
	Mathematics		MAT 002

These academic foundations courses do not count toward the degree.

Final acceptance into the Phlebotomist program depends upon the student submitting, and the Wellness Center approving, the physical examination prior to the student entering PHL 100. Health records must remain current during the period of enrollment in the program. The student is responsible for the costs associated with the physical examination report.

Requirements to Remain in the Program

Once accepted into the Phlebotomist program, continued matriculation is contingent upon:

Certification in Basic Life Support and First Aid Responding to Emergencies must be completed prior to the clinical practicum, PHL 102. This requirement may be fulfilled through successful completion of HED 214 or CPR for the professional rescuer offered by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Certification must remain current throughout the program. If the Basic Life Support requirement is successfully completed through an American Red Cross or American Heart Association program, a minimum of 2-credit hours in health/physical education are still required.

Program Goals and Objectives

The program is intended to prepare students for immediate entry-level employment in laboratories, physicians’ offices, hospitals, clinics and other health-care facilities. Students will be provided with the knowledge and experience necessary to collect blood samples from patients, prepare specimens for testing, perform related technical procedures and process the associated paperwork. Students will obtain the necessary organizational and communication skills required to perform their job. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the phlebotomy certification exam.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

• Communicate effectively knowledge of phlebotomy content areas to include anatomy and physiology, infection control and safety, types of collection equipment, specimen collection and processing
• Apply the knowledge base of necessary skills and demonstrate the ability to function in the role of a phlebotomist