Basic Information | What does a phlebotomist do? | Instructor

Phlebotomy

February 12, 2009:  Due to the current economic situation, local employers have told us they are not currently hiring any phlebotomists nor are they able to take our students for the clinical internships required for American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification.   As we do not wish to have students spend their time, effort and money with no employment prospects, we have decided to suspend the Phlebotomy training for now.

We will continue to seek input from local employers and will reassess the situation. Once conditions are more favorable, we will reinstate the training. Please watch Aspire and this Web site for more information.

Basic Course Description

The training consists of two non-credit lecture/lab classes, Phlebotomy 1 and Phlebotomy 2, followed by a 120-hour Cooperative Education clinical placement. Upon successful completion of the these elements, the student will meet the Route 2 eligibility requirements set by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) to qualify to take the national Phlebotomy Technician PBT certification exam at additional cost.

Students must take Phlebotomy 1 and Phlebotomy 2 in order.  Entry is Fall or Spring term and students move through the training together as a group, referred to as a cohort. Two consecutive terms are required for completion of course work.  Co-op placement is not guaranteed and is dependent upon space availability but can usually be completed within six months of successful course completion.

Enrollment is first come/first served and is limited to 20 students per cohort group. Class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays (see current term class schedule for specific dates and times).  The Fall/Winter courses are held in the daytime and the Spring/Summer courses meet in the evening.  Attendance at the first class session each term is mandatory.

Total cost, including all course work, tuition, fees and textbook, is approximately $1900.

• Theoretic comprehension of phlebotomy techniques and associated safety, infection control, quality assurance, documentation, ethical, legal and customer service issues
• Learning and practicing blood collection techniques in the classroom
• Preparation for the National Phlebotomy Technician PBT(ASCP) certification exam and employment in the fields of phlebotomy. 

Note:  Potential students are required to register for and attend a no-charge, one-hour orientation before they will be allowed to register for the Phlebotomy 1 course. Enrollment is determined by lottery conducted at the end of the orientation session.  

Requirements for ASCP Certification Eligibility

• A high school diploma or GED
• Must be 18 years of age
• Satisfactory completion of the two-term training
• 120-hour, unpaid clinical experience with specfic requirements for completion of successful, unaided venipunctures and skin punctures.
  • The following proofs of immunizations are required prior to clinicals (shot record or titer):
    • Hep B three-shot series followed by Hep B titer
    • MMR
    • Chicken Pox
    • TB Skin Test (within the last year)
  • Some clinical sites require a criminal background check and/or drug screening at additional student expense

Phlebotomy Techniques Upgrade Course                                                             

A technique-oriented course for healthcare professionals who want to upgrade their knowledge and experience.  Covers pre-analytical safety, equipment, procedures, special handling and specimen integrity.  Previous training or experience in phlebotomy required. This course offered as demand dictates.

For additional information contact: Lida Herburger