Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Program

A phlebotomist is a professionally trained and certified person who works in a hospital, clinical laboratory, or health-care facility and obtains blood specimens by Venipuncture and microtechniques. In addition to technical, clerical, and interpersonal skills, the phlebotomist must develop strong organizational skills to handle a heavy workload efficiently and maintain accuracy, often under stressful conditions.

Major duties and responsibilities of the phlebotomist include:

• Correct identification of the patient before collecting samples
• Collection of the appropriate amount of blood by Venipuncture or skin puncture
• Selection of the appropriate specimen containers
• Correct labeling of all specimens
• Appropriate transportation of specimens to the laboratory
• Effective interaction with patients and other personnel in the workplace
• Performance of computer operations and record-keeping related to phlebotomy
• Adherence to all OSHA safety regulations

This non-credit course is designed to prepare an individual to perform venipuncture and capillary puncture to obtain blood specimens for diagnostic procedures.

Major topics to be covered in this course include:

• Anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system
• Safety and confidentiality
• Venipuncture technique and complications of venipuncture
• Patient relations and communication
• Capillary puncture
• Lab tests and miscellaneous procedures
• Infection control
• Quality control and processing of specimens
• Multiskilling

Exam Preparation

This program has been approved by the National Health Career Association (NHA). Individuals who complete this program will be prepared to take NHA's Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam as well as other national certification exams.

Course Details

Prerequisites/Requirements

Prerequisites

• At least 18 years of age within 3 weeks of the class start date.
• High School Diploma or completed HiSet (Formally known as G.E.D.)
• English grammar, writing, and speaking skills equivalent to at least the 8th-grade level. 

Medical Requirements

Failure to complete and submit 100% of the medical requirements prior to the first day of class will result in your being withdrawn from the class and no refund will be issued.

For requirements, required health forms, and submission instructions for this program please see the Phlebotomy Technician (Workforce Development Center) Health Record Requirements.

Time Commitment

This program also requires the completion of two 40-hour weeks of full-time clinical placement at an affiliate. Individuals must ensure that they have time available to complete this component of the course before applying. Since assignments of clinical placements are at the discretion of the course instructor and may be at locations that are a considerable distance from Springfield, MA, reliable transportation is essential.

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