Phlebotomy Technician

Program Objective: The objective of this program is to prepare students for employment as phlebotomy technicians.

Program Description: The program content includes communication, leadership, human relations, and employability skills; performance of safe and efficient work practices in obtaining adequate and correct blood specimens by capillary or venipuncture on adults, children and neonates; maintaining the integrity of the specimen in relation to the test to be performed; preparing blood smears; labeling specimens accurately and completely; collecting timed specimens; promoting the comfort and well-being of the patient while performing blood collecting duties; observing safety policies and procedures; medical terminology; emergency procedures including CPR (Heart saver); delivering a variety of clinical specimens to the clinical laboratory; sorting and recording specimens received in the laboratory; centrifuging specimens and preparing aliquots of samples according to the designated protocol; distributing samples to appropriate laboratory sections; and preparing collection trays for specimen procurement.

Industry Certification and State Credential Exams:

Students will be prepared to sit for their approved state and/or national recognized industry certification/licensure exam in their chosen field once they complete their program.

• Phlebotomy Technician National License Medca or NHA

What do Phlebotomy Technicians do?

Phlebotomists draw blood for purposes such as tests, research, or donations. They help patients or donors who are anxious before or have an adverse reaction after the blood draw. Phlebotomists typically do the following:

• Draw blood from patients or blood donors
• Explain their work to help relax patients or donors who feel nervous about having blood drawn
• Verify a patient’s or donor’s identity
• Label the collected blood for testing or processing
• Label sterile containers for other samples, such as urine, and instruct patients on proper collection procedures.
• Enter sample information into a database
• Assemble, maintain, and dispose of medical instruments such as needles, test tubes, and blood vials
• Keep work areas and equipment clean and sanitary
• Phlebotomists primarily draw blood, which is then used for different kinds of medical laboratory testing or for procedures, such as transfusions. In medical and diagnostic laboratories, patients sometimes interact only with the phlebotomist. In donation centers or locations that have blood drives, phlebotomists draw blood from donors. Because all blood looks the same, phlebotomists must carefully identify and label the blood they have collected and enter the information into a database.

In addition to drawing blood, phlebotomists also may collect urine or other samples. They instruct patients on procedures for proper collection and ensure that the sample is acceptable and clearly labeled in its container. Phlebotomists must keep their work area and instruments clean and sanitary to avoid causing infections or other complications. Some phlebotomists also ship or transport blood or other samples to different locations.

Employment Outlook

Overall employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 220,200 openings for nursing assistants and orderlies are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Job Opportunities