Phlebotomy Technician

Program Overview

Phlebotomy Technician

Prepare for an entry-level healthcare career as a phlebotomy technician.

Career Pathway

• Healthcare

Related Programs

• Clinical Medical Assistant
• Nurse Aide
• Sterile Processing Technician
• Workforce Development

Program Information

This program prepares students to work in a medical office, clinic or hospital lab and collect blood specimens from patients for the purpose of laboratory analysis. Topics include anatomy and physiology of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, infection control, blood collection procedures, puncture methods, specimen handling, professional workplace behavior, ethics and the legal aspects of health care. Students will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of blood collection. Students must successfully complete thirty (30) venipunctures and ten (10) capillary sticks at an offsite clinical externship experience to demonstrate skill competency. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Contact Hours: 80 plus required clinical externship.

Admissions Requirements

• Meet minimum essential functions and standards for program
• Be at least 18 years of age on the first day of class.
• Attend a coaching appointment and/or information session prior to enrollment.
• Complete all funding assistance paperwork (if applicable) prior to enrollment.
• Documentation of high school diploma, GED or equivalent, or college degree. Note: If high school diploma or college degree are earned outside of the United States, the diploma or degree must be formally evaluated (and translated if needed) by an approved agency prior to program admission. Allow a minimum of three weeks for evaluation/translation process. Prospective students will be responsible for cost.
• Acceptable criminal background check and drug screen prior to clinical. Proof of immunizations and physical exam may be required depending on clinical site.
• English Language Learners (ELL/ESL): If English is not the first language, prospective students must complete a CASAS assessment with acceptable score prior to program admission. CASAS assessments can be scheduled by emailing at (link sends email) or calling . Include your first and last name, program of interest, and program start date in your email. Assessment should be completed at least one week prior to program start date. CASAS assessment is also recommended, but not required, for prospective students who feel their reading comprehension needs improvement.

Employment Outlook for Phlebotomy Technicians

Graduates who have achieved certification upon completion of this program have found employment in hospitals, physician's offices and outpatient labs. Top employers in our community who visit our program to meet students, partner on clinical rotations, and employ our graduates include:

• Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
• UVA Health

In Central Virginia, employment of phlebotomy technicians, also known as phlebotomists, is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2030. - Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE), 2022

Earning Potential for Phlebotomy Technicians

The median wage for phlebotomy technicians in our region is $37,512 per year (full-time salaried with benefits). - Virginia Office of Education Economics, 2022.

Program Outline

Phlebotomy Technician Program at Piedmont Virginia Community College

Degree Overview:

• Prepares students for entry-level healthcare careers as phlebotomy technicians.
• Part of the G3 program, qualifying students for potential free tuition, fees, and books.

Outline:

• Program Content:
• Anatomy and physiology of circulatory and lymphatic systems
• Infection control
• Blood collection procedures
• Puncture methods
• Specimen handling
• Professional workplace behavior
• Ethics and legal aspects of healthcare
• Hands-on experience in blood collection
• Program Structure:
• 80 contact hours
• Required clinical externship experience
• Successful completion of 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks during externship
• Individual Modules:
• Course Schedule:

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Faculty:
• Toni Peterson (Contact: toni.peterson@pvcc.edu)
• Unique Approaches:

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Medical offices
• Clinics
• Hospital labs
• Employment Outlook:

Other:

• Admission Requirements:
• Meet minimum essential functions and standards for the program
• Be at least 18 years old on the first day of class
• Attend a coaching appointment and/or information session prior to enrollment
• Complete all funding assistance paperwork (if applicable) before enrollment
• Provide documentation of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent (note: international credentials may require evaluation)
• Pass criminal background check and drug screen
• Proof of immunizations and physical exam may be required