Health Care Support
Phlebotomy
Program Summary
Phlebotomy Technician (phlebotomist) is an integral member of the medical laboratory team whose primary function is the collection of blood samples from patients by venipuncture or micro-techniques for analysis, donation, transfusions, and research. The phlebotomy technician facilitates the collection and transportation of laboratory specimens, and is often the patient’s only contact with the medical laboratory. The need to assure quality and patient safety mandates strict professional behavior and standards of practice for these practitioners.
Phlebotomy technicians must like challenge and responsibility. They must be accurate, work well under pressure and communicate effectively. They must be able to deal with patient problems and be able to calm them. Safety is key and precautions must be taken to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
While duties differ by doctor office, hospital, and laboratory, some of the duties performed by a phlebotomist include:
- Drawing blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, clinics, doctor offices, laboratories or similar facility for medical purposes
- Assembling equipment (such as needles, blood collection devices, gauze, tourniquet, cotton, and alcohol)
- Verifying records that identity a patient and converses with patients to allay fear
- Labels and stores blood container for processing
- May conduct interview, take vital signs and test blood samples to screen donors at a blood bank
- Be able to analyze information and make appropriate recommendations
Employment Trends
- Average employment growth is expected as the volume of laboratory tests increases with both population growth and the development of new types of tests.
- Phlebotomy technicians are in high-demand. Vacancies have increased significantly as many places need to hire three shifts of technicians. Job opportunities are expected to be excellent.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
- Skills development and preparation leading to certification.
Program Requirements
- Must be health care professional such as Medical Office Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, or Registered Nurse.
Program Curriculum
| Crs # |
Course Name |
Hrs |
| HES418 |
Phlebotomy Technician, Theory |
78 |
| HES440 |
Phlebotomy Technician, Clinical |
100 |
| |
Program total |
178 |
Please check the
Schedule of Courses for courses currently offered.
Certification exams are offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP); International Academy of Phlebotomy Sciences, Inc.; National Certification Agency (NCA); and National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
For more information, contact:
Donna Barker, PGCC Program Coordinator
301-386-0796,
dbarker@pgcc.edu