Phlebotomy Technician Program

The Phlebotomy Technician (phlebotomist) is an integral member of the medical laboratory team whose primary function is the collection of blood samples from patients.  The practice of phlebotomy generally refers to the collection of blood from a vein but often other micro-collection techniques, such as those involving the use of a sterile lancet for piercing, are applied.  Phlebotomists draw blood from people for tests, transfusions, donations 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.  Phlebotomists work in the laboratories of hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices.  The need to assure quality and patient safety mandates strict professional behavior and standards of practice for these technicians.  Phlebotomy Technicians earn an average income of $21,000-$33,000.

Why Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomist choose this profession because of the flexible hours, good pay, the choices of employment including per diem, contract staffing, temp to hire, direct placement or working extra weekends a month.  These technicians can often set their own schedule.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for skilled phlebotomists are expected to be larger than the supply of qualified applicants over the next few years.  Many people start out as phlebotomists and continue their education to become medical or clinical laboratory technicians or scientists.

Curriculum

Students will complete two classes as part of the Coffeyville Community College (CCC) Phlebotomy program.  Clinicals will be performed at local hospitals and doctors' offices.  Upon completion of this course, students will qualify to sit for the national certification exam.

• MEDA-128  Phlebotomy Essential Class, 3 credits
• MEDA-129  Phlebotomy Clinical Applications, 3 credits

Description of Courses

MEDA-128.  Phlebotomy Essentials.  3 Hours.  This course offers skill development in the performance of a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and universal precautions including: vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles and blood culture, and specimen collection on adults, children and infants.  Emphasis is on infection prevention, proper patient identification, labeling of specimens and quality assurance, specimen handling, processing and accessioning. Point of Care Testing (POCT) will also be discussed for waived laboratory procedures.

MEDA-129.  Phlebotomy Clinical Applications. 3 Hours.  This course is an intermediate or advanced type of health professions work-based instruction that helps students gain practical experience in the discipline, enhances skills, and integrates knowledge.  The emphasis is on practical work experience for which the student has already acquired the necessary theoretical knowledge and basic skills.  Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional, generally a clinical preceptor.

The student will demonstrate skill development in the performance of a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and standard precautions which include: vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles and blood culture, and specimen collection on adults, children, and infants.  Emphasis is on infection control and prevention, proper patient identification, labeling of specimens, quality assurance, specimen handling, processing and accessioning.

The course is designed to allow students to develop the skills, knowledge, and attitude required to function in a professional manner in the health care setting.  Laboratory information services, client services and quality assurance may be covered.  Students must perform a minimum of 50 successful venipunctures and 25 successful skin punctures.  Students will be scheduled for 120+ hours of clinical.  Students who successfully complete Clinical Rotation will be awarded a certificate of completion and be eligible to take a national certification exam.  Prerequisite:  Successful completion of Phlebotomy Essentials, students must be 18 years of age prior to sitting for national registry exam, and high school diploma/GED required before taking the national registry exam.

Cost

The cost is based on six credit hours of college-level course work in addition to lab and clinical fees.