0002 - Phlebotomy Technician

Course Description

This 90-hour Phlebotomy Technician Program from Commonwealth University prepares professionals to collect blood specimens from clients for the purpose of laboratory analysis.  Students will become familiar with all aspects related to blood collection and develop comprehensive skills to perform venipunctures completely and safely.

Non-credit training programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing you with effective face-to-face and web-based learning programs. Instructors/course mentors are actively involved in your learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, as well as encouraging and motivating you to succeed. The training programs offered through Workforce Development are not part of academic degree programs.

The Phlebotomy Technician training will consist of 90 hours of face-to-face instruction including lectures, lab activities and demonstrations. Classroom and lab work include terminology, anatomy and physiology; blood collection procedures; specimen hands-on practice; and training in skills and techniques to perform puncture methods.  

Course Objectives

Basic Medical Knowledge:

• Anatomy and physiology, particularly focusing on the circulatory system and vein structure.
• Medical terminology relevant to healthcare settings.

Phlebotomy Techniques:

• Venipuncture procedures, including proper needle insertion and blood draw techniques.
• Capillary puncture methods for collecting blood from fingers or ears 
• Choosing the correct collection tubes with additives based on required tests 

Infection Control and Safety:

• Standard precautions to prevent the spread of infection
• Proper handling of needles and sharps disposal
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) usage

Specimen Collection and Handling:

• Labeling blood samples accurately and completely
• Proper storage and transportation of specimens
• Understanding special handling requirements for specific test

Patient Interaction:

• Effective communication with patients to ease anxiety
• Patient identification and consent procedures
• Addressing patient concerns and questions

Legal and Ethical Considerations: 

• Patient privacy regulations (HIPAA)
• Ethical considerations in blood collection
• Legal implications of phlebotomy practice

National Certification:  Students who complete this program will have the opportunity to pursue the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Exam.

Clinical Externship:  This program includes an optional 40-hour clinical externship opportunity.  To be eligible for the clinical externship, students must successfully complete the 90-hour program, submit to a thorough background check, drug screening and meet other requirements. 

^{Non-credit training programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing you with effective face-to-face and web-based learning programs. Instructors/course mentors are actively involved in your learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, as well as encouraging and motivating you to succeed. The training programs offered through Workforce Development are not part of academic degree programs.}

Credit for Prior Learning:  This course equates to 2 credits (HLSC 199) in health science at Commonwealth University, with the option for an additional one credit for documentation of completing an externship.