This program allows students to acquire the skill necessary to perform a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and standard precautions. Students will learn how to properly identify the patient, interpret tests requested on requisitions, accurately explain the procedure to the patient, prepare patients accordingly, perform skin/vein punctures, draw blood into correct tubes with the proper additives, affix tubes with electronically printed labels, instruct patients on post-puncture care, restore hemostasis of the puncture site, and deliver specimens to a laboratory. Emphasis is placed on infection prevention, practicing standard and universal precautions, proper specimen handling, and quality control; however, topics such as professionalism, ethics, and some medical terminology will also be covered.
Entrance Requirements: Completion of a Phlebotomy Technician Application, an unofficial copy of a High School diploma or equivalency (GED or HiSET), a copy of a valid driver’s license or government issued ID, and a copy of a social security card.
Required Immunizations: The immunizations listed below are not required by WCJC to attend the college; however, they are required by all clinical facilities in order to attend and successfully complete the program. MMR (proof of two (2) vaccines or blood work showing immunity), Hepatitis B Series (proof of all three (3) vaccines or blood work showing immunity), Varicella (proof of two (2) vaccines or blood work showing immunity), Tetanus (must be within the last 10 years and valid through the whole program), TB Skin Test (must be skin test or x-ray showing negative and within 60 days of the first day of class), proof of Flu Vaccine (must be from the current flu season) or Vaccine Exemption Letter, and COVID 19 Vaccine. All immunization records must be received no later than one (1) week prior to the start of the program.
Materials Needed: Textbooks will be included in the cost of tuition. Students are responsible for the purchase of scrubs (top and bottom) and non-skid shoes (tennis shoes are acceptable).
Clinical Information: This program requires 120 hours of supervised work-based instruction through clinical rotations where students refine skills in drawing blood from patients for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research. Clinical assignments are determined during the lecture/skills training portion of the program and will begin once that portion of the program ends. Clinical sites are decided by the college and cannot be changed. Clinical schedules are set by the clinical site and cannot be altered once assigned. Please be aware that additional expenses may arise during clinical rotations and at the student’s expense.
Certification Information: Upon completion, students are urged to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology’s (ASCP) Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PBT) examination or National Healthcareer Association’s (NHA) Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) examination at an additional cost.
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