The Phlebotomy program is a two-quarter sequence of classes that prepares technicians for testing by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and employment into the medical laboratory field. The two-quarter sequence of classes focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to function as a member of a laboratory healthcare team in a variety of settings.
Phlebotomy classes are scheduled for two consecutive quarters. During the first quarter, lecture classes are normally held two afternoons per week. During the second quarter, students complete 120 hours of supervised clinical experience in various medical facilities throughout the Tri-Cities area. These 120 clinical hours are arranged by the instructor. Students need to accommodate the hours of the facility to complete these clinical hours.
In order for students to successfully complete the Phlebotomy program course work, they must achieve a 70 percent average or higher on the testing during the first quarter in order to continue in the second quarter for clinical coursework. Students that successfully complete both quarters receive a Certificate of Completion from CBC with academic credit.
American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) provides membership and pathways to qualify for National Certification. This licensing examination is not included in student tuition or registration and has additional expenses to the student.
Phlebotomy Course Expectations and Competencies
Phlebotomists work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, blood banks, doctor offices, or outpatient laboratories. Students are required to collect blood and other specimen types from patients for analysis or other medical purposes. Students will become proficient in the various blood collection methods using supplies such as tourniquets, needles, syringes, multi-sample systems, and correctly handling and packaging of sharps containers. Students are required to follow all policies and procedures set forth by clinical agencies laboratory standards as well as the College policies and protocol. Attendance of all classes is mandatory.
Students must establish a working knowledge of patient identification practices and HIPPA requirements. Phlebotomists understand and navigate computer programs as related to their position. Students will exhibit the highest standard of professionalism when it come to interacting with patients and every healthcare worker while in lecture, lab, and clinical hours.
Students work with patients of various age spans and must be able to relate and alleviate fear of any procedure. The following is a brief list of some functions students are expected to perform while in the phlebotomy lecture, lab, or clinical setting:
- Drawing of blood or access a vein on all patient demographics and ages
- Process specimens that are collected and prepare these specimens for transportation
- Provide clear instructions to patients about other collection techniques
- Draw blood from patients by finger stick from children and adults, by heel stick from infants
- Knowledge to test for donor screening or rapid test results (Point of Care Testing)
- Conduct interviews and take vital signs for donors at a blood bank