Phlebotomists are essential members of the healthcare delivery team who primarily are responsible for collecting blood specimens from patients for laboratory testing. The phlebotomist plays a vital role by obtaining quality specimens that enable the laboratory to deliver meaningful and accurate test results to assist the physician in diagnosis.

The Phlebotomy certificate program is a part-time, two-semester program, offering three classes per year. The program includes lectures and laboratory experiences at CCRI as well as practical training at a clinical site. Instruction is designed to provide both the technical and interpersonal skills required for the competent and professional practice of phlebotomy.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are eligible to sit for a national certification examination for phlebotomy given by recognized agencies. Qualified phlebotomists may be employed in hospital laboratories, private laboratories, doctors’ offices, clinics, emergency rooms or blood donor centers.

Phlebotomy students are eligible for financial aid and the Dean’s List.

Technical standards: The physical activity level (strength) level for phlebotomist (079. 36.022) is classified as “light” by the Department of Labor Dictionary of Occupational Titles.

Note: Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions at the back of the catalog for details.

General Policies

See important general policies in the beginning of this section on the performance-based Health Sciences application process, academic progress, advanced placement, background check, CPR certification, health insurance, health records, reinstatement, transportation, uniforms, and equipment.

Minimum Requirements to Apply to the Phlebotomy Certificate Program

1. CCRI application – Complete and submit a CCRI Application for Enrollment. General Studies should be the first choice; PHLE should be the second choice.
2. High school transcript – An official copy of a high school or GED® transcript, including date of graduation, must be provided. If the applicant holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, the high school transcript may be waived; a college transcript must indicate completion and degree awarded.
3. CCRI uses a multiple measures approach to determine admission into Health Science programs (For example: High School and GED® transcripts, SAT, ACT, HESI A2 or ACCUPLACER scores). Placement can also be determined by taking college level English and Math courses. Anyone with a degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution may have this requirement waived following submission of the official college transcript. If using ACCUPLACER, the following guidelines are used:
   • Placement testing – Complete a standardized test (ACCUPLACER) issued by CCRI’s Advising Center. Students may NOT retake the ACCUPLACER test before completing the remedial course/courses. Note: For application purposes, ACCUPLACER testing can be waived for students who provide documentation of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students are advised that individual departments may still require ACCUPLACER testing as a prerequisite for their courses. ​
   • Reading comprehension test must show competency of 80 or above in Classic ACCUPLACER or a score of 253 or above in Next-Generation ACCUPLACER or students must complete Reading and Study Skills Program (ENGL 1002) with a grade of B- or better. Composition I for Speakers of English as a Second Language (ESL) (ENGL 1300) will not substitute for Composition I (ENGL 1010).
4. Health Sciences application – Complete and submit a performance-based Health Sciences application including a preadmission degree evaluation during the open enrollment period.
   • Important: Submission of a performance-based Health Sciences application does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Acceptance is based on points earned as listed in the program acceptance criteria point system. (See Dean of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences webpage.) At the time of admission, students must meet the current admission requirements. Students declining acceptance into the program for the semester offered must resubmit a performance-based Health Sciences application and meet the current admission requirements.
5. Background check – Students are required to submit a background check when directed by notification from One Stop Student Services.

Program Requirements

• Maintain at least a grade of C in PHLE I and II.
• Program faculty reserve the right to require withdrawal of any student from the program or to refuse reinstatement based on the student’s academic, clinical or professional performance.
• Composition I for Speakers of English as a Second Language (ESL) (ENGL 1300) may not be substituted for Composition I (ENGL 1010).

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

1. Practice accepted standards for infection control and safety as mandated by OSHA and CLSI.
2. Apply understanding of the importance of specimen collection and specimen integrity in the delivery of patient care.
3. Perform venipunctures proficiently following CLSI standards.
4. Perform capillary puncture following CLSI standards.
5. Perform EKG proficiently.
6. Perform specimen transport and processing according to CLSI standards.
7. Apply appropriate quality assurance and quality control to waived laboratory testing according to CLIA regulations.
8. Follow manufacturer's directions for CLIA waived tests.
9. Communicate and interact appropriately with patients, staff and coworkers.
10. Use computers in the workplace.
11. Discuss policies and protocol designed to maintain confidentiality and to avoid medico-legal problems.
12. Apply ICD-CM codes to clinical laboratory testing.

Certificate Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
ENGL 1010	Composition I (or ENGL 1010A) HUMN; Written Communication; Information Literacy	3
MEDL 2385	International Classification of Diseases – Clinical Modification ICD-CM	1
MLTC 1170	Quality Assurance for Point of Care Laboratory Testing	1
MLTC 1960	Clinical Laboratory Information Systems	1
PHLE 1010	Phlebotomy I	6
PHLE 1020	Phlebotomy II 1	6
RESP 2140	Basics of Electrocardiography	1
Subtotal		19
Total Hours		19

¹

Students must be available to train weekdays (eight hours per day, five days per week) for three consecutive weeks.

Recommended Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Semester 1		Hours
ENGL 1010	Composition I (or ENGL 1010A)	3
PHLE 1010	Phlebotomy I	6
MLTC 1960	Clinical Laboratory Information Systems	1
MEDL 2385	International Classification of Diseases – Clinical Modification ICD-CM	1
	Hours	11
Semester 2
PHLE 1020	Phlebotomy II 1	6
MLTC 1170	Quality Assurance for Point of Care Laboratory Testing	1
RESP 2140	Basics of Electrocardiography	1
	Hours	8
	Total Hours	19

¹

Students must be available to train weekdays (eight hours per day, five days per week) for three consecutive weeks.