Phlebotomy Technician

Course Description:

The Phlebotomy Technician Program is an intensive 80-clock hours hybrid course designed to provide students with the knowledge and hands-on skills required to become proficient phlebotomists. This program includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers both theoretical concepts and practical procedures essential for blood collection, venipuncture, and specimen handling. Students will gain an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, infection control protocols, and the ethical and legal responsibilities of a Phlebotomy Technician. This program is ideal for individuals looking to start or advance their career in the medical field by training to become a certified Phlebotomy Technician. The hybrid delivery mode combines in-person instruction with practical lab experience, ensuring that students acquire both technical expertise and a solid foundation in the core aspects of phlebotomy practice.

Course Outcome:

Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the Phlebotomy Technician Program, students will be able to:

Demonstrate proficiency in venipuncture, skin puncture, and specimen handling, ensuring proper collection, labeling, and transport.
Apply basic knowledge of human anatomy, body systems, and medical terminology to phlebotomy practice.
Follow infection control procedures, including sanitation, sterilization, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to ensure a safe environment.
Understand healthcare laws, patient rights, and ethical responsibilities, including HIPAA regulations, relevant to the role of a Phlebotomy Technician.
Demonstrate proper use and handling of phlebotomy equipment, ensuring quality and safety in blood collection procedures.

Week 1: Introduction to Phlebotomy & Foundational Concepts

22 hours

- Introduction to Phlebotomy Overview of phlebotomy as a profession
- The role of blood collection in healthcare
- Responsibilities of a phlebotomist in patient care and diagnostics
- Infection Control Principles of infection prevention and control in phlebotomy
- Standard precautions: hand hygiene, PPE

The role of phlebotomists in minimizing infection risk
Safe practices when working with blood and bodily fluids
Handling sharps, spills, and hazardous materials
Following OSHA and safety protocols in the lab
Overview of body systems with a focus on the circulatory system
Understanding veins, arteries, and capillaries for effective venipuncture

Safety Guidelines
Basic Human Anatomy & Physiology

Week 2: Phlebotomy Techniques & Specialized Procedures

22 hours

- Phlebotomy Equipment Introduction to essential blood collection tools (needles, vacutainers, collection tubes)
- Types of needles and when to use them
- Proper sterilization and maintenance of equipment
- Phlebotomy Techniques Step-by-step venipuncture and capillary collection procedures
- Patient positioning and vein selection
- Minimizing discomfort and ensuring a successful blood draw
- Handling Complications & Patient Reactions Common reactions (fainting, hematoma, nausea) and how to manage them
- Identifying and handling complications: arterial puncture, nerve injury
- Strategies to comfort anxious or difficult patients
- Special Populations: Pediatric Phlebotomy Techniques for capillary blood collection (fingerstick, heelstick)
- Special considerations for pediatric patients

Communicating effectively with children and caregivers

Week 3: Advanced Phlebotomy Topics & Competencies

24 hours

- Non-Blood Collection Special Procedures Collection of non-blood specimens (urine, sputum, throat cultures)
- Proper techniques for non-blood sample collection and handling
- Sample Preparation & Handling Preparing blood samples for testing (centrifugation, aliquoting)
- Storage and transport guidelines to maintain sample integrity
- Importance of labeling and chain of custody
- Customer Service in Phlebotomy Key customer service skills for phlebotomists
- Dealing with difficult patients and providing exceptional care
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Phlebotomy Legal considerations (consent, confidentiality, patient rights)
- Ethical responsibilities in phlebotomy: professionalism, accuracy, patient dignity
- Overview of HIPAA and its relevance to phlebotomists
- Phlebotomist Competencies Required competencies for effective phlebotomy practice
- Introduction to laboratory tests, specimen requirements, and phlebotomist’s role
- Preparing for certification exams