
Phlebotomists are healthcare professionals who, under the supervision of physicians and other healthcare professionals, perform blood collection procedures using a variety of intrusive techniques. The phlebotomist is primarily responsible for collecting blood and body fluid specimens from patients for the purpose of laboratory analysis.
Phlebotomists are an integral member of a healthcare team and must be well-trained in all aspects of collection and transport of specimens to be used in the diagnoses, treatments, and prevention of diseases.
The Phlebotomist program integrates theoretical, practical and interpersonal skills providing the basis for the graduate to work as an effective entry-level phlebotomist in a variety of healthcare delivery systems.
Students will learn sample requirements for various clinical laboratory departments, make judgments regarding possible sample discrepancies, use appropriate equipment for the collection of samples, use venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques, apply specimen transport and process techniques, understand quality assurance and safety techniques, and become aware of the medical and legal implications of blood and body fluids collection. Graduates will be prepared to take a national certification examination.
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Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
1. Students who have completed BIOL2252 and BIOL2254 may substitute both courses for BIOL1004.
2. MATH 0090 or equivalent must be completed less than 5 years ago. If over 5 years, an assessment will be done by the student to determine placement.
3. Students must have workable knowledge in the sciences. Classes completed more than 5 years ago, may not transfer.
4. Students must complete the Minnesota Department of Human Services Licensing Division Background Study and National Background Study upon program entry and annually thereafter. Evidence of approval to provide healthcare must be on file prior to the start of PHLB 1106.
5. The NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certification exam is given as part of the PHLB 1106 curriculum. Students must achieve a passing grade on this test to pass the course and complete the program.
6. All required courses for the Phlebotomy Program must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
7. Students on academic warning will not be guaranteed a clinical internship.
8. PHLB 1104, PHLB 1105, and PHLB 1106 must be completed concurrently in the same semester. If a student does not pass one of these courses, they will need to retake them all the following year to complete the program.
9. All requirements for graduation, including developmental courses (ENGL0095, MATH0090), must be completed prior to the start of PHLB 1106, with the exception of the NHA exam, which will be administered on the last day of clinical at Northland proctor center.
10. Required immunization and health data on the College's Health Screening Form must be submitted prior to the start of PHLB 1106.
11. Current CPR for Health Care Providers (AHA) or CPR for Professional Rescuer (RC) certification is required prior to PHLB 1104. Certification must be kept current for the duration of enrollment in this program.
Required Courses |
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| Course # | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1004 | Intro Anatomy & Phys | 3 credits |
| CPTR 1100 | Computer Basics | 1 credits |
| HLTH 1106 | Medical Terminology | 2 credits |
| HLTH 1108 | Cultural Diversity | 1 credits |
| PHLB 1104 | Phlebotomy Procedures | 2 credits |
| PHLB 1105 | Phlebotomy Lab Skills | 1 credits |
| PHLB 1106 | Clinical Phlebotomy Inter | 3 credits |
| SSCI 1101 | Human Relations | 3 credits |
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 16 credits | |
1. Student will practice safety and infection control at all times in the collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis.
2. Student will collect and process biological specimens properly for analysis using established procedures including patient identification.
3. Student will perform point of care testing appropriate to lab policies and procedures, including troubleshooting unexpected results and instrument malfunction.
4. Student will maintain proper records for quality assurance and quality control.
5. Student will communicate professionally and maintain ethical standards with all healthcare professionals, patients and the public with respect for diversity of culture, age and gender.
6. Student will use appropriate collection devices in a variety of phlebotomy situations.
Counselors are available in the Career Center to assist with career advising, job search resources, employer connections, occupational descriptions, employment outlook, earnings, education/training requirements and sources.
Phlebotomy is a versatile profession that prepares a student to work in a variety of settings such hospitals, medical laboratories, physician offices and clinics, blood banks, extended care facilities, insurance companies, and various other healthcare settings. Employment opportunities exist throughout the country. With experience, some phlebotomists are promoted to higher-level positions such as phlebotomy supervisor or laboratory assistance. Some may choose to move into related fields like medical assistant, nursing aide, or patient care technician.
The employment outlook for medical assistants in the state of Minnesota from 2009 to 2019 is 29.6%, a well above average growth percentage.