Phlebotomists collect blood for testing so it can be analyzed in a clinical laboratory. Blood tests are used to diagnose illness, evaluate the effectiveness of medications and determine whether a patient is receiving proper nutrition. As an important member of the clinical laboratory team, a phlebotomist will:

• Draw blood specimens by venipuncture, syringe, and micro-collection techniques
• Collect and process other clinical specimens
• Prepare samples for laboratory testing and analysis
• Assemble and maintain medical instruments such as needles, test tubes, blood vials, and centrifuges

Students perform venipuncture on each other in class. If you have a fear of needles, this may not be the class for you.

Topics include:

• The healthcare setting
• Quality assurance
• Infection control
• Overview of the human body
• The circulatory system
• Blood Collection Procedures
• Order of draw
• Venipunctures
• Capillary punctures

Clinical requirements:

• 40 hours
• Clinical rotations are required to complete course.