Phlebotomy Technician Certificate

Program Overview

Major ID: 339C

Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring

The Phlebotomy Technician program is a combination of classroom, laboratory and applied experiences that will provide students with the training needed for employment in phlebotomy careers. Following the on-campus phlebotomy didactic coursework, students are assigned to a clinical affiliate for the clinical experience. This required portion of the curriculum provides an opportunity for demonstration of technical and affective skill competency. Students spend 100 hours at the affiliate where they must perform a minimum of 100 successful blood collection procedures, under the supervision of affiliate staff.

After program completion, graduates are eligible to take the Phlebotomy Technician Certification examination administered through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification.

Phlebotomy technicians serve an integral role as members of the healthcare team. Phlebotomy is an entry level position in healthcare. Trained to collect blood specimens from patients, Phlebotomy technicians are skilled professionals who assist physicians in diagnosis and treatment of disease by ensuring the high quality of the specimen they provide for laboratory analysis. They practice safety to protect themselves and the patients they serve. Additionally, because phlebotomy involves significant direct patient contact, these laboratory professionals become the face of the laboratory and must adhere to standards of professional behavior and appearance.

Qualifications include an ability to work accurately under pressure, and to communicate effectively. Phlebotomy technicians like challenge and responsibility and are committed to providing high quality care to patients.

Employment growth in this field is faster than average and is expected to increase by 27% from 2012 - 2022 according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Career Opportunities

Phlebotomy technicians are employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, blood donation centers and other outpatient care centers.

Program Outcomes 

1. The graduate will demonstrate proper selection and use of phlebotomy equipment for safe specimen procurement that maintains optimal specimen integrity.
2. The graduate will demonstrate awareness of and ability to respond to complications or special considerations.
3. The graduate will demonstrate standard safety practices designed to prevent injury or illness using Standard Precautions (including the use of Personal Protective Equipment).
4. The graduate will demonstrate effective interpersonal/professional/self-management skills to fulfill his/her job responsibilities in interactions with patients, colleagues and other members of the health care team.
5. The graduate will be prepared to take the examination administered by the Board of Certification under the direction of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
6. The graduate will demonstrate preparedness for entry level employment as a phlebotomy technician.

Additional Program Requirements 

• Grade of “C” (2.0) or higher in all courses with A/F grading criteria
• Pass (P) grade demonstrating satisfactory performance in meeting skill competencies in the PHLB clinical experience course
• Evidence of immunity to specified diseases
• Evidence of a cleared criminal background study prior to clinical experience placement. For more information about the background study process and disqualifying crimes, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services at 651.296.3802.

Textbook and Supply Costs

Students should expect to spend approximately $680.00 beyond the cost of tuition and fees, for books, supplies, certification exam and liability insurance. Students are responsible for parking and transportation costs for the clinical experience portion of the program.

Required Phlebotomy Technician Certificate Seminar

Students must attend a mandatory Phlebotomy Seminar to complete required documentation during the first week of the second semester PHLB courses.

Readmission to the Program

Students who intend to be readmitted to the program, after leaving before completing all requirements, must schedule an appointment to meet with the PHLB Program Director before registering for the phlebotomy classes. Readmit applicants are considered on a space available basis. Being readmitted to Saint Paul College does not imply readmission to the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate program. 

Program Faculty 

Julia Bartlett
julia.bartlett@saintpaul.edu