Phlebotomy Technician, Certificate

Certificate

The mission of the MCCC Phlebotomy Technician Program is to prepare students to become competent entry-level phlebotomy technicians through a comprehensive, two-semester educational program that fosters learning opportunities in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical environments. The program includes an emphasis on effective communication, critical thinking, safety, and ethical and legal practices. Graduates will be prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain and accurately process laboratory specimens, pursue discipline-specific national certification, and work in medical facilities and research environments with a diverse population.

A phlebotomist has a vital role in the healthcare system and employment opportunities are favorable. Phlebotomists may work in free-standing laboratories, hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, home care areas and blood donation centers. Additionally, phlebotomists may be cross-trained as patient care technicians. 

A phlebotomy technician performs dermal and venipuncture techniques to collect blood specimens necessary in the diagnosis and treatment of a client. In addition to blood collection skills, successful specimen collection requires a phlebotomist to demonstrate competence, professionalism, and good communication and public relations skills. Moreover, the phlebotomist may perform point-of-care testing, obtain non-blood specimens for analysis, process and transport specimens, and maintain safety and quality control procedures. The aforementioned procedures, as well as anatomy and physiology, communication, legal, ethical and professional concepts related to the role of the phlebotomist will be studied in this program.

The phlebotomy certificate program consists of two classes. HLTSC 158 (Phlebotomy Basics) is a six-credit hour course that includes the theory of phlebotomy as well as laboratory skills experience in the classroom. HLTSC 159 (Phlebotomy II) is a four-credit hour course and includes theory, an online component, a 120-hour clinical externship at a CMS-approved and accredited laboratory facility, and preparation to take the American College for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and/or the National Health Alliance (NHA) national phlebotomy certification exam. By passing these exams, students will earn either the PBT (Phlebotomy Technician - ASCP) or the CPT (Certified Phlebotomy Technician - NHA) credential.

The requirements for a clinical externship include:

1. Passing HLTSC 158  (Phlebotomy Basics) with a grade of “C” or better.
2. HLTSC 158  (Phlebotomy Basics) and HLTSC 159  (Phlebotomy II) must be taken in consecutive semesters. Deviations from this sequence may only be made with appropriate approval of the instructor and division dean offering the course.
3. Immunizations and health examinations are required at the student’s expense to ensure that the student can meet the technical standards of the program and the requirements of partner clinical agencies.
4. An active American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification for professional rescuer of infant, child and adult will be required during the program. More information will be provided to students at the beginning of the program.
5. Students admitted to health science programs must consent to background/security checks including a criminal background check and drug screening. The student may be responsible for any cost associated with the background/security/drug screening checks. Certain criminal convictions may render a student ineligible to train at clinical sites which are necessary in order to successfully complete the program. The college will review the results and determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether to deny admission to any individual based on the results of the background check, criminal background check, and drug screening. Despite the passage of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act in November 2018, the possession of marijuana remains prohibited under United States Federal Law and MCCC policy (6.21). The College and Health Sciences Division prohibits employees, students, and members of the public from possessing or using marijuana (legal or medicinal) on College property or during any College activity. Health occupation students must consent to random drug screening with negative results for marijuana or any illicit substance. Failure to provide a negative drug screen will prevent participation in the program and/or result in program dismissal.
6. Phlebotomy students are required to have professional liability and personal health insurance. The professional liability insurance is provided by the college. Personal health insurance must be obtained by the student and maintained throughout both courses in the program, HLTSC 158  (Phlebotomy Basics) and HLTSC 159  (Phlebotomy II). Proof of insurance will be required prior to participating in any lab or clinical activity.
7. Students who wish to review or enhance phlebotomy skills may elect to take HLTSC 158  (Phlebotomy Basics) and not HLTSC 159  (Phlebotomy II), but a certificate will not be awarded.
8. Students must complete the necessary prerequisites before the beginning of a clinical rotation. Each student must pass both the lab and theory portion of HLTSC 158  (Phlebotomy Basics) with a “C” average (78 percent) or better to be eligible for a phlebotomy externship, HLTSC 159  (Phlebotomy II). Students must complete both courses with a “C” average or better in order to be awarded the phlebotomy technician certificate.
9. In addition to college rules, phlebotomy technician students are required to adhere to policies and procedures outlined in the Phlebotomy Technician Student Handbook provided in HLTSC 158  (Phlebotomy Basics). Students must be available to work 120 hours in consecutive days as part of the clinical externship which is part of HLTSC 159  (Phlebotomy II). Students must be aware that afternoon shifts cannot be guaranteed for the clinical externship. The clinical externship will be arranged by the phlebotomy instructor in a CMS-regulated laboratory facility. The clinical externship will be completed without monetary compensation.

Note: Any expense accrued for the above requirements is the responsibility of the student.

Technical Standards

The purpose of the technical standards is to inform students choosing to enter into a health occupation program of the basic minimal technical standard requirements that must be met in order to complete all coursework, objectives and student outcomes. The listed standards encompass what is minimally required to perform necessary tasks. This list is not exhaustive, and can be modified as the college deems necessary at any time. Students enrolled in a health occupation program at MCCC must provide care that is safe and effective. These technical standards apply to any student enrolling in any one of the health occupations programs. The student must be able to demonstrate sufficient cognitive, professional, motor (physical), sensory and other abilities, with or without accommodation, to meet program technical standards. Technical standard requirements are listed below. Examples of tasks associated with each requirement and standard are available for review by visiting the Health Sciences Division section of the MCCC website. Prospective students are encouraged to review the Technical Standards for Health Occupational Programs document in its entirety prior to enrolling in or applying to any health occupation course or program.

• Critical Thinking and Cognitive Competencies: Sufficient critical thinking and cognitive abilities in classroom and clinical settings.
• Professionalism: Interpersonal skills sufficient for professional interaction with a diverse population of individuals, families and groups.
• Communication: Communication sufficient for professional interactions.
• Mobility: Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room to room and in small spaces.
• Motor Skills: Gross and fine motor abilities which are sufficiently effective and safe for providing allied health care.
• Sensory: Auditory and visual ability sufficient for observing, monitoring and assessing health needs.
• Observation: Ability to sufficiently make observations in a health care environment consistent with program competencies.
• Tactile sense: Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment.

A prospective student or participant in the program with an approved documented disability can request reasonable accommodations to meet these standards. The college will provide appropriate accommodations, but it is not required to fundamentally alter the requirements or nature of the program or lower its academic standards. Requests for accommodations should be directed to a Disability Services counselor in the Student Success Center. To make an appointment, please call 734.384.4167.