This training prepares the student to draw blood specimens from patients for the purpose of testing and analyzing blood. Students must successfully complete 100 venipunctures and 25 skin punctures and have orientation in a full service lab.
NOTE: Students must initiate a criminal background check and drug screen before registering for a Phlebotomy class. If denied access to a clinical facility, the student will not be able to progress in the program due to the inability to meet clinical requirements and will be unable to continue in the program.
Occupation Description
Phlebotomists, integral members of the medical laboratory team, select venipuncture sites, draw blood, and care for specimens to be used for testing and analysis. They also maintain related equipment and handle clerical duties and computer related documentation. Phlebotomists may be the only contact the patient has with the medical lab so customer service and communication skills are essential.
Careers Available (Employment Opportunities)
Employment opportunities for Phlebotomists exist in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, blood banks, and other locations. Phlebotomy Technician vacancies vary. Phlebotomy graduates who demonstrate skill proficiencies as well as professionalism, reliability, enthusiasm, team work, excellent customer services and communication skills have a greater opportunity of receiving job offers.
Entry-Level Salary (Low-High)
Earnings for Phlebotomists vary depending on experience, education and skill level. Phlebotomy Technicians are typically paid hourly and pay rates vary by state, shift, schooling and experience. Typical hourly wages are $10.14 - $17.92
Learning Objectives (Course Info)
The Forsyth Tech Community College course is designed to teach students skills required to be excellent phlebotomists. Class content includes:
- Phlebotomy: Past, Present, & Healthcare Setting
- Quality Assurance and Legal Issues
- Infection Control, Safety, First Aide, and Personal Wellness
- Blood Collection Equipment, Additives, and Order of Draws
- Venipuncture Procedures
- Preanalytical Considerations
- Capillary Puncture Equipment and Procedures
- Special Collections and Point-of-Care Testing
- Arterial Puncture Procedures
- Nonblood Specimens and Testing
- Computers and Specimen Handling and Processing
- Medical Terminology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Circulatory System
- HRD skills related to teamwork, customer service, and communication
Recommended Courses and Skills (Technical Skills)
Phlebotomy candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and have successfully completed a placement test with reading at a 10th grade level and math at a 6th grade level. To participate in the Forsyth Tech phlebotomy course, candidates must be CNA1s, graduates of a state approved NA1 course, or have had direct patient care experience with a letter of recommendation on letterhead from a clinical professional who supervised the care.
Healthcare Provider CPR Certification by the American Heart Association is required before a student can attend clinical rotations. Before class completion, they must also demonstrate proficiency with phlebotomy skills.
There are no state certification requirements but employers prefer to hire experienced workers and may give preference to applicants who pass a national certification examination, indicating the individual meets certain standards of competence.
Helpful Personal Attributes (Soft Skills)
Human resource skills are essential for work in health care. Such skills include professionalism, teamwork, customer services, and communication skills. They also need to be organized and self-starters. Safety is key and all precautions must be taken to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
Program Contact: Graham Hyder at 336.734.7733 or Judy Snowden at 336.734.7749
