Phlebotomy Certificate

Program Overview

Peninsula College's Phlebotomy certificate program prepares students for entry-level employment in healthcare settings. The program covers essential skills in blood withdrawal techniques, medical terminology, and patient care. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCCT Phlebotomy Technician Certification exam and can expect high demand in the growing field, with potential earnings of up to $45,940/year in Washington State.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Peninsula College Phlebotomy certificate is intended to equip students for entry-level employment in diverse healthcare settings. Medical Assistant-Phlebotomists are licensed under RCW 18.360 to carry out capillary, venous, and arterial invasive procedures for blood extraction and additional duties under the oversight of a healthcare provider.

Objectives:

• Prepare students for phlebotomy positions and a national phlebotomy credentialing exam
• Impart essential skills necessary for capillary, venous, and arterial blood withdrawal techniques
• Design courses aligned with recommendations from local employers and industry trends
• Provide a Phlebotomy certificate program that is considerably more cost-effective compared to most private and public institutions

Program Description:

The coursework covers:

• Phlebotomy principles and practices
• Medical terminology
• Patient care and communication
• Blood collection techniques (capillary, venous, arterial)
• Electrocardiograms (ECGs)
• Laboratory safety and regulations
• Ethical and legal aspects of healthcare
• National certification preparation

Outline:

Course Schedule (Sample):

First Quarter (Fall):

• Human Relations (HUMDV 120)
• Research in Health and Social Sciences (INFO 101)
• Medical Terminology for Medical Assistants (MED 102)
• Introduction to Phlebotomy (MED 125)

Second Quarter (Winter):

• English Composition I (ENGL& 101)
• First Aid for Healthcare Providers (FA 180)
• Intermediate Phlebotomy with Lab (MED 126)

Third Quarter (Spring):

• Applied Math for Professional & Tech Programs I (AMATH 121)
• Advanced Phlebotomy with Externship/Capstone (MED 127)

Additional Information:

• The program emphasizes practical skills development through hands-on training in the laboratory and clinical settings.
• Students are required to complete an externship/capstone project in the final quarter.

Careers:

Career Opportunities and Earnings:

Graduates can expect employment primarily in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, doctor's offices, and other outpatient clinics. The profession is experiencing high demand, with a projected 17% growth from 2019-2029 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Washington State and the Pacific region, Phlebotomists with advanced skills and experience can earn up to $23.92/hour, or between $39,410 to $45,940/year.

Potential Positions:

• Forensic phlebotomist
• Lab assistant
• Medical assistant-phlebotomist