At Cumberland Valley School District, we believe in providing our students with the resources they need to succeed in their future careers. Because of this, Cumberland Valley will fund at least 50% of your Emerge Prepared program, normally ranging from $2,500 to $4,000, through a generous educational fund.
What does a Phlebotomy Technician do?
A certified phlebotomy technician is a professional who is trained to collect blood samples. As their role as an allied health professional continues to expand, other tasks such as collecting throat cultures and urine specimens (non-blood samples) are being added to the duties of a phlebotomy technician.
Blood and non-blood specimens are collected for testing, so they can be analyzed in a clinical laboratory. Specimen tests are used to diagnose illness, evaluate the effectiveness of medications, determine whether a patient is receiving proper nutrition, and more.
Where do they work?
Phlebotomy technicians most often work in hospitals and outpatient labs, but can also work in physician’s offices, student health centers, correctional facilities, plasma centers, blood banks, or other healthcare facilities.
Requirements
- Web browser with internet connection
- Course registration & payment
Training Materials Provided
- Expert-led video based training
- eBook: Phlebotomy Worktext and Procedures Manual
- Competency assessments
- National Certification exam fee
Clinical Requirement
As an approved program in the UPMC Pathway, students enrolled in this program will complete their clinical requirements in a UPMC site. If you have any questions about the clinical requirements of this program, please discuss them with your Training Specialist. Students will also be eligible for career positions in UPMC sites.
Phlebotomy Technician
Outcomes
Healthcare employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that over the next decade there will be nearly 2 million new positions available for those interested in healthcare.
Skills Learned
Upon completion of this training, you’ll be able to:
- Knowing medical terminology, disease processes, anatomy, and physiology
- Understanding the responsibilities of patient care and monitoring, safety, and compliance
- Grasping the importance of customer service, communication skills, and professionalism
- Collecting blood and non-blood specimens for testing and analyzing in a clinical laboratory
- Effectively communicating with patients, doctors and medical staff efficiently and understand the importance of bedside manner
- Verifying patients’ identity to ensure proper labeling of specimens and entry of information into a database
- Assembling and maintaining equipment such as needles and specimen containers
- Keeping a clean, sanitary and safe work environment
- Appreciating the role of HIPAA, OSHA, COLA and CLIA-waived testing
Courses
Professionalism in Allied Health |
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Medical Terminology |
Phlebotomy |
Phlebotomy Technician Job Possibilities
HIDDEN
Laboratory Specimen Processor
HIDDEN
Phlebotomy Technician
HIDDEN
Laboratory Assistant
Certification Information
After completion of our Phlebotomy training program, you will have the knowledge to pass the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam, issued through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), and begin your career in healthcare.
Upon completion of this program, students wishing to complete the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam will be required to complete 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks on a live person. Students should already be working in the field to complete this requirement.
CPT
Certified Phlebotomy Technician
The CPT exam ensures you are knowledgable and fully prepared to work as a phlebotomy technician in a clinical environment.
Issuing Authority
Phlebotomy Technician Enrollment
- Students who wish to enroll in an online certificate program must connect first with their school's guidance counselor to get approval. Please contact Mrs. Miller at 717.506.3401 or admiller@cvschools.org to get started.
- Students must then receive parent consent via a signed copy of the Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling in a program (available through the guidance office).
- The students' guidance counselor will work directly with Harrisburg University to enroll them for the program.
- Emerge Prepared programs are fully funded through a generous educational fund so no payment is collected from the student.
- Upon enrolling, students will be paired with a Student Success Advisor who will act as a coach and mentor throughout the program.
If students need additional funding source, we offer many convenient options.
Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.
Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.
Pay for your training with an education loan through Sallie Mae or Meritize.
Complete the course registration process to reserve your seat using one of these options.
PROGRAM COMPARISONS
EMERGE PREPARED | similar Community College Program | |
|---|---|---|
Program & Tuition Cost | $4,000 | Up to $20,000 |
Exam Fees, Books & Materials | Included | Up to $750 |
Schedule Flexibility | On-demand 24/7 | Set class schedule |
Travel Requirements | None: 100% online | On-campus classrooms |
Student Support | Personal Advisors: text, call and email access | Professors: scheduled office hours |
Career Coaching | Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers | Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit |
Content Delivery | 3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning | Professor lectures |
Meet Your Training Specialist!
Your Workforce Training Specialist will help you understand your program, help with clinical placement, and answer any questions you have! Get in touch with your Workforce Training Specialist to learn more about your program, Harrisburg University, and how to start achieving your career goals.
To begin the enrollment process, please contact Mrs. Miller at 717.506.3401 or admiller@cvschools.org to get started.
FAQ
Students have access to complete program materials for two years. But most students finish their courses sooner.
Note: Some programs require a clinical component beyond the online coursework which extends the program length.
A phlebotomy technician needs a number of skills to be successful. They need to have coordination, because it takes a steady hand and good eye-hand coordination to draw blood while causing as little pain to the patient as possible. They need to have attention to detail, because everything needs to be properly labeled and stored to avoid mixing, lost or contaminated samples. Also, communication and stamina are important skills to possess, because you’ll be working for hours on your feet with patients who may be nervous around needles.
The number of hours a phlebotomist works depends on the work location. In a clinic or donation center, you might work a fairly normal weekday full-time schedule. In a hospital you may be required to work night shifts and weekends. Phlebotomy technicians typically work 40 hours a week, but may work overtime hours in clinical and hospital environments.
The best place to work as a phlebotomy technician will depend on your desired workplace environment. Some phlebotomists may enjoy the challenges of a hospital or clinic environment, whereas others might prefer more predictable office hours like in a doctor's office.
Medical assistants work alongside physicians to provide both administrative and clinical support. A phlebotomy technician is solely trained to draw blood.
Yes. For most phlebotomy professional certifications, you need to earn a certain number of continuing education credits every two years. There are short courses you can take to fulfill this requirement.