Phlebotomy Technician

 

Course Description

Course Overview: The phlebotomy technician, or phlebotomist, collects blood samples for a variety of reasons, including medical testing, blood transfusions and blood donations. Blood is collected primarily through venipuncture, although other methods may be used, including finger-stick, heel-stick or butterfly needles. This certification course prepares students for a career as a phlebotomist and meets the requirements to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam. It includes both on-campus classroom lectures and clinical rotation hours at Eastern CT Health Network (ECHN) facilities in the Manchester area, to be assigned by the instructor. An information packet with further information will be emailed to each student once the course fee is paid. 

Clinical Rotation Hours: To participate in clinical rotation hours, all students must first pass a background check and drug screening through CT State Manchester’s provider, Castle Branch, (an additional fee of $72), and submit to the Director of Continuing Education: documentation of health insurance, immunization records (including COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot during flu season), and the Manchester Health Form to show documentation of a recent physical by their Primary Care Physician. Students must attend the mandatory hospital laboratory tour at Manchester Hospital given during class time.  Finally, before clinicals, students must pass a skills competency test with the instructor. Students who fail to meet these requirements will not be allowed to participate in clinical rotation hours, are not eligible to pass the course, and are not eligible for a refund.  Some of the clinical hours will be completed during regular class hours, while the remainder will be completed on weekdays, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. at ECHN laboratories. Clinical hours will be scheduled by the instructor around the student’s schedule to the best of their ability, no guarantee. Students must be available to start clinicals at 7 a.m. As mentioned above, two classes will also be held at Manchester Memorial Hospital. All students must have reliable transportation to class and clinical sites. 

Course Completion: Successful course completion requires passing the Castle Branch background check and drug screening; a minimum course grade of 70; a minimum of 100 completed clinical hours; a minimum of 100 successful, unaided blood draws; and absence from no more than two classes. After the third absence, a student is no longer eligible to pass the course or to sit for the certification exam. Students must have a steady hand with good manual dexterity, 20/20 vision (can be corrected with lenses) and accurate depth perception. All students must have reliable transportation to class and clinical sites. 

Certification Exam: Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the ASCP certification exam (an additional fee of $135). The course instructor will explain how to register for the exam at the end of the course. 

Course Supplies: Included in the cost of the course is the textbook is The Phlebotomy Textbook, 4th Edition, F.A. Davis Company (ISBN 9780803668423). Additional required class supplies include a white lab coat, slip-resistant sneakers (not included in the course fee). Finally, students must obtain a student photo ID card before their first on-campus class session (available for free at the AST Info Desk).