Phlebotomy

Do you have the desire to be an important member of a health care team? A Phlebotomist assists patients and/or donors with the collection of blood and other clinical specimens by using various medical collection devices. Phlebotomists work in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, blood banks, doctor offices or outpatient laboratories. Completion of this two-quarter program leads you to numerous career opportunities.

What are the student requirements?

  • Students are required to collect blood and other specimen types from patients for analysis or other medical purposes.
  • Students will become proficient in the various blood collection methods using supplies such as tourniquets, needles, syringes, multi-sample systems and correctly handling and packaging of sharps containers.
  • Students are required to follow all policies and procedures set forth by clinical agencies laboratory standards as well as the College policies and protocol.
  • Attendance of all classes is mandatory.

What will I learn in the program?

The following is a brief list of some functions students are expected to perform while in the Phlebotomy lecture, lab or clinical setting:

  • Drawing of blood or access a vein on all patient demographics and ages
  • Process specimens that are collected and prepare these specimens for transport
  • Provide clear instructions to patients about other collection techniques
  • Draw blood from patients by finger stick from children and adults and by a heel stick from infants
  • Knowledge to test for donor screening or rapid test results (Point of Care Testing)
  • Conduct interviews and take vital signs for donors at a blood bank

Washington State Credentialing

Education and Training
Applicants must submit proof of one of the following medical assistant-phlebotomist training programs:

• Submit transcripts showing successful completion of a phlebotomy training program through a post-secondary school or college accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, OR

• Have your phlebotomy training program's supervising health care practitioner attest that you have successfully completed a phlebotomy training program as outlined under WAC 246-827-0400(2). The attesting health care practitioner, defined under RCW 18.360.010(4), must hold a current Washington state license.

Military training or experience also satisfies the training and experience requirements unless the secretary of health determines that the training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the requirements listed above.

Washington State Department of Health

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has specific codes for healthcare licensing. The Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist (MA-PC) requires a fee of $145 to be included with the DOH application to license. This course work may qualify the student to test with American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) to become a Phlebotomy Technician. The ASCP provides membership and pathways to qualify for National Certification. This licensing examination is not mandatory nor are the costs included in student tuition or registration. This is an additional expense to the student.

Information Sessions

Please take the time to attend one of the Phlebotomy program information sessions. Questions will be answered by a CBC Advisor/Counselor or a program representative.

Information sessions are scheduled for one hour and are open to anyone interested in a CBC Health Sciences program.

To view upcoming information sessions and register, please check our events calendar.

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Get Started in Phlebotomy

The Phlebotomy program is a two quarter program that begins winter quarter of each year. Prior to applying to the Phlebotomy program at CBC, please make sure you meet college admission criteria.

Application Process
The Phlebotomy program application is now available! The first date to submit an application is October 1, 2024 and the last date to submit is October 25, 2024.  Detailed instructions on submitting an application will be noted on the first page.

The Phlebotomy program Winter quarter 2025 will start on January 2, 2025.

The program application will require the following documentation:

  • A copy of your current First Aid card or certification
  • A copy of your current American Heart Association BLS Provider CPR card.
  • A one-page, double spaced typed essay explaining why you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist and what impact you hope to make in your community with this education. 
  • One letter of reference describing your professional character.
  • Placement scores or college transcript showing placement in Math 40 or higher, English 98 or higher and Reading 99 or higher.

You may be eligible for financial assistance through the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) program. The CASAS exam is used to determine student eligibility for I-BEST. Eligible students enrolled in I-BEST benefit from attending a Special Studies class where they will receive additional educational support to review classroom instruction, prepare for the exams, and strengthen basic skills while taking the Phlebotomy training. Find out more information about the I-BEST program.

Apply Today!

Selection Process
The application committee will review all submissions to confirm the admission criteria is complete. Prior work experience as well as prior college course work may help to prioritize applicants, as there are usually twice as many candidates as seats available. Applicants will be notified via CBC student email regarding admission status. Applicants who are not accepted may reapply during the next application year.

Professional Licensure Outside of Washington State
Each state, the District of Columbia and the U.S. protectorates vary in what professions they require to be licensed and the educational requirements for those licenses. It’s important to understand whether the degree or certificate you obtain from CBC will meet the educational eligibility requirements for a license in the state in which you plan to practice.

View educational licensure requirements by state.

National Background Search & Drug Screen Requirements

As part of the admission requirements for Health Science programs, applicants must successfully pass a criminal background check and drug screen prior to working with patients in clinical areas. The background check and drug screen are paid by the student and administered through a third party company, CastleBranch. In addition to the background check required by CBC, each clinical facility reserves the right to conduct its own criminal background check prior to allowing a student to enter its health care facilities for clinical participation.

Certain criminal convictions, pending charges or negative actions may automatically disqualify a person from having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults, juveniles and children. Clinical facilities reserve the right to accept or decline a student’s placement in its facility.     

As part of a rewarding career, phlebotomists work with a variety of people in a variety of healthcare settings including:

  • Hospitals
  • Blood donation centers
  • Doctor’s office or clinics
  • Outpatient labs
  • Community health centers
  • Nursing homes

Becoming a phlebotomist provides a stepping-stone to other medical career opportunities, allowing you employment while furthering your education.  If working in a hospital, you will have access to many departments, which may help you determine other areas in medicine you may want to pursue, such as Registered Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology, etc. Overall, one of the best ways to increase your pay as a phlebotomist is to obtain additional education and certifications.

Program Learning Outcomes for the Phlebotomy Short-Term Certificate

Program learning outcomes are the knowledge, skills, and abilities that students will achieve before they graduate. The outcomes below were developed by the faculty in Phlebotomy with input from accrediting bodies, advisory committees, employers, etc. This collaboration ensures that the outcomes are relevant for careers that this degree leads to.

Students who graduate with a Phlebotomy short-term certificate will be able to:

  1. Relate laboratory data to the anatomy and physiology of the human body and various disease processes. 
  2. Demonstrate and follow the correct methods for the safe collection and handling of specimens for laboratory testing.  
  3. Gain insight into the general structure of the medical laboratory, and discover the role of the phlebotomist/lab assistant as part of the health care team.
  4. Demonstrate accountability and professionalism by presenting with professional communication, attitude, appearance, and behavior. 
  5. Apply the principles of the safety and confidentiality when caring for patients, visitors, staff and others in diverse healthcare environments. 

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