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Health Professions

Phlebotomy Technician

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A phlebotomy technician’s primary responsibility is drawing blood and conducting other specimen collections. A phlebotomist must recognize any conditions that might alter collections, have a high regard for patient safety, and communicate with both the laboratory and the patient to ensure the best possible care. They must also understand lab test requirements and maintain specimen quality. Work settings include doctor’s offices, hospitals, research facilities, and industrial laboratories.

Please view the following video for a demonstration of what this technician does and the manual dexterity required to be successful at it.

Phlebotomy Video

Letter to Potential Phlebotomy Students [PDF]

Career Opportunities

The job of phlebotomy technician is an entry-level position. National certification for this position is not required in Washington State. Job seekers will need English language skills. Graduates of this Bellevue College certificate program should have a hiring advantage over applicants who have no training or formal education in this line of work.

This position often serves as a stepping stone for further advancement in the field of healthcare. Phlebotomists who continue their education may have the opportunity to move up in the laboratory or into other healthcare positions. Because of this upward mobility within the field, there are frequent openings for new entry-level applicants.

According to the American Society of Clinical Pathology, full-time phlebotomists earn an average of $27,040 annually, or $13 hourly. Hourly rates of pay will vary depending upon experience and the employer.

For currently available jobs and pay information in Washington, go to www.washingtonhealthcarecareers.com.

Certificate of Accomplishment

This certificate has a total of 33 credits and is usually completed in four (4) quarters. It prepares participants for entry-level positions in outpatient settings.

See the full Certificate of Accomplishment curriculum.

Requirements

  • Acceptance to Bellevue College as a credit student
  • Basic computer skills and access to a computer with Internet access is highly recommended
  • Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 for advanced classes
  • Completed pre-requisites for advanced classes
  • Immunizations for externships
  • Background Check for externships
  • Externship transportation

Advising

For more information, questions, or advising assistance, please contact our office.

Scheduling and Pre-requisites

How does one determine if a career in healthcare is appropriate for them?

Not everyone is prepared to deal with blood and body fuilds on a daily basis, interface with people experiencing pain and grief, work odd hours outside the "normal" 8 am to 5 pm time designation, or work 12-hour shifts as required in many healthcare positions. To familiarize students with what it takes to be successful in the healthcare field we recommend all students take Introduction to Healthcare (HPRO 100) during their first quarter. There they will gain insight into various healthcare positions, what personality types are typically successful in each of those positions, and the opportunity to complete a personality/career profile that will match their specific personality traits against current healthcare job descriptions.

What is Washington state law regarding phlebotomy?

Effective September 1, 1988, Category A assistants shall meet all the following minimum requirements:

  • Educational and occupational qualifications to perform venous and capillary invasive procedures for blood withdrawal:

         (a) High school education or its equivalent;

         (b) The ability to read, write, and converse in the English language; and

         (c) Adequate physical ability, including sufficient manual dexterity to perform the requisite health care services.

Those wishing to read WAC 246-826-130 in its entirety may view it at: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-826-130.

How many credits and how long does it take to complete this certificate?

The Phlebotomy Technician certificate program offers a Certificate of Accomplishment composed of 33 credits. Students should expect to take four (4) quarters to complete it.

What is the usual progression through classes in this certificate?

Because of pre-requisites, the usual progression through classes is as follows:

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter
HPRO 100 (5 credits) HPRO 105 (2 credits) HPRO 141 (8 cr) HPRO 144 (4 cr)
HPRO 120 (3 credits) HPRO 125 (5 credits)    
HPRO 130 (4 credits)      
Total: 12 Credits Total: 7 Credits Total: 8 Credits Total: 4 Credits

Is there a faster, full-time progression through these classes?

For full-time students only, the following is the only "fast track" progression currently offered. No class substitutions or reordering of classes is allowed at this time.

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter
HPRO 100 (5 credits) HPRO 130 (4 credits) HPRO 144 (4 cr)
HPRO 105 (2 credits) HPRO 141 (8 credits)  
HPRO 120 (3 credits)    
HPRO 125 (5 credits)    
Total: 15 Credits Total: 12 Credits Total: 4 Credits

NOTE: At this time, HPRO 130 is the only class that may be taken concurrently with HPRO 141.

Can one get hired as a phlebotomist without Clinical Lab Assistant skills?

Hospitals seem to prefer that their phlebotomists have both phlebotomy and clinical laboratory skills. Because of this, we advise anyone applying for the Phlebotomy Technician Certificate to also apply for the Clinical Lab Assistant Certificate.

Will healthcare facilities hire someone with Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is the one health condition that may prevent a person from being hired into a position that requires patient interaction. It is a serious enough condition that one should research the hiring practices of local healthcare facilities before considering a career in healthcare. There are multiple healthcare positions that require no interaction with patients (i.e., filing, billing, coding), but hiring into these positions is left to the discretion of the healthcare facility.

What if one has an essential tremor?

As per the Washington state law referenced above, an essential tremor would fall under the provision of possibly not having sufficient manual dexterity to perform venipuncture. Our suggestion would be to consider the severity of the tremor and if it would compromise job performance.

What if one has carpel tunnel or some other disorder of the hands or wrists?

In some cases of carpel tunnel there is lingering or chronic damage to fingertip sensation. Such a condition would interfere with the ability to feel veins and handle equipment with the dexterity required in this field. Students with such disorders should look at the severity of the disorder and consider if it would compromise job performance.

What days, times, and quarters are classes held?

Most classes occur between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Occasionally there may be weekend classes or field trips. Courses will primarily be in the classroom with some online work. Where applicable, classes may be offered totally online. Clinical externships are held at off-site medical facilities. As we do not control when these facilities require the presence of our students, all students must plan their schedule to be fully available to whatever time schedule outside clinics request, including weekends. The following link shows quarterly offerings.

Projected Class Offerings

Do any of the classes have pre-requisites? Class pre-requisites are as follows:

  • HPRO 100: None
  • HPRO 105: None
  • HPRO 120: None
  • HPRO 125: None
  • HPRO 130: None
  • HPRO 131: None
  • HPRO 134: HPRO 125 recommended.
  • HPRO 135: HPRO 100, 105, 120, 125, 130, and BTS 144, BTS 161.
  • HPRO 141: Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 and HPRO 100, 105, 120, 125, and 130 with a C- or better at BC or permission of instructor. Minimum of first 2 of 3 Hepatitis B immunizations.
  • HPRO 144: Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 and HPRO 100, 105, 120, 125, 130 and 141 at BC with a C- or better; successful passing of HPRO 141 skills tests and permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 146: Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 and HPRO 100, 105, 120, 125, and 130 with a C- or better or permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 147: HPRO 146 with a C- or better.
  • HPRO 174: Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 and HPRO 100, 105, 120, 125, and 130 with a C- or better or permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 175: HPRO 174 and BTS 144 with a C- or better or permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 176: HPRO 134, 135, 175, BTS 104, and BTS 161 with a C- or better and permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 180: Placement by assessment into ENGL& 101 and BTS 144, BTS 161, HPRO 105, HPRO 120, HPRO 125, HPRO 130, HPRO 134, and HPRO 141 with a C- or better at BC or permission of instructor.
  • HPRO 181: HPRO 180 at BC with a grade of C- or better, successful passing of HPRO 180 skills tests, and permission of instructor.

Why are there pre-requisites on classes?

Pre-requisites are put in place to help students succeed in advanced classes. In pre-requisite classes students will learn medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, CPR, HIV/AIDS, and HIPAA - all required information to successfully achieve the learning outcomes of advanced classes. Students will also be instructed on the vaccinations and background checks required for externships.

Can pre-requisite classes be waived if similar classes have been taken at other colleges?

Yes, it is possible to have classes waived. Each request is evaluated on an individual basis. Factors taken into consideration include: what the class is, where it was taken, how many credits it is, what grade was received, and how long ago the class was taken (especially important with math and science classes). To begin the process, students must supply a copy of their transcripts listing all classes they wish waived along with a completed Petition for Course Substitution/Waiver form.

Can students test out of a class or be given credit for work experience?

Currently, students can test out of HPRO 120, Medical Terminology. To test out of this class, complete the attached form, bring it to the Registration Office, and pay the assessment fee plus half the tuition for a 3-credit class. If one passes the exam with a 'C' or better, they will receive credit for the course but the grade will not go towards their GPA. If one receives a 'C-', the class will be waived but the student will need to take another HPRO class of at least 3-credits. If one does not pass the exam, they will need to enroll in the class and pay full tuition as no part of the testing fee will be credited towards that tuition.

Bellevue College has a "Credit for Professional Certification or Training" form that allows credit for work world activities. Please see the Evaluations Office (room B125) for more information and associated fees.

Immunizations and Externships

Why are immunizations required?

Medical facilities require immunizations for all personnel who interface with patients. Students attending externships require the same immunizations. The cost of immunizations are the responsibility of the student. Immunizations must be completed before applying for an externship. Failure to do so will result in the student not being able to participate in an externship.

Health Immunization Form

Why is a criminal background check required?

Medical facilities do not typically hire personnel who have felonies or gross misdemeanors in their background. As a result, a student may not be able to be placed in an externship. For students who wish to focus their education in the healthcare field, researching hiring requirements with local healthcare facilities is recommended. The following is a list of felonies and gross misdemeanors that may disqualify students from a career in healthcare.

Criminal List

What is the HSEWI Disclosure Statement for background checks?

Many healthcare programs in the Health Sciences, Education & Wellness Institute (HSEWI) require completion of this form. Students should read it for clarifying information on the criminal background check and how it may influence participation in a clinical externship. Students not accepted into an externship because of past criminal activities may find themselves in the position of being unable to complete certificate requirements.

Disclosure Statement

How much does a background check cost?

Students are required to get their background check from www.certifiedbackground.com. The results will be posted to the CertifiedBackground.com website in a secure, tamper-proof environment, where the student, college, and externship personnel can view the results.

  • Package code "BB85" provides the national background check. The cost is approximately $49.

Where are clinical externships held?

Clinical externships are at local medical facilities, which may involve travel to Tacoma, Bellingham, or Snoqualmie. All students accepted into an externship must have reliable transportation. All clinical experiences will be under the supervision of personnel at the medical facilities.

Can students choose their externship?

Students will not be allowed to choose their clinical site. The instructor of the program will decide which clinical site a student is assigned to.

What is considered acceptable presentation and/or behavior at externship sites?

  • Students will have no visible body jewelry, face piercings, or tattoos at clinical sites. Small rings on the hands and small earrings in the ears are acceptable.
  • Hair color and style must be professional with no unnatural hair colors (i.e., orange, green); hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back.
  • Beards must be neat and well groomed.
  • Nails must be short and trimmed.
  • Shoes must have closed toes and heels.
  • No perfume or after-shave is allowed.
  • An official name badge will be worn at all times at clinical sites.
  • All students must be on time to their externships. If a student falls ill, they must call both their instructor and the supervisor at the medical facility before their scheduled start time. Failure to notify either of these people may result in the student losing their externship and getting a grade of 'F.' Health Professions accepts no responsibility for finding any expelled student another externship the following quarter. Being expelled from a clinical site will result in the student not being able to complete their certificate program.
  • All students will conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner as set forth by the medical facility hosting their externship. Failure to do so will result in the student losing their externship and getting a grade of 'F.' Health Professions accepts no responsibility for finding any expelled student another externship, resulting in expelled students not being able to complete their certificate program.

What if a student wants to drop out of an externship after starting it?

In the event of an emergency (i.e., death in the family, hospitalization) Health Professions will do everything in their power to find another externship for the student the following quarter as any time longer than that would seriously compromise student retention of the required skills. For students wanting to leave an externship without a valid reason, Health Professions accepts no responsibility for finding them another externship. Not completing an externship will result in the student not being able to complete their certificate program.

FAQ's

How much study is required in this program?

Based on experience and recommendations we believe students who study an additional three (3) hours "outside class" for every hour spent "in class" are more successful in achieving the course's learning outcomes. (Example: A 5-credit class requires 5 hours of classroom instruction per week. This equates to 15 hours of additional weekly study "outside the classroom." That totals 20 hours per week dedicated to just one 5-credit class!)

What supplies are needed for class?

Most classes need the required textbooks, notebooks, scantrons, highlighters, pens and pencils. Some classes require scrubs and specially prepared "kits" that contain the necessary class supplies. Access to a computer with the Internet, word processing, spreadsheet software, and e-mail are necessary. Bellevue College has a student computer lab located in the "N" building for students without computer access.

Are there supply fees for classes?

Many classes require the purchase of expensive medical supplies to keep instruction state-of-the-art.  The fees for these materials are either attached to the class as a supply fee or materials are packaged as a supply kit available in the bookstore for purchase with the class textbook.

Why do Health Professions online classes require on-campus final and midterm examinations?

The policy in the Health Sciences, Education & Wellness Institute is that all online classes have proctored midterms and finals - something not unusual in the majority of colleges and universities. These exams will be held at Bellevue College at a time designated by the course instructor. Alternative sites and times are possible for out-of-state students and any student who cannot make the regularly scheduled exam. However, alternative sites may charge a proctoring fee, which the student is responsible for paying. It is also the responsibility of the student to find and set up the alternative site and time. During these examinations, students will be required to show photo identification before being allowed to sit for the exam. Failure to bring photo identification will result in not being allowed to take the examination and may result in a failed grade.

Why is computer competency necessary?

Lack of competency in computer skills may result in an inability to not only complete program requirements but to eventually obtain a position in the healthcare field as the medical world is now requiring that most employees have basic computer skills. This includes word processing, file saving and transfer, Internet, and e-mail usage, as well as specific software for patient records, laboratory testing, appointment scheduling, etc.

Is one guaranteed a job after completing a certificate program?

Bellevue College does not guarantee any student a job after completing any of its programs or degrees. Health Professions certificates offer a better prepared potential employee for competitive entry-level healthcare positions.

Does Health Professions offer job placement?

Health Professions does not offer job placement for those enrolled in its certificate programs. It is suggested that students check the following web sites for job availability: www.washingtonhealthcarecareers.com and www.workforceexplorer.com.

Are Health Professions classes transferable?

Health Professions classes are designed to help people transition into entry-level healthcare positions. These classes are not transferable to 4-year colleges or universities.

Who can be contacted for more program information?

For more information, questions, or advising assistance, please contact our office.

Page last revised on November 15, 2011

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