Phlebotomy

Do you enjoy working with people?  Are you looking for a rewarding career that is in demand?  If you enjoy making a difference in the lives of others, a career in Phlebotomy may be for you!

Phlebotomists draw and collect blood samples from patients, screen donors at blood banks, verify records and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis. Phlebotomists work in a variety of settings such as physicians’ offices, hospitals, laboratories, or blood donation centers.  Often, they explain the procedure to patients and may assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.  They must be accurate, work well under pressure and communicate effectively in speech and writing. Phlebotomists rely on instructions from physicians and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.

Arizona College provides the education and hands-on training for you to reach your goal of becoming a Phlebotomist. Our Phlebotomy program incorporates working on equipment such as microscopes, simulated arms for venipuncture, examination tables, centrifuge, platform scales, stethoscopes, medical instruments, anatomical charts and organ models to name a few.  You and your classmates will learn to draw blood on student and community volunteers.

We have accelerated morning and evening classes to help you make your dream a reality.  We invite you to visit our campus to learn more about us and our programs.  Contact us today to start on the path to fulfilling your dream of working as a Phlebotomist.  Change Lives, Choose Arizona College!

Responsibilities

Phlebotomists work with patients and perform a number of duties, including:

• Verify records
• Conduct patient interviews
• Perform finger pricks (instead of drawing with a needle)
• Draw and collect blood samples
• Prepare specimens for laboratory analysis
• Properly label and store specimen for processing
• Talk with patients to ease fears regarding a procedure
• Assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions

Bureau of Labor Statistics Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Phlebotomists held approximately 200,600 jobs in 2008 (listed under health care support workers).  The BLS estimates employment will grow to 235,000 in 2018.

For more information about Phlebotomy careers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code is 31-9799.

Arizona College Program Details

The Phlebotomy diploma program is two quarters.  Each quarter is ten weeks divided into two five-week sessions.  After the on-campus portion of the program, each student completes an off-campus five week (200 hours is required) clinical externship in the last session of the program.  Including the externship, the entire program requires approximately twenty weeks.

Certification Information

To practice as a Phlebotomist, certification is not required. However, Arizona College recommends our graduates become certified or registered as a way to enhance their resumes and as additional validation of the knowledge they have gained.  Our graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Phlebotomy Technician certification examination offered by the American Medical Technologists.  There are other organizations that also certify Phlebotomists, including American Society of Clinical Pathologists, American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, National Credentialing Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel, and National Phlebotomy Association.