Phlebotomy
What is Phlebotomy?
Laboratory scientists, technologists, and technicians require blood specimens that have been obtained promptly, efficiently and safely by qualified phlebotomists. The phlebotomist is an integral member of the health care team. This individual must be well trained in all aspects of specimen collection and transport.
A successful phlebotomist has excellent hand skills and techniques, good hand-eye coordination and the ability to perform repetitive actions over many hours. The ability to stand for extended periods of time and walk distances to patient care units is required in most positions. The phlebotomist must also be able to maintain high standards of professionalism while interacting with patients and their families.
Is the program approved by the Department of Public Health?
Yes. The Ventura College Phlebotomy Training Program is approved by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services to offer the basic and advanced program and a 40-hour externship. The program meets the curriculum standards set by the state and the graduates of such a program are eligible to take the exam required to be employed as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician I in the state of California
Required Courses
BUS V23 - BASIC PHLEBOTOMY - 2 Units
This course meets the California Department of Health Sciences minimum requirements for basic phlebotomy training. It is the first course in a sequence leading to eligibility to sit for the state certification exam as Phlebotomy Technician I.
Student Learning Outcomes: Given the rules and regulations regarding the practice of phlebotomy, students will demonstrate competency in infection control and safety, universal precautions, understanding of basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient and specimen identification, selecting and preparing skin puncture site, blood collection equipment, post-puncture care, and medical waste and sharps -- all evaluated by instructor observation and written examinations.
BUS V24 - ADVANCED PHLEBOTOMY - 2 Units
Prerequisite: BUS V23. This course meets the California Department of Health Sciences minimum requirements for advanced phlebotomy training. It leads to eligibility to sit for the state certification exam as a Phlebotomy Technician I.
Student Learning Outcomes: Given advanced instruction in the practice of phlebotomy, students will demonstrate competency in their understanding of advanced infection control and biohazards, preanalytical sources of error in specimen collection, anatomical site selection, patient preparation, risk and complication factors, anticoagulation theory, quality assurance in phlebotomy, corrective actions in phlebotomy and specimen processing, and legal issues related to blood collection -- all evaluated by instructor observation and written examinations.
BUS V95 - INTERNSHIP - 2 Units
The phlebotomy internship includes a 40-hour externship in the clinical setting, the completion of which qualifies students to sit for the state examination. The internship includes practical experience in the practice of phlebotomy, as well as observation of two arterial punctures.
Student Learning Outcomes: Given classroom experience, students will demonstrate competency in the practice of phlebotomy through the successful performance of 50 venipunctures and 10 capillary (skin) punctures -- all evaluated through observation by instructor and/or clinical site coordinator.
Pre-requisites for Acceptance into the Program
Each semester, the application packet contains the information necessary to apply for the program. Only completed applications will be considered. Medical Terminology is strongly recommended.
The following requirements have been determined by both the Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services and local clinical internship sites:
- California requires phlebotomy technicians to have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Current CPR certification for health care provider or professional rescuer
- Proof of freedom from and immunity to communicable diseases
- Physical examination demonstrating general good health
- Age 18 by midterm
- Pass a background check and drug screening
- No visible tattoos or visible body piercings except single studs in ear lobes
- No acrylic or long nails in clinical setting
- No absences, tardies or early departures from class
- Theory classes are currently offered at the Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula
Job Outlook for Phlebotomists
According to the 2010-11 Occupational Outlook Handbook, job prospects for phlebotomists are excellent.
"Rapid job growth and excellent job opportunities are expected. Most jobs will continue to be in hospitals, but employment will grow rapidly in other settings, as well."
"Employment change. Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow by 14 percent between 2008 and 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. The volume of laboratory tests continues to increase with both population growth and the development of new types of tests.
"Although hospitals are expected to continue to be the major employer of clinical laboratory workers, employment is expected also to grow rapidly in medical and diagnostic laboratories, offices of physicians, and all other ambulatory healthcare services.
"Job prospects. Job opportunities are expected to be excellent because the number of job openings is expected to continue to exceed the number of jobseekers. Although significant, job growth will not be the only source of opportunities. As in most occupations, many additional openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or stop working for some other reason. Willingness to relocate will further enhance one’s job prospects." http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos096.htm
Resources
For more information about the Ventura College Phlebotomy Training Program call 654-6400 ext. 6585
California State Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services