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Program Map

Medical Assistant: Phlebotomy

Career Pathway Certificate

About the Program

The phlebotomy program is a one-term program that prepares students to become licensed phlebotomists. Phlebotomists use proper prioritization procedures and coordinate collection of all phlebotomy specimens with other lab personnel. They must consistently provide phlebotomy services appropriate to the age and condition of patients to minimize re-draws (i.e., proper amounts, correct samples) and must strictly adhere to patient identification protocols as specified by regulatory requirements. This includes demonstrating knowledge of all patient safety precautions such as isolations and safety devices. In this role, it is important to use independent judgment in following established venipuncture procedures along with the ability to inspire confidence in, and communicate effectively with, unit secretaries, therapists, medical staff and visitors. This means demonstrating composure and organizational skills in handling crisis situations and effectively handling multiple tasks simultaneously in times of heavy workload.

Successful completion of the program prepares students to sit for the National Health Career Association (NHA) phlebotomy certification exam. Students do not automatically become certified through this program but may take the appropriate tests through NHA after completing the program. The curriculum was written using the standards and guidelines for the NHA phlebotomy certifications and can be reviewed at https://www.nhanow.com/certifications/phlebotomy-technician.

Program students attend classes as part of a structured cohort that begins each year in fall and spring term. Students should apply early as the required mandatory orientation is scheduled several weeks prior to the start. 

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Medical Assistant: Phlebotomy Career Pathway Certificate program are:

Draw blood from patients in preparation for medical testing in a variety of medical settings.

Demonstrate workplace skills of attention to detail, manual dexterity, work under pressure, and show excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Prepare to take the NHA Phlebotomy exam.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process. In addition, students may also be required to enroll in classes that would increase their employability and success.

This is a limited-entry program. Cohort students must meet certain minimum academic requirements. Students can apply for program entry prior to prerequisite completion; however, all listed program prerequisites must be satisfactorily complete with a “C” or better prior to program start.  A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C” or better grade

Students must also complete specific health and immunization requirements and a criminal background check prior to starting the program.  Students must complete a drug screen prior to placement in a practicum. This screening process has an associated fee.  Contact the Allied Health Department for more information.

Selection Process

Applications must be received by the application deadline. Applications received after the application deadline may be reviewed based on cohort capacity and at the discretion of the department. Applicants will be selected by committee. The screening process includes a mandatory information session.  Students may be asked to participate in an interview process.  A criminal background check and drug screening will be required for all students. This is a competitive program and not all qualified applicants may be accepted.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the program coordinator’s recommendation. In order to ensure coursework is current, program courses over seven years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate coordinator before being accepted toward core requirements. College Now credit earned in conjunction with local high schools will be accepted in accordance with the current agreement.

Graduation Requirements

These requirements apply only to phlebotomy students admitted to the program during the current academic year. The program of study, graduation requirements, and courses are under constant review and are subject to revision. Students contemplating admission in a later year may have different requirements and must obtain the graduation guide or catalog for that year. Students must complete all courses on this graduation guide with a grade of “C” or better to continue in and complete the program and receive their certificates. If certain required courses are graded only on a pass/no pass basis, a grade of “P” for these courses indicate a student earned the equivalent of a “C” or better grade.

Program Map

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement score(s). Note, some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.

¹ Required for graduation.

² Additional prerequisites may apply.

³ American Heart Association (AHA) certification must remain current for the duration of the program.

⁴ Students who have completed either BI121 and BI122 or BI231, BI232, and BI233 (the entire sequence of either series) with an equivalent “C” or better grade do not need to take BI100SB.

For more information, contact the Allied Health Occupations Department.

Allied Health Occupations faculty and staff can also be reached by:
Phone: 541-956-7500
Email: [email protected]
Web address: www.roguecc.edu/phlebotomy
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