Overview

Occupational Endorsement Certificate, Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists obtain blood and other samples for laboratory testing. They establish professional relationships with their patients, collect and prepare specimens, maintain collection areas and equipment, and perform record keeping duties. Students are eligible to sit for national certification exams in phlebotomy after completion of MEDT 195A.

The phlebotomy program is offered both on campus and by distance delivery.

Phlebotomists are proficient in:

• Collecting, transporting, handling and processing blood specimens for analysis.
• Recognizing the importance of specimen collection in the overall patient care system.
• Relating the anatomy and physiology of body systems and anatomic terminology to the major areas of the clinical laboratory, and to general pathologic conditions associated with body systems.
• Identifying and selecting equipment, supplies and additives used in blood collection.
• Recognizing factors that affect specimen collection procedures and test results, and taking appropriate actions within predetermined limits when applicable.
• Recognizing and adhering to infection control and safety policies and procedures.
• Monitoring quality control within predetermined limits.
• Recognizing the various components of the health care delivery system.
• Recognizing the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interacting with them with respect for their jobs and patient care.
• Demonstrating professional conduct, stress management, interpersonal and communication skills with patients, peers and other health care personnel and with the public.
• Demonstrating an understanding of requisitioning and the legal implications of their work environment.
• Applying basic principles in learning new techniques and procedures.
• Recognizing and acting upon individual needs for continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.

Anticipated Costs

Admission Requirements

General Admission Requirements for all students entering programs offered by the Medical Laboratory Technology department include:

1. Complete the Student History Form application.
2. Review the Essential Requirements for Admission and return the signed form to the department.
3. High School diploma or GED equivalency.
4. Prior to enrollment in either MEDT A101 or MEDT A132, students must provide documentation of the following on the Pre-Entrance Medical Record:
5. • Immunity to rubella, rubeola, and chicken pox confirmed by titer.
   • Immunity to Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Students must have started the immunization series prior to enrolling in the courses. If the last immunization was more than five years ago, a titer is required.
   • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (Tdap) vaccination within the past ten years.
   • Freedom from active tuberculosis, documented by negative PPD skin test or by health exam by a nurse practitioner, physician or physician’s assistant; must be updated annually. 
6. Prior to enrolling in a practicum (MEDT A195A, MEDT A195B, MEDT A295 or MEDT A495) students must:
7. • Demonstrate computer competency in the prerequisite MEDT courses.
   • Have completed a Certified Background Check from www.certifiedbackground.com. Please click here for instructions.
   • Provide proof of personal medical insurance coverage.
   • Provide updated vaccination information if required.

The Medical Laboratory Technology department assumes no responsibility for illness or injuries experienced by students in conjunction with student labs. It is strongly recommended that students maintain personal medical insurance while enrolled in any of the programs offered by the Medical Laboratory Technology department. Students enrolled in practicum (MEDT A195A, MEDT A195B, MEDT A295 or MEDT A495) must provide their own transportation to the clinical facility. Personal protective equipment is provided by the training facility. The clinical facilities require proof of medical insurance coverage; therefore, students are required to maintain personal medical insurance while enrolled in practicum courses. Medical insurance is available through the Student Health Center. Liability insurance is purchased by the Medical Laboratory Technology department to cover the student’s practicum. The Occupational Endorsement certificates, AAS and BS degrees are not contingent upon the students passing any type of external certification or licensure examination.

Application Process

On-Campus Phlebotomy Program

1. Complete the admission process for UAA.
2. Fill out the Student History Form. Return the completed form to the Medical Laboratory Technology Program.
3. Students are added to a waiting list upon receipt of the completed Student History form and notified of their status on the wait list one month prior to the start of the course.
4. Students should begin their vaccinations while they wait to enter the course. Please see the Pre-entrance Medical Record for what is required.

Off-Campus (Distance Education) Phlebotomy Program

Please contact the Medical Laboratory Technology program for detailed information on the enrollment process.

Course Sequencing

Students must complete the following courses:

MEDT A101 - Phlebotomy Procedures
MEDT A110 - Specimen Processing
MEDT A195A - Phlebotomy Practicum

To view the Phlebotomy Occupational Endorsement Certificate outcomes, please click here.