Phlebotomy

A phlebotomist is the medical professional responsible for drawing or collecting blood samples.  You can find phlebotomists working in hospital laboratories, blood banks and donor centers, home healthcare agencies, and more.  Phlebotomists are expected to work directly with patients, as they explain procedures and communicate with them while collecting their blood samples.

During the first semester, you can expect to review a textbook chapter each week, and class time will include lecture, group discussion, and a Q&A session.  Guest speakers also occasionally visit to share their experience in the field.  During the second semester, when you’re not completing your clinical hours you will be in the classroom reviewing materials.  This is all done to prepare you for the national certification exam so you can feel confident after completing the program.

Phlebotomy is a one-year, two-semester certificate program.  Registration for the program opens each year in March, with classes beginning in the fall.  Students earn a certificate after successfully completing the fall and spring semesters.

No, and that’s one of the advantages of attending Frontier Community College!  We offer textbook rentals to our students, which provides even greater savings.  You’ll pick up your textbook(s) from our college bookstore before classes begin, and simply return the book(s) at the end of the semester.

You can apply to Frontier Community College on our website at any time.  After applying, we will request additional information or forms to evaluate your eligibility for the program.  Once registration opens for the program (typically in late March each year), you may join the program and register for the necessary courses.

You must meet the following requirements to join the Phlebotomy program:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma or GED
• Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0
• Must complete a placement test and achieve at least a minimum-level entry at the 34th percentile

There are no course prerequisites for this program; however, Phlebotomy Theory (PHB 1220) must be taken prior to or in conjunction with the first semester of the program.

There isn’t a “one size fits all” answer to this question, but there are several factors that may determine your interest in or aptitude for this program.  Most importantly, phlebotomists work directly with patients, so you must have good communication skills and be comfortable working with patients. Some patients may dislike or be afraid of having their blood drawn, so you may need to help calm your patients and put them at ease.

This role will also require you to collect and prepare blood samples in your daily work.