Phlebotomy Technician
School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety Division
• Phlebotomy Technician, Certificate of Achievement
Program Description
Medical Laboratory Science programs prepare students to play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Medical laboratory personnel work in clinics, hospitals, reference laboratories, and physician office labs. They safely collect, process, and analyze blood and body fluid specimens. They use microscopes, centrifuges, computerized instruments, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. The complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment needed, and the amount of responsibility workers assume depends largely on the amount of education they have. Students study theory in the classroom, learn skills in campus labs, and complete clinical experiences in area health care facilities and labs. Upon completion of the programs, students are eligible to take national certification exams.
Phlebotomy Technician is a twelve week program with Accuplacer prerequisites. Phlebotomists collect and process blood specimens using approved venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques. Requires a high level of professionalism when working with patients. PHLB is also offered in a two-term format. Students study phlebotomy theory in the classroom, practice skills in campus labs and apply theory and skills learned in clinical experiences in area healthcare facilities. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take a national phlebotomist certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry or the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) or American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Criminal Background & Drug Screening: Students with a criminal background may have limited employment opportunities in healthcare and public service. Students are required to undergo a state and federal criminal background check with fingerprints prior to starting any of the programs. Students with a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the programs. A routine drug screen is also required. Students with a positive drug screen will not be allowed to enter the programs. Fees for fingerprinting, criminal background check, and drug screening will apply for each program.
Physical Requirements: Students interested in the Medical Laboratory Science programs must be in good physical and psychological health. A current physical exam and vaccinations (hepatitis B, MMR, DTP, PPD and varicella) are required. Reasonable accommodations are made for those students with disabilities. Some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with a disability are advised to contact the HWPS office at (505) 224-4111 for more information.
Program Fees: The fees for each program will vary and are published in the Schedule of Classes. Fees may include the purchase of a set of scrubs, a nametag, hospital parking permits, criminal background check, drug screening, limited accidental exposure insurance, and an online practice exam. Students are responsible for providing other personal supplies and books. A separate fee for fingerprinting will be required.
CPR, BBP and HIPAA: Students will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining certification in CPR, blood borne pathogens, and HIPAA prior to and during the Medical Laboratory Science programs. Certification can be obtained through the HLTH 1001 course or equivalent.
PHLB Enrollment: Enrollment in the 12-week PHLB program is open to any student who meets the Accuplacer prerequisites. Enrollment for the 2-term PHLB program requires department approval. Contact the PHLB Program Director at 224-5068 for more information.
Recommended Prerequisites: Medical Lab Sciences students who would like to take related courses while waiting for entry into their program may take HLTH 0850, OTEC 1101, HIT 1010, HIT 1020 and/or MLT 1010.
Career and Educational Opportunities: Immediate job placement locally, regionally and nationally for all Medical Laboratory Science graduates is excellent due to a shortage of lab personnel. Tuition assistance for those who want to pursue more education in Medical Laboratory Science is available through many employers. The PHLB, CLA, and MLT programs are articulated, certain MLT courses will be waived for PHLB and CLA graduates. An agreement with the University of New Mexico allows for the transfer of CNM credits to the Medical Laboratory Sciences Bachelor of Science degree program. Graduate and higher degrees in Medical Laboratory Science are available.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Information concerning this program is available from the Phlebotomy program director at (505) 224-5068, or from Academic Advisement and Career Development at (505) 224-4321.
