Phlebotomy Technician

This program prepares students to work in a medical office, clinic or hospital lab and collect blood specimens from patients for the purpose of laboratory analysis. Topics include anatomy and physiology of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, infection control, blood collection procedures, puncture methods, specimen handling, professional workplace behavior, ethics and the legal aspects of health care. Students will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of blood collection. Students must successfully complete thirty (30) venipunctures and ten (10) capillary sticks at an offsite clinical externship experience to demonstrate skill competency. Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). 

Note: Prospective students without healthcare experience are encouraged to follow the career pathway for medical assisting, which begins with Phlebotomy Technician, continues to EKG technician and finishes with Clinical Medical Assistant. These programs result in stackable credentials that are designed to build upon the knowledge and skills of one another.

Contact Hours: 80 plus required clinical externship

Admissions Requirements

• Meet minimum essential functions and standards for program
• Be at least 18 years of age on the first day of class.
• Attend a coaching appointment and/or information session prior to enrollment.
• Complete all funding assistance paperwork (if applicable) prior to enrollment.
• Documentation of high school diploma, GED or equivalent, or college degree. Note: If high school diploma or college degree are earned outside of the United States, the diploma or degree must be formally evaluated (and translated if needed) by an approved agency prior to program admission. Allow a minimum of three weeks for evaluation/translation process. Prospective students will be responsible for cost.
• Acceptable criminal background check and drug screen prior to clinical. Proof of immunizations and physical exam may be required depending on clinical site.
• English Language Learners (ELL/ESL): If English is not the first language, prospective students must complete a CASAS assessment with acceptable score prior to program admission. CASAS assessments can be scheduled by emailing at tjace@pvcc.edu or calling 961-434-5461. Include your first and last name, program of interest, and program start date in your email. Assessment should be completed at least one week prior to program start date. CASAS assessment is also recommended, but not required, for prospective students who feel their reading comprehension needs improvement.

Employment Outlook for Phlebotomy Technicians

Graduates who have achieved certification upon completion of this program have found employment in hospitals, physician's offices and outpatient labs. Top employers in our community who visit our program to meet students, partner on clinical rotations, and employ our graduates include:

• Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
• UVA Health

In Central Virginia, employment of phlebotomy technicians, also known as phlebotomists, is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2030. - Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE), 2022

Earning Potential for Phlebotomy Technicians

The median wage for phlebotomy technicians in our region is $37,512 per year (full-time salaried with benefits). - Virginia Office of Education Economics, 2022

Take the Next Steps

Complete the Workforce Services Student Questionnaire.

Meet with a coach and/or attend a FastForward Funding Session.

Check the schedule page to see when this FastForward program is next offered.