CATALOG: Phlebotomy Career Studies Certificate

Length: 16 or 17 credits

Purpose
To prepare students to work as entry-level phlebotomists. Program graduates are eligible to sit for the national phlebotomy certification exam through the American Society for Clinical Pathology or other credentialing agencies. If program graduates choose not to pursue national certification, they may still be employed as entry level phlebotomists.

Occupational Objectives
The clinical experience is designed to provide the student with the entry-level competency in routine blood collecting techniques used in the clinical laboratory. The certificate may serve as a springboard into other healthcare programs. Completion of the certificate will enhance the student’s qualifications for promotional opportunities.

Admission Requirements
Satisfactory completion of placement tests in reading, writing and math is required. Students who do not meet required placement levels must enroll in appropriate reading, writing and math developmental studies courses.

Tuition and fees
Student will be required to purchase uniforms and other supplies. The course instructor will provide a more detailed list on the first class/laboratory meeting.

Program Policies

  • Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses to be awarded the Phlebotomy Certificate.
  • Students are responsible for purchasing the required clinical uniforms and name tags through the college’s designated supplier.
  • Conviction of a felony, misdemeanor or any offense substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of a healthcare employee may constitute grounds for not allowing a candidate to complete the program or to take the licensing exam.
  • Students who are required to perform clinical rotations in cooperating healthcare agencies must be willing and able to conform to all clinical requirements of participating clinical agencies, including but not limited to: criminal background investigation; drug screening; immunizations including seasonal influenza vaccines; Tuberculosis screening; employment verifications; and, successful completion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. (CPR certification must be the American Heart Association Certification for HealthCare Providers). Students are responsible for all costs associated with these requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain current records throughout the program. RCC uses a third party vendor for screenings and for maintenance of documents. Your instructor will provide you with all details to purchase this service, including deadlines for completion. Phlebotomy students must be in good standing from all previous healthcare employers.  Students may be denied clinical placement based on previous work history and thus, cannot be entered into or possibly complete the nursing program.
  • Students are responsible for following the clinical policy for safe handling of biohazards and utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in the prevention of blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases. Additionally, students are responsible for employing appropriate ergonomics to prevent injury. Students will be responsible for medical costs for any injury received while in a clinical setting, including injuries for which testing is required by clinical agencies. Rappahannock Community College is not responsible for student injuries in a clinical or lab setting.
  • The College does not assume responsibility for accidents/incidents which occur in clinicals; nor does it provide any student health services. The student assumes financial responsibility for accidents/incidents or illnesses requiring medical attention.

Curriculum

Course # Title Lecture Lab Credit
ENG 111 College Composition 3 0 3
HLT 143 Medical Terminology I 3 0 3
MDL 105 Phlebotomy 2 3 3
MDL 106 Clinical Phlebotomy 2 6 4
  Approved Elective 1 3-4 0-3 3-4
  Total 13-14 9-12 16-17
Total Minimum Credits: 16-17
 
1Approved Electives: ITE 100, ITE 119, college level MTH, CHM, BIO, or NAS 161. Sequence of Courses: Students must satisfactorily complete MDL 105 prior to MDL 106.
 
Other courses may be substituted with the approval of the Dean of Health Sciences.
 
Note: A student may choose to take only MDL 105 and MDL 106, and, upon completion of these two courses, become a candidate to take the National Phlebotomy Certifying Exam through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Students who choose this route will not receive the Career Study Certificate, but must have CPR for Health Professionals Certification, a Criminal History Report, a physical examination, and immunizations.

Last modified on 09-04-2019