Prepare to Become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician
This 100% online course will prepare you to work as a phlebotomy technician. You will learn how to draw blood from patients and donors, evaluate a patient’s ability to tolerate the procedure, explain the blood-draw process, and help patients feel comfortable.
The course also introduces basic point-of-care testing, such as reading blood glucose levels; preparing blood, urine, and other specimens for testing; and maintaining equipment such as needles, test tubes, and blood vials.
A medical terminology module covers essential medical language and human anatomy, with an emphasis on how the body’s systems work together in health and disease. Students with prior knowledge of medical terminology may test out of this portion of the course by earning a minimum score of 80%. The test-out option applies only to the Medical Terminology module.
The course includes a lab kit for assignments and simulations that provide opportunities to practice your skills. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in a clinical experience. Review the C
linical Experience Requirements below for details.
Eligible students will receive a voucher for the National Healthcareer Association Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification exam. Students must successfully complete all assignments with a minimum score of 70% before taking the course’s midterm or final exam.
This course does not meet the requirements for students intending to work in California. Before enrolling, confirm that the course meets the phlebotomy requirements for the state in which you plan to work.
Job Outlook for Certified Phlebotomy Technicians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for phlebotomists was $43,660 in May 2024.
California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, and Georgia have some of the highest employment levels for phlebotomists. Salary can vary based on location, experience, employer, and other factors.
Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, you should be able to:
- Describe the role and responsibilities of a phlebotomy technician.
- Explain basic anatomy as it relates to blood and its functions.
- Apply quality and safety measures related to phlebotomy.
- Prepare patients and equipment for blood collection.
- Perform sample collections.
- Complete appropriate post-collection procedures.
- Demonstrate ethical behavior that protects the rights and dignity of patients.
- Prepare for the National Healthcareer Association Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification exam.
Eligible students will receive a voucher for the certification exam.
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
Students must have access to a video camera, either on a phone or another device, and be able to upload videos as MP4 files.
During the course, students must record and upload required competency activities for instructor review and feedback. These activities must be completed to pass the course.
To sit for the NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students are encouraged to meet this requirement before enrolling.
To qualify for NHA certification, candidates must also successfully complete the required number of venipunctures and dermal punctures.
NHA certification exams are available online only to candidates located in the United States.
Information for WIOA-Funded Students
Students receiving funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act should consult their funding-source representative before using the Medical Terminology test-out option.
Funding programs may have specific requirements or restrictions. Attempting to test out of the Medical Terminology module without prior approval could affect a student’s funding eligibility or benefits.
Clinical Experience Requirements
To qualify for the clinical experience application process, students must successfully complete the online course and ensure that their account balances are current.
Clinical placement is not guaranteed. Students are responsible for completing their clinical requirements and may need to locate an appropriate clinical site. Affiliated partnerships may increase the likelihood of identifying a site that meets a student’s needs.
Students may begin researching the clinical experience application process two weeks before the course ends.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician FAQs
What is a phlebotomy technician?
Phlebotomy technicians draw blood for medical tests, donations, transfusions, and research. Their responsibilities may also include interviewing patients, checking vital signs, and transporting blood samples to a laboratory for testing.
Where do certified phlebotomy technicians work?
Phlebotomy technicians may work in hospitals, medical laboratories, blood donation centers, and doctors’ offices. They perform an essential healthcare function by working directly with patients, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Instructors
Rox Ann Sparks, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE, CMHIMP, LNC
Dr. Rox Ann Sparks is an experienced nurse who has cared for patients and taught students in nearly every healthcare setting. She has 35 years of experience in emergency medicine.
Her nursing career has included earning credentials as a CNA, LVN, and RN, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Dr. Barry Martin
Dr. Barry Martin is a certified medical laboratory scientist with more than 15 years of experience working in medical laboratories.
He earned his doctorate from Liberty University, his master’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University and undergraduate degrees from Winston-Salem State University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Lenoir-Rhyne University. He enjoys sharing his extensive laboratory knowledge with students.
Dr. Georgia McCauley
Dr. Georgia McCauley has more than 25 years of experience as a phlebotomy and medical laboratory science educator and more than 40 years of experience as a certified medical laboratory scientist.
She earned her doctorate from Northcentral University, an MBA and bachelor’s degree from Franklin University and an associate degree from Columbus State Community College.
Dr. McCauley is a professor in the Clinical Laboratory Science Department at Winston-Salem State University, where she serves as department chair and program director.
Barrie M. Lange-Schneithorst, MBA, BSHA, CHCO, CBCS
Barrie M. Lange-Schneithorst is a director of clinical and administrative operations and compliance. She began working in healthcare in 1987 as a medical underwriter with Blue Cross Blue Shield and has managed the operations of numerous medical, surgical and urgent-care clinics.
She has more than 10 years of experience teaching and developing curricula in allied health. Her areas of expertise include phlebotomy, anatomy and physiology, healthcare administration, billing and coding, electronic medical records, healthcare statistics and analytics, HIPAA compliance, medical insurance, medical terminology, and medical law and ethics.
Medical Terminology Instructors
The Medical Terminology section is taught by several experienced instructors.
View the Full List of Medical Terminology Instructors
Instructor Interaction
Students can interact with instructors through the course’s moderated online discussion area. Instructors are available to share their expertise and answer questions about course content.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online, and students may begin at any time.