Schools with Phlebotomy Classes & Programs

Meet the Expert: Sadie Skorjanc, AAS

Sadie Skorjanc is a dedicated travel medical assistant and phlebotomist with Aya Healthcare. She combines her expertise in patient care and phlebotomy to provide essential medical support across various healthcare settings.

Skorjanc’s role at Aya Healthcare involves traveling to different locations, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care no matter where they are. A graduate of the College of Western Idaho’s Health Services program, she has honed her skills and knowledge through rigorous training and hands-on experience. Sadie is passionate about making a difference in the lives of her patients, and her commitment to quality care is evident in every assignment she undertakes.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something most people don’t know about phlebotomy?

Skorjanc: One thing most people don’t know about phlebotomy is the significant emotional and psychological aspects involved in the job. While the technical skill of drawing blood is crucial, it’s equally important to have a good bedside manner. We often encounter patients who are anxious or fearful about needles, and it’s our job to help them feel comfortable and reassured. Building that trust and connection in a short amount of time is both challenging and rewarding.

Plus, phlebotomists play a critical role in the healthcare team. The blood samples we collect are essential for diagnosing and monitoring various health conditions, so our work directly impacts patient care and outcomes. It’s a blend of technical expertise, empathy, and communication skills that makes this profession unique and fulfilling.

MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring phlebotomist student?

Skorjanc: One piece of advice I would give is to focus on developing strong interpersonal skills. The aspect of drawing blood is something you will learn with practice, but being able to connect with patients on a personal level is what truly sets a great phlebotomist apart. Patients often come in nervous or scared, and communicating on a personal level can make a huge difference in their experience.

Always approach each patient with kindness and patience, no matter how normal the draw might seem to you. This not only helps in building trust but also makes your job more rewarding; you’re playing a key role in their journey.

Hybrid & Online Phlebotomy Programs

Phlebotomy schools offer several options for students seeking flexibility in their course schedules. Although programs require students’ presence during their programs’ clinical, laboratory, or externship portions, some schools offer the opportunity to complete their coursework remotely.

CLIMB Program at Portland Community College

For example, the CLIMB Program at Portland Community College (Oregon) offers a hybrid format combining 40 hours of clinical experience with five hours of self-directed study. This format can be ideal for people with families, full-time jobs, or other time-constraining circumstances.

The practical instruction involves training in venipuncture, specimen collection, and blood-borne pathogens. This program may be especially useful for those with some experience in a medical environment who are looking for more clinical experience and didactic training in venipuncture, skin punctures (e.g., finger sticks, heel sticks, etc.), and point-of-care testing.

Please note, however, that some experience in a medical facility is necessary for this program, which calls for 100+ supervised blood draws. This is part of the crucial training for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Phlebotomy Technician National Registry Examination administered by the Board of Certification (BOC).

• Location: Portland, OR
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Expected Time to Completion: 45 hours

South Central College of Minnesota

Also, the South Central College of Minnesota provides a hybrid phlebotomy program. It offers a significant portion of the technical instruction online, which can be completed before the laboratory work. Candidates for certification must work for at least one year as technicians in an accredited laboratory prior to taking the ASCP exam. This work must be at least 35 hours weekly and involve both venipuncture and microtechniques.

The 16-credit program includes courses such as introduction to phlebotomy, phlebotomy skills, phlebotomy internship, medical terminology, and interpersonal communication.

• Location: Faribault, MN
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Within a year

Alvin Community College

Finally, at Alvin Community College (ACC), applicants must meet the following criteria prior to admission: have a high school diploma or GED; pass a criminal background check; complete the online application; show proof of specific immunizations and submit a completed health form documenting a physical examination; and have valid CPR certification.

This one-semester program also has a hybrid format with online classes and hands-on lab experience. This phlebotomy school teaches a number of skills, including capillary skin punctures, specimen collection at different ages, patient identification, specimen labeling, ethics, and medical terminology. Most of the assignments and tests at ACC can be completed from home.

• Location: Alvin, TX
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Expected Time to Completion: One semester

Phlebotomy Program Accreditation

Oftentimes, programs can be accredited by multiple overlapping bodies since there are a variety of regional, subject-specific, and distance-education accreditations.

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) is one qualified organization that provides phlebotomy schools with accreditation. The process typically takes into account the curriculum, the faculty, and other standards of evaluation. A comprehensive list of the NAACLS criteria can be found on their website.

Before applying to a phlebotomy school, it’s important that students take into consideration the standards of their state. In California, for example, a special state certification is necessary in order to practice phlebotomy. There is a list of accredited phlebotomy programs provided on the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website.

Phlebotomy Licensing & Certification

As mentioned above, four states require phlebotomists to be state-certified: California, Louisiana, Washington, and Nevada.

In California, for example, there are only six approved agencies for state licensing and certification:

• American Certification Agency (ACA)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT/MMCI)
• National Credentialing Agency for Clinical Laboratory Service (NCACLS)
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Other states tend to have less strict criteria and accept certification from numerous national certification organizations. In order to ensure practice across a number of states, applicants can consider applying for licensure and certification through one of the above organizations.

There are various resources online to prepare students for national certification exams. The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers a reading list including the following volumes:

• Garza, D. & Becan-McBride, K. (2018). Phlebotomy Simplified
• McCall, R.E. (2020). Phlebotomy Essentials, Enhanced Edition
• McCall, R.E. (2020). Phlebotomy Essentials Exam Review, Enhanced Edition
• Garza, D. & Becan-McBride, K. (2018). Phlebotomy Handbook: Blood Specimen Collection from Basic to Advanced
• Phelan, S. (2018). BOC Study Guide: Phlebotomy Certification Examinations
• Warekois, R.S., Robinson, R., & Primrose, P.B. (2020). Phlebotomy: Worktext and Procedures Manual