Phlebotomy Mission Statement
The Phlebotomy program will provide community healthcare facilities with professionally trained, certified phlebotomists to fulfill the role of obtaining quality laboratory specimens to be used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. These phlebotomists will be encouraged to become ASCP or ASPT certified.
Program Goals and Graduate Competencies
Program Outcomes
The entry-level phlebotomist will be able to properly collect, transport, handle, and process blood specimens for analysis in such a manner as to control pre-analytical variables to ensure accurate and quality test results. Part of controlling pre-analytical variables is the knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the body systems involved, using proper equipment and supplies for the tests collected and the situation, monitoring quality control, and using good judgment in problem-solving and troubleshooting situations. Entry-level phlebotomists will exhibit professional appearance, professional conduct, proper interpersonal skills, and proper communication skills with both coworkers and patients. The entry-level phlebotomist will recognize the importance of taking responsibility for acquiring continuing education to remain up-to-date in this rapidly changing field.
Entry Level Phlebotomy Competencies (taken from NAACLS)
- The student will demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and medical terminology.
- The student will demonstrate knowledge of infection control and safety.
- The student will demonstrate basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of body systems and anatomic terminology to relate major areas of the clinical laboratory to general pathologic conditions associated with the body systems.
- Demonstrate basic understanding of age-specific or psycho-social considerations involved in the performance of phlebotomy procedures on various age groups of patients
- The student will demonstrate understanding of the importance of specimen collection and specimen integrity in the delivery of patient care.
- The student will demonstrate knowledge of collection equipment, various types of additives used, special precautions necessary, and substances that can interfere with clinical analysis of blood constituents.
- The student will follow standard operating procedures to collect specimens via venipuncture and capillary (dermal) puncture.
- The student will demonstrate understanding of requisitioning, specimen transport, and specimen processing.
- The student will demonstrate understanding of quality assurance and quality control in phlebotomy.
- The student will communicate verbally and nonverbally effectively and appropriately in the workplace.