The Phlebotomist is a vital member of the clinical laboratory team, whose main function is to obtain patient's blood specimens by venipuncture and microcollection. The field of Phlebotomy has greatly expanded in the past several years, and the role of this integral member of the health care team has recently been brought into much sharper focus.
Employment
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for testing purposes. They usually work under the supervision of medical technologists or laboratory managers. Phlebotomists are employed throughout the health care system - hospitals, neighborhood health centers, medical group practices, HMO's, public health facilities, veteran hospitals, insurance carriers and in other health care settings. The demand for Phlebotomy Technicians has increased substantially with the overall complexity of health care services and the risks of infectious disease.
Program Information
This 90 hour program prepares professionals to collect blood specimens from clients for the purpose of laboratory analysis. Students will become familiar with all aspects related to blood collection and develop comprehensive skills to perform venipunctures completely and safely.
Classroom work includes terminology, anatomy and physiology; blood collection procedures; specimen hands-on practice; and clinical training in skills and techniques to perform puncture methods. The program also includes lab exercises, live blood draws, work with a training arm and other exercises intended to prepare students to function as an entry level Phlebotomy Technician.
Detailed Course Topics
• anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system
• medical terminology and laboratory theory
• laboratory law, ethics and regulatory issues
• specimen documentation and transportation
• non-blood specimen collection
• pediatric & geriatric blood collection
• quality, competency and performance assessment
• phlebotomy theory/simulated lab
• arterial, intravenous (IV) & special collections procedures
• specimen collection, processing and handling
• laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control)
• cells, lab safety, anatomy of the arm, using a tourniquet
• blood collection systems, review of medical asepsis and hand washing and more...
Educational Requirements
People interested in becoming Phlebotomists through this program must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Please talk to us if you do not currently have either.
Certification Exam
This course is not for college credit, rather it prepares individuals to take the NHA (National Healthcareer Association) Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) exam at conclusion of the program. Students must pass the course and complete a minimum number of veinipunctures and finger sticks in class in order to qualify for the CPT Exam. The cost of the Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) exam is included with your tuition. Extra fees will apply if you are unable to take the exam with the class, as scheduled, or for any subsequent retake.
Class Expectations
This is a college-level, accelerated program. There will be extensive reading and homework to be completed outside of class. Full preparation before class and participation in each discussion, quiz, and lab exercise is required. Attendance and punctuality are graded components of class. If deemed necessary, class may occasionally be held in an online forum, such as Zoom. Therefore, online access via computer or tablet (not phone) is also a requirement.
Pre-Registration Q & A Sessions
Students have an option to attend a Q & A session in person or via Zoom before turning in an application. (See schedule, below.) Please contact our office if you need additional information. If attending via Zoom, you must email the Program Manager prior to 3pm on the day of the scheduled session. Sessions will not be recorded.
Application and Resume
These are to be turned in to the Continuing Education Office after attending an Orientation Session. Application may be printed here, or you may pick up a copy in person at the college: 1115 N. Roberts, Room 113. Once your complete application is submitted, you will be notified of acceptance within 3 days. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Seats are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Information
Because this is a career training and not for college credit, the program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Certain aid programs may be available to those who qualify. If you are unable to pay in full when your application is accepted, you may choose to make a 10% deposit ($175) which is non-refundable and non-transferrable (good only toward the class for which you are registering). This will hold your seat until the payment deadline. Tuition is due in full one week before the first day of class.
Tuition Assistance
You may qualify for assistance from the Career Training Institute (CTI) - download the CTI pre-application here, or give them a call at 406-443-0800. Alternately, you may qualify for Job Service funding. Contact them at 406-447-3200 or at 715 Front Street.
Need more information?
Link to U.S. Department of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics website
1115 North Roberts - Donaldson Campus, Room 113
Helena, Montana 59601
Monday - Friday; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Program Manager Christy Stergar
406-447-6945
E-mail: Christy.Stergar@HelenaCollege.edu
Summary of Important Dates
| Wed, July 24; 5:15pm |
First Q & A Session |
Room 123, Donaldson Campus |
| Wed, August 7; 5:15pm |
Second Q & A Session |
Room 123, Donaldson Campus |
| Wed, September 4; 5:15pm |
Third Q & A Session |
Room 123, Donaldson Campus |
| Wed, September 11; noon |
Application Deadline |
Submit at Room 113 or via email |
| Fri, September 20; noon |
Tuition/Funding Approval Due |
|
| Mon, September 30; 6pm |
Class Begins |
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