Phlebotomy Certificate of Completion (PLB) (evening only)

A phlebotomist is skilled in blood collection and the preparation of certain specimens for diagnostic laboratory testing, as ordered by a physician. This program prepares individuals for careers as phlebotomists in various health care settings such as hospitals, physician offices, HMOs, surgical centers, and independent laboratories. Students study the profession’s history; medical terminology; venipuncture; arterial puncture; microsampling; special blood collection procedures; OSHA and safety procedures involving bloodborne pathogens; basic computer applications; basic pre-analytical and post-analytical laboratory procedures, and point of care testing; and electrocardiography procedures. Course objectives and competency are accomplished through formal coursework, laboratory practice and clinical practicum (a three week, 40 hour per week commitment). Upon completion of this certificate, students are eligible to sit for the certification exam. For more information, please call (978) 630-9273.

Campus/format: This program can be completed during the evening at the Gardner Campus.

Helpful hints: This is a great professional development opportunity for those already in the health care field.

Special requirements: Students must have proof of immunizations, liability insurance (for PLB203), and Criminal and Sexual Offender Records Information checks (CORI/SORI) (see page 39 of the college catalog). Drug testing may be required by individual clinical agencies. Due to the number of credits of this program (seven), students are not eligible for financial aid. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations. Due to the limited supply of practicum sites, students may be assigned a location which may require a special fee.

Transfer options: Students can use three credits from this program as a general elective toward MWCC’s Medical Assisting Degree (MAS) program. Consult with your academic adviser.

Career options: After passing the certification exam, graduates can become phlebotomists.

Earning potential: $26,144 to $30,892 per year.

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Technical Standards

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

Students entering this program must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
2. Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
3. Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
4. Stand for a minimum of two hours.
5. Walk for a minimum of six hours, not necessarily consecutively.
6. Stoop, bend, and twist for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time and be able to repeat this activity at frequent intervals.
7. Lift a 40-pound person or assist with a larger person and transfer the person from one location to another.
8. Determine by touch: hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, and hardness/softness.
9. Use the small muscle dexterity necessary to do such tasks as gloving, gowning, and operating controls on machinery.
10. Respond to spoken words, monitor signals, call bells, and vital sign assessment equipment.
11. Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s life or safety and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.