Phlebotomy Certificate Courses and Requirements →
MassBay Health Sciences | Phlebotomy | Information →
Welcome to MassBay Phlebotomy Program
WHAT DO PHLEBOTOMISTS DO?
A phlebotomist plays a vital part in healthcare by collecting blood specimens from patients for laboratory tests ordered by a healthcare provider. Phlebotomists perform venipuncture, finger-sticks, or heel-sticks to obtain specimens. In some settings, phlebotomists may perform bedside testing. In addition, phlebotomists also work with laboratory personnel to manage, process, and transport specimens collected from patients. The phlebotomist is expected to maintain high standards of professionalism while interacting with patients and their families.
WHY BECOME A PHLEBOTOMIST?
Phlebotomists work in dynamic, fast-paced environments and are challenged each day with situations requiring specialized knowledge and skill, while working one on one with patients. Integral to the delivery of healthcare to patients of all ages, phlebotomists are employed at hospitals, clinics, medical offices, nursing homes, research settings, and reference labs.
WHAT IS MASSBAY’S PHLEBOTOMY PROGRAM?
MassBay offers a one-semester program that prepares students for entry-level employment as a phlebotomist. You will learn the theoretical background and skills needed for accurate collection of blood and other specimens using a range of hands-on procedures. You will receive intense phlebotomy training in theory and skills during the first part of the semester. During the clinical portion of the program, you will practice phlebotomy at hospital and clinic settings supervised by highly skilled professionals. Students learn the essentials of drawing blood, the role of the phlebotomist, safety and infection control, blood collection equipment, specimen processing, simple “waived testing,” and practice with equipment on practice arms and classmates. Enrollment is limited to 20 students per class, ensuring an intimate student-centered environment. Lecture and Laboratory sessions are held on MassBay’s Framingham campus.
Also see the Phlebotomy Program Curriculum Sheet.
SCHEDULE
During the fall and spring semesters, Phlebotomy classes meet Tuesday evenings for lecture, Wednesday or Thursday evenings for lab. Clinical experiences in health care settings take place Monday through Friday during the second half of the semester. When offered during the summer, Phlebotomy Lecture is online with in-person lab classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, 6:00pm - 10:30 pm, for the first 6-week session, and clinical experiences scheduled Monday through Friday during the day for the second 6-week session.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the Phlebotomy program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in all areas of phlebotomy related pre-analytical processes of laboratory testing, recognizing and adhering to infection control and safety policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate the theoretical knowledge needed to assure quality of phlebotomy processes through appropriate quality control methods, thus contributing to the accuracy of laboratory test results.
- Exhibit the professional attitudes and behaviors that are necessary for gaining and maintaining the confidence of the health care community.
- Meet requirements to take the National Healthcare Association (NHA) Examination, a national certifying examination for Phlebotomy Technicians.
EARNINGS POTENTIAL (NATIONAL)
Quick Facts: Phlebotomists
$37,380 per year
$17.97 per hour
Postsecondary nondegree award
10% (Faster than average)
Source: U.S. Department of Labor
In 2022, the average median salary for Phlebotomists in Massachusetts was $44,830.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Phlebotomy is a rapidly expanding field with excellent career opportunities. Hospitals are the primary employer of phlebotomy technicians. Other areas that employ phlebotomists are clinics, private physicians' offices, research centers, and other areas where invasive procedures are performed. With further education and training, a phlebotomist can advance to other healthcare fields, such as nursing.
PHLEBOTOMY CERTIFICATION/ ACCREDITATION/ LICENSURE
Program graduates receive a Certificate of Completion in Phlebotomy Training which can get them an entry-level job as a phlebotomist.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The first step to enrolling in the Phlebotomy program is to attend an upcoming health program information session. Check out our Info Session schedule and sign up today under “All Other Health Sciences Programs.”