Phlebotomy Technician Certificate
Most patients have their blood drawn during medical examinations or hospital stays. The Phlebotomist Technician (pronunciation: fli-'bä-tä-mE ) is the person responsible for drawing blood as instructed by a physician or other health care professional. The phlebotomist performs venipuncture on patients, transports blood specimens, maintains and cleans venipuncture trays, and may perform simple urinalysis tests, not to include microscopic examinations
We can prepare you to work as a phlebotomist in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research organizations. Mobile phlebotomists can work in patients’ homes.
The knowledge, skills, and abilities in this program were designed based on the standards defined by NAACLS and the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Upon completion of AHE 141 and AHE 143, graduates will be eligible for licensing as an MA-Phlebotomist through the Washington State Department of Health. Graduates will also be eligible to apply for national certification through the ASCP.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) employment of Phlebotomists nationally is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and other locations will need Phlebotomists to perform blood work.
The Washington State Employment Security Department (esd.wa.gov) projects the average annual growth rate of 3.1% from 2020 through 2030 for Phlebotomists in Snohomish County and 2.9% in Seattle-King County. As of 10/14/22 the average hourly wages are $23.90 in Snohomish County and $24.13 in Seattle-King County.
Academic Planning
The Phlebotomy Technician Certificate of Completion (COC) is a total of 9 credits that can be completed in two quarters. Students need to be aware that prerequisite classes must be completed before they can begin the phlebotomy classes, which may add additional time to complete this COC.
Students with previous healthcare experience or education may be able to waive some or all of the prerequisites. Please consult with an advisor for more information.
Prerequisites
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AHE 115 | Basic Life Support/CPR | 1 |
Quarter 1
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AHE 141 | Phlebotomy Technician | 5 |
Quarter 2
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AHE 143 | Phlebotomy Technician: Clinical Externship | 4 |
Clinical Experiences/Externship Requirements
Participation in a clinical experience requires proof of vaccination for common infectious diseases including influenza and COVID-19. The Clinical Passport outlines the immunization requirements, please download a copy and keep it in a safe place. The CPNW-Clinical Passport Tutorial provides an overview of each document section and will take about 30 minutes to complete. If you have additional questions after completing the tutorial, please contact an Allied Health faculty advisor.
Background checks are also required to participate in clinical externships and must be completed before registering for a clinical externship class. A list of Disqualifying Crimes and Negative Actions is provided by the DSHS Secretary. If you have any concerns, please contact an Allied Faculty advisor.
All immunization and criminal background checks for allied health programs go through our online databank system CastleBranch. To place an order, enter package code EE78. The cost is $96.
Advising
For program information and questions, please contact our Phlebotomy Technician program advisors:
Erika Ferreri | erika.ferreri@edmonds.edu | 425.640.1924
AAS-T and BAS degrees
Students who want to continue their studies in healthcare may apply for the Phlebotomy Technician coursework towards additional Allied Health certificates, our Allied Health associate degree, and our Integrated Healthcare Management Bachelor of Applied Science degree: