Simi Institute for Careers & Education
Phlebotomist
About
Phlebotomists collect blood samples and units for laboratory tests, transfusions, donations, or research.
Students must successfully complete the on-campus Basic Phlebotomy portion of the class in order to continue onto the Advanced Phlebotomy portion of the program. This course includes a one-week unpaid clinical externship.*
Students successfully completing the Phlebotomy Program (basic, advanced, and externship) receive completion certificates and are eligible to take the NCCT Phlebotomy exam and apply for State Licensing. Students should be aware that blood withdrawal techniques are practiced on classmates throughout this course. For additional certification information, please see Laboratory Field Services (LFS) section at www.CDPH.ca.gov.
Students must provide the following documentation to the State of California to be licensed: Proof of high school graduation through transcripts (U.S. or translated foreign) or GED (English version) and a background check.
*Completed after course dates listed
Course Fee: $1,355
NCCRS Credits: 5
Prerequisite: Must be 18 years or older, speak, read, write English at 12th grade US high school level. A reading comprehension test will be given on the first night of class. Additionally, a background check may be required for any externships and licensing, certification, or registration with the CDPH. Per the requirements of our clinical site partners, all Phlebotomist students are required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) prior to beginning any externship. No exceptions will be made.
A background check may be required for externships, clinicals and licensing, certification or registration with the appropriate governing board.
Not Offered in Fall 2023
Job Duties
Phlebotomists typically do the following:
| ● Draw blood from patients and blood donors | |
| ● Talk with patients and donors to help them feel less nervous about having their blood drawn | |
| ● Verify a patient’s or donor’s identity to ensure proper labeling of the blood | |
| ● Label the drawn blood for testing or processing | |
| ● Enter patient information into a database | |
| ● Assemble and maintain medical instruments such as needles, test tubes, and blood vials |
Work Environment
Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctors’ offices. Phlebotomists who collect blood donations sometimes travel to different offices and sites in order to set up mobile donation centers.
Work Schedule
Most phlebotomists work full time. Some phlebotomists, particularly those who work in hospitals and labs, may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Important Qualities To Have
Compassion. Some patients or clients are afraid of having their blood drawn, so phlebotomists should be caring in performing their duties.
Detail oriented. Phlebotomists must draw the correct vials of blood for the tests ordered, track vials of blood, and enter data into a database. Attention to detail is necessary; otherwise, the specimens may be misplaced or lost, or a patient may be injured.
Dexterity. Phlebotomists work with their hands, and they must be able to use their equipment efficiently and properly.
Hand–eye coordination. Phlebotomists draw blood from many patients, and they must perform their duties successfully on the first attempt, or their patients will experience discomfort.
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements
Per the requirements of our clinical site partners, all Phlebotomist students are required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination(s) prior to beginning any externship. No exceptions will be made.
NCCRS College Credit Recommendations
More than 1,500 cooperating colleges and universities (including most California Community Colleges and Cal State Universities) will consider granting college credit based on NCCRS credit recommendations. Additional colleges may also award college units for SICE Medical Career Courses.