All of our phlebotomy training classes are comprehensive and emphasize a “hands-on” method – each student will learn a variety of phlebotomy techniques in every class, progress to collecting blood specimens on other class members (with supervision), and then ultimately supporting patients at a patient service center. In addition, you will learn the “tricks of the trade” that will help with special patients and difficult draws. A unique feature of our program is that we also focus on pediatric phlebotomy as part of our curriculum.
Our experienced instructor will guide you as you learn a variety of blood drawing techniques, safety standards, basic anatomy and physiology, and other areas such as:
- HIPAA and patient's rights
- Universal precautions and safety
- Venipuncture with vacutainers, butterflies and syringes
- Pediatric phlebotomy
- Finger and heel sticks
- Blood and blood components
- Medical laboratory terminology
- Test tubes — uses, additives and order of draw
- Professionalism and customer service skills
- Special procedures — blood cultures, glucose tolerance testing
- Difficult draws — tricks of the trade
- Specimen processing
- Clinical internship
Two Paths Available:
12-Week Standard Path
The first 11 weeks of lecture and technique include three, part-time days or nights each week (depending on session selected). The final week of clinical internship will require approximately a 40-hour commitment to ensure you achieve the required ‘clinical practice’ to complete the program. Learn more about our 12-Week Standard Path.
Learn More6-Week Accelerated Path
This path requires individuals to be hired as a St. Luke’s employee. Once hired, the individual is automatically enrolled into a paid, 6-week program with the first five weeks focusing on lecture and technique and the final week focusing on a clinical internship. Other specific criteria must be met. Learn more about our 6-Week Standard Path.
Learn MoreEducation Prerequisite:
- Students must have a high school diploma or GED to be considered eligible for acceptance into either of the program paths.
Certification
- The SLUHN School of Phlebotomy (SOP) is approved by the American Medical Technologist (AMT). Students who have successfully completed the phlebotomy program will be prepared, and can sit, for an accredited national certification examination through AMT or the National Health Career Association (NHA) to become a Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT). This is optional and employment is not contingent upon successful completion, although it may make an individual more competitive in the job market (certification is optional in state of Pennsylvania though some states do require it).