FAQ

Phlebotomy FAQs

The Phlebotomy Certificate is an 11 week program and requires 4 credits of prerequisite classes and 7 credits of program classes for a total of 11 credits, including 120 hours of clinical experience required.

The clinical hours must be completed during the day, 3 straight weeks of 5 days per week, 40 hours per week. Clinical sites are available throughout the valley. Clinical experience or practicum does not start until after successful completion of PLB109 and PLB 111.

Online applications for the Fall 2024 Phlebotomy Program are now being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

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Students average 40 hours per week during day shift hours, to complete their clinical rotations at clinical sites selected by the school.

The schedule for the Phlebotomy Program Courses and Externships can be found in the "Downloads/Forms" page.

Classes are hybrid courses, with the majority of the coursework online, and in-person sessions scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-9pm. Clinical rotations (practicums) are 40 hours per week scheduled during day shift hours, Monday through Friday.

It is important to meet with an Advisor, to ensure you are prepared for the application process.

 

PLB109: Phlebotomy: Basic Skills – 2 credits - $260

PLB111: Specimen Processing and Advanced Techniques – 2 credits - $300

PLB122: Clinical Practicum: Phlebotomy and Specimen Processing – 3 credits - $500

The approximate cost of the program courses (tuition and course fees), not including books is: $1,000

Applicants must complete the program prerequisite course, HCC145AA, prior to applying for admission to the phlebotomy program.

HCC145AA can not be waived due to experience.

HCC145AA may be waived for students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science degree or higher degree in a health science discipline from a regionally accredited institution of higher education recognized by the Maricopa Community College District with prior written Program Director approval.

Program Director permission is required in order to have the HCC prerequisite course waived. Please include a copy of an email or a permission statement from the Program Director, indicating waiver of prerequisite courses when you apply for the program.  

The application process is an online process.

You can view a SAMPLE application under the "Downloads" page for the program, to ensure you have completed all of the requirements, but the actual application is done online.

Online applications for the Fall 2024 Phlebotomy Program are now being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Acceptance is not guaranteed, admission to the program is a competitive process, based on completeness of the application requirements, including the prerequisite courses. It is first-come, first-served enrollment.

It is important to meet with an Advisor, to ensure you are prepared for the application process.

Do you need to take PLB109 and PLB111 ONLY to fulfill the MLT program prerequisites and do NOT want to attend clinical externship or receive a Certificate of Completion in the Phlebotomy Program? If so, just email Rochelle Helminski for course permission.

The following items must be submitted via the Online Application to be considered for admission to the program: 

  • Completed Phlebotomy Program Application
  • Completed and signed Health and Safety Documentation form with copies of actual immunization record or laboratory titer results as supporting documentation of: 
    • Proof of 2 MMR vaccinations or positive titers for measles, mumps, AND rubella - Proof of immunity through serologic testing (positive IgG titer) OR documentation of two (2) doses of MMR vaccination on separate dates at least 28 days apart. If a titer shows negative, equivocal, or non-reactive you will be required to repeat the MMR series with two (2) additional immunizations and provide appropriate documentation. 
    • Proof of positive varicella titer or 2 varicella vaccinations (History of disease is not sufficient) - Proof of immunity through serologic testing (positive IgG titer) OR documentation of two (2) doses of Varicella vaccination 30 days apart. If a titer shows negative, equivocal, or non-reactive you will be required to repeat the Varicella series with two (2) additional immunizations and provide appropriate documentation. History of chickenpox is NOT sufficient proof of immunity. 
    • Proof of negative 2-step TB skin test within 6 months of the start of the program or negative chest x-ray within 6 months of the start of the program, must be valid throughout duration of program including clinicals (must provide proof of 2 TB tests) - Two-Step TB Skin Test consisting of an initial TB skin test and a boosted TB skin test 1-3 weeks following the first test within the 6 months of the start of the program. OR Negative Two-Step TB Skin Test and annual testing within 6 months of the start of the program. OR Negative chest X-ray and annual documentation of a TB disease-free status by completing a Tuberculosis Screening Questionnaire. OR Documentation of a negative result from an IGRA test (Quantiferon, T-Spot) within 6 months of the start of the program
    • Proof of 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations or positive Hepatitis B titer - Proof of immunity through serologic testing (positive HbsAB titer) OR documentation of three (3) doses of Hepatitis B vaccination (an initial injection followed by a second injection given 1 or 2 months after the first dose and a third injection 4 to 6 months after the first) OR signed declination 
    • Proof of a one-time Tetanus (Tdap) vaccination AND Td booster if 10 years or more since Tdap vaccination, must be valid throughout duration of program including clinicals 
    • Health Declaration signed by M.D., D.O., N.P., or P.A. within 6 months of the start of the program.
    • Proof of Current CPR training – Healthcare Provider level (BLS level), must be valid throughout duration of program including clinicals - Healthcare Provider (BLS level) CPR card issued by the American Heart Association. All Health Science Programs require American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification. This certification includes training for adult/Child/Infant CPR, choking, AED, and one- and two-man rescuer. Please be sure to verify with the trainer that the course you take satisfies these requirements. Courses that do not have a demonstration component will not be accepted. Examples would be cards received on the internet that do not have an in-person skills review. A fully online CPR course will NOT be accepted. A photocopy of the front and back of the card must be provided with the program application. 
    • Current Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card - Issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. A photocopy of the front and back of the card is required as part of the application process. The original Fingerprint Clearance Card will need to be presented and validated prior to course registration by advisement. 
    • Clinical Planning Form (part of Program Application)
    • Proof of two-dose vaccination of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine.or Proof of one dose vaccination of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. 

Additional information about the requirements can be found within the video about Applying to the Phlebotomy Program

You do not schedule your own clinical site.

The program director and the clinical coordinator schedule your clinical rotations.

Clinical hours must be completed during the dates and times identified in the program application, evening/weekend hours are not available. 

Online application and materials for the program will be reviewed every 2 weeks leading up to program start date, and students will be notified via email of their conditional acceptance or nonacceptance within 2 weeks of submission. Admission is first-come, first-served.

 

  • Fingerprint Clearance Card: $75
  • CPR for Health Care Providers: $20-$50 – varies according to location 
  • Immunizations: $250 - $600 – varies according to location and previous immunization history 
  • Urine Drug Screening (IF conditionally accepted, prior to clinical practicum): $58 
  • Scrubs for class and clinicals: $15-30 – varies according to place of purchase 
  • Supplemental MCCCD Background Check (IF conditionally accepted, prior to start of program): $67 
  • Compliance Tracker (IF conditionally accepted, prior to start of program): $25 
  • Online Clinical Orientation (IF conditionally accepted, prior to start of program): $40

 

Phoenix College Phlebotomy Program does offer two options for refresher training:

  • PLB114 - Refresher Course for Phlebotomists - Review of phlebotomy theory and practices including equipment, procedures, and special considerations. Reinforces basic skills and competencies of phlebotomy techniques for individuals who have 2 years employment as a phlebotomist within the last 4 years or completion of a formal structured phlebotomy training program within the last 2 years with proof of a minimum of 100 successful venipunctures. Please contact Rochelle Helminski (rochelle.helminski@phoenixcollege.edu) for more information. **Please note students in this course will perform multiple venipunctures on each other.**

 

  • PLB250 - Phlebotomy Program Review - Provides review of phlebotomy theory fundamental knowledge, and advanced concepts required for phlebotomy national certification examinations for individuals who have completed the Phlebotomy Program at Phoenix College or have a minimum of one year experience as a phlebotomist. Please contact Rochelle Helminski (rochelle.helminski@phoenixcollege.edu) for more information. **Please note this is a fully online course with no hands-on practice.**