Phlebotomy Certificate

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.

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.

MassBay offers a one-semester program that prepares students for entry-level employment as a phlebotomist. You will receive intense phlebotomy training in theory and skills during the first part of the semester. 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. During the clinical portion of the program, you will practice phlebotomy at hospital and clinic settings supervised by highly skilled professionals. Enrollment is limited to 20 students per class, ensuring an intimate student-centered environment. This is a hybrid program, with asynchronous online Lecture and weekly evening Laboratory sessions held on MassBay’s Framingham campus.

The Phlebotomy program is offered in a hybrid format.  Lectures are asynchronous/online so students have flexibility to complete this portion when their schedule allows during the week.  Laboratory sessions meet weekly in the evenings on the Framingham Campus.  Clinical experiences in health care settings take place between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday during the second half of the semester.  Students must commit to this schedule to complete the program. 

Upon successful completion of the Phlebotomy program, students will be able to:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Exhibit the professional attitudes and behaviors that are necessary for gaining and maintaining the confidence of the health care community.
4. Meet requirements to take the National Healthcare Association (NHA) Examination, a national certifying examination for Phlebotomy Technicians.

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.

Program graduates receive a Certificate of Completion in Phlebotomy Training which can get them an entry-level job as a phlebotomist. MassBay will provide opportunities throughout the year to students to sit for the NHA National Healthcare Association Certification Examination for Phlebotomy Technicians.