The Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) program at Saint Joseph's College prepares you with a comprehensive knowledge of the entire blood collection process.

In our training program, you’ll learn:

• vein anatomy
• patient preparation
• how to maintain proper safety measures
• patient observation to ensure they handle the draw well
• proper preparation of samples for testing

Our program also emphasizes hands-on training. You’ll be required to have successfully performed 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks on individuals. Saint Joseph's College instructors will help in securing a location to fulfill these requirements.

Upon completion of the course, you'll be eligible to sit for your CPT national certification. The certification is through the National Healthcareers Association (NHA).

If you have a steady hand, are adaptable, and have ambition to specialize your skills, consider a career as a phlebotomist. 

Phlebotomy Technicians are valuable assets in the healthcare system. Physicians will often require patients to have blood work performed to determine medical conditions or ailments. As a Phlebotomy Technician, this is where you come in! Your main responsibility is to draw blood or collect other specimens for medical testing. Depending on the environment you work in, you may also collect blood samples for transfusions and donation.

Oftentimes, a patient's only interaction is with the phlebotomist, so being personable and communicating effectively is key! These traits are also integral because many individuals are scared, petrified or nervous about giving blood. The best phlebotomists are those that can ease patient nerves and have empathy for their sentiments. 

Phlebotomists are usually busy, taking dozens of blood samples during their daily shift; they’re active, but must maintain accuracy.

You are responsible for:

• preparing a patient with a tourniquet to select a vein
• disinfecting the skin
• gently and safely procuring a blood sample
• ensuring proper labeling of collection vials
• preparing samples for transport to be further analyzed

You’ll collect blood samples through venipuncture, finger pricks, or in the case of infants, heel pricks. Phlebotomists sometimes handle other types of specimens such as urine, sputum, stool, and hair.

At Saint Joseph’s College, we understand you have a lot on your plate, that’s why we offer both in-person and hybrid class settings for our Phlebotomy Technician program. We provide flexibility through online lectures to accommodate your busy schedule while still having the accountability of meeting in person. Online lectures will be taught synchronously. Synchronous instruction is real-time instruction that requires students to attend online lectures at scheduled times.  

Phlebotomists work in a variety of places, including hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic laboratories, doctor’s offices, private home care, blood donation centers, and research institutes.

Many healthcare workers also use phlebotomy as a stepping stone towards a better career. It’s not uncommon for experienced phlebotomists to obtain additional education and training to become medical assistants, surgical techs, or cardiovascular technologists.

Yes! Our Certified Phlebotomy Technician program has been approved by the American Council on Education's (ACE) Learning Evaluations Service so you'll gain  academic credit for formal courses and examinations taken outside the traditional classroom.

2 semester hours towards a lower division baccalaureate or associate degree have been approved for transferable credit.

Certification holders that have successfully passed the NHA CPT exam between Jan. 1, 2020 to present are eligible to apply for ACE credit. It is NOT retroactive prior to 2020.

*Please note that the evaluation and acceptance of transfer credits is always up to the incoming institution and it is not a guarantee that transfer credits will be aligned or awarded.