Phlebotomy

• This one-year program includes additional courses that will provide useful context for your career as a phlebotomist, including biology, medical terminology, and special procedures.

• Students who complete this program will be eligible to take a national certification exam to become a phlebotomist.

What is a phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for lab tests and procedures. Phlebotomists are critical members of the care team in medical practices and hospitals throughout South Carolina. 

Other duties may include:

• Explaining procedures to patients and answering their questions
• Point of care testing, such as taking a reading for blood glucose levels
• Preparing specimens for testing 

Which program is right for you?

MTC offers two options for students interested in phlebotomy.

1. The Academic Certificate, listed on this page, requires you to apply to MTC and offers a broader base of education including courses on biology, medical ethics, health care software, and anatomical basics. This program is best for people who want to build on their career as a phlebotomist and eventually continue their health care education. Academic programs also allow you to apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA. 
2. The Training Certificate does not require you to apply to MTC and offers a quicker approach to training, focused solely on phlebotomy skills.

Either option will allow you to take the same test to be certified as a phlebotomist and eventually work in a doctor's office or hospital setting. 

About the Program

The Academic Certificate for Phlebotomy will provide a great foundation for a variety of healthcare careers in SC. Students will develop the basic skills necessary to perform phlebotomy procedures utilized in hospital settings, clinical facilities, and physician's offices.

What are phlebotomy courses like?

Instructional methods will be varied including classroom, lab, online/hybrid, simulation/virtual reality, and clinical rotations, during which students will have comprehensive clinical experiences in medical laboratory specimen collections, transport, storage, and basic test procedures. The Academic Certificate program also includes instruction in anatomy and physiology, communication, soft skills, and information technology.

The Phlebotomy certificate can be combined with the Nursing Assistant Certificate and Cardiac Care Certificate to earn stackable, short-term, entry-level certificates in the health care arena.

What happens after I complete the program?

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be eligible to take a nationally recognized certification exam. Employment opportunities in South Carolina include positions in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctors’ offices.

Why choose MTC?

MTC partners with medical facilities throughout the Midlands to provide real-world experience that is invaluable for our students. This experience can work to your advantage when it's time to look for jobs after you graduate the program. In addition, our instructors are experts in the field who will share their lived experience and give you the personal attention you need to be successful. 

Admission Criteria

• Attendance at a program Information Session (optional).
• Attendance at a program Orientation Session (mandatory).
• Submission of an Acknowledgement of Intent request.
• Acceptable Criminal Background Check and drug screening results.
• Satisfactory compliance with required medical physical and immunization requirements.
• Current certification in First-Aid and CPR (American Heart for the Health Care Professional).

Requirements

Students must receive a grade of “C” or better on all Phlebotomy certificate courses. Students must pass a final comprehensive exit examination to graduate from the program. Students may not repeat certificate courses more than once, nor may they progress to the next semester until that course is passed. Students may repeat only two Phlebotomy Technician certificate courses.

Students will rotate through hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and clinics in the Columbia area for practical experience in Phlebotomy. Students will be required to comply with regulations required by off-campus clinical sites, which might include fingerprinting, background checks, and drug screenings.