Phlebotomy Apprentice

Job Summary

The Phlebotomy Apprenticeship prepares students for employment as phlebotomists in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, commercial laboratories, and medical offices.  The apprenticeship includes theory and clinical experiences to prepare individuals to obtain blood and other specimens for the purpose of laboratory analysis.  Apprentices are provided instruction on how to obtain blood specimens from patients using proper collection techniques and standard precautions.  Collection techniques include vacuum collection devices, syringes, butterfly needles, and dermal punctures.  Specimen processing, point-of-care testing and non-blood specimen collection is also covered in the curriculum.  Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, graduates will be eligible to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology BOC national certification as a phlebotomy technician.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Minimum Years of Experience: None
Substitutable Education & Experience (Optional): None
Required Certifications/Licensure: None
Required Training: Basic computer skills and aptitude;

A willingness to learn and understand the proper techniques and protocols for patient identification, sample labeling and sample processing post collection;

A willingness to learn and understand the proper techniques and protocols for collection of blood samples from patients of all ages, from all approved collection sites, with all approved collection equipment and materials. Willingness to participate in blood draws both as collector and donor.

Essential Functions

• Apprenticeship will provide opportunity to receive hands-on training in tasks related to Phlebotomy and Specimen Processing, including learning best practice on how to properly identify the patient prior to collection, choose age-appropriate site for collection and equipment to collect with.
• Receive training and gain foundational knowledge on all protocols and equipment necessary
• to complete assignments as Phlebotomy Apprentice.
• Gain understanding of anatomy and physiology of the body systems as it applies to laboratory science.
• Gain understanding in infection control procedures, the importance of infection control and how
• it pertains to phlebotomy procedures.
• Receive training on proper specimen collection and gain an understanding of specimen integrity in the delivery of patient care.  Learn quality and assurance in phlebotomy.
• Apply appropriate quality assurance and quality control to waived laboratory testing in accordance with CLIA regulations.
• Communicates (verbally and nonverbally) effectively and appropriately with patients, staff and coworkers.  
• Maintains an optimistic and professional image, always showing courtesy and respect and demonstrating ethical behavior.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Apprenticeship will include 45 hours of lectures, 100 hours of clinical rotations and minimal completion of 100 successful unaided venipuncture blood collections and a minimum of 10 dermal punctures (finger and/or heel sticks). 
• Apprentice must attend class lecture and clinical hours as outlined in the course syllabus. Excellent attendance and punctuality are key behaviors which demonstrate responsibility and commitment to a successful learning experience.
• Apprentice must successfully complete all written exams and clinical practical exams.
• Apprentice must attempt certification test through the American Society of Clinical Pathology within three (3) months of completion of apprenticeship. If apprentice does not pass first attempt, must attempt a second time within six (6) months of completion of apprenticeship.        
• Complies with all standard safety policies and procedures required by CLIA, CAP, COLA, DNV, AABB, FDA, DHEC and OSHA
• Performs all other duties as assigned.