Phlebotomy Training Program

 

 

 

The UCI Medical Center

At the University of California Irvine, Medical Center, a dynamic interaction between medical technology, research, education and dedication to patient care results in a health care system that is unmatched in the services it provides to communities throughout Orange County and the Southern California area.

As the principal clinical facility for the UCI School of Medicine, the Medical Center is a full-service, fully accredited, general-acute care hospital and is the only university teaching hospital in Orange County, CA.

The nationally recognized expertise of its staff has made UCI Medical Center a diagnostic and referral center for treatment of a wide range of medical programs. UCI Medical Center is the only university hospital serving Orange County and its surrounding areas.

The Clinical Laboratory

From high-risk pregnancy management and neonatal intensive care to trauma medicine and cancer therapy, the clinical laboratory is an integral part of the hospital's many unique and comprehensive programs. The fully automated facility includes the latest innovations in toxicology, special chemistry, virology, flow cytometry, pheresis, molecular microbiology and immunology.phlebotomy image 1

More than 1,900,000 patient specimens are tested annually in the Medical Center’s clinical laboratory. The lab is accredited and inspected by the State of California, College of American Pathologists, American Association of Blood Banks, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The laboratory is a national referral center for general and specialized procedures and services a wide range of clientele. It also provides students with an excellent training environment and learning opportunities that are unequaled in the area. phlebotomy image 2

The Phlebotomy Program Overview

The Phlebotomy Training Program is operated by the UC Irvine Medical Center Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. The program faculty includes pathologists, Clinical Laboratory Scientists and experienced, certified phlebotomists. The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services.

At present, the school accepts up to 24 students each year with classes starting in March and September. The curriculum includes 40 hours of didactic training and 100 hours of practical training.

A certificate of completion is awarded by Department of Pathology - UC Irvine when students have successfully completed the training program and the students are eligible to take the PBT (Phlebotomy Technician) certifying examination offered by ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology). Students who have successfully passed the ASCP certification exam can apply for the California State Certified Phlebotomy Technician 1 certification and PBT (ASCP) certification.

arrow up Admission Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • High school graduation or equivalent; college units and related healthcare experience are not required, but preferred.
  • Fluent in English (verbal and written).
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Personal statement of interest.
  • Health assessment:
    • Proof of immune status for the following:
      • Measles
      • Rubella (German Measles)
      • Varicella Zoster (Chickenpox)
      • Hepatitis B Virus
    • Tuberculosis (TB) Screening
      • TB Skin Test (2 steps)
      • Chest X-ray (must be taken within past 12 months) is required if there is history of positive TB skin test.
  • At least 18 years of age or older.
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Foreign degree students only: transcript evaluation from an approved agency. Contact the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) for information and application at http://www.aacrao.org/, phone (202) 355-1057. Recent history of attendance at an U.S. college or university is preferred.

Procedure for Application

Application materials consist of the following: 1) completed application form, (double click “completed application form” for link to application form) 2) statement of interest in phlebotomy, 3) copy of an official high school and/or college transcript(s), and 4) two letters of recommendation.

  • The application form and the letter(s) of recommendation should be typed (or clearly printed in black ink) and submitted with the statement of interest to the Program Coordinator.
  • Application deadline: January 1 for March class and July 1 for September class
  • ALL application materials must be received by the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to start the application process early.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.
  • Selected applicants will be contacted by the Program Coordinator for an interview appointment.
  • Individuals selected for the program will be notified immediately after the selection process has been completed.

To be considered for admission to the program, candidates must have submitted complete applications by the specified deadline and have met the stated eligibility requirements. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview with the Program Coordinator or designee. In addition to evaluating academic performance, interview, and letter(s) of recommendation, the interviewer(s) will also consider related healthcare work experience, extracurricular activities, interest in phlebotomy, and communication skills. The University of California prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran.

Tuition

  • Tuition is $1500 (payable by check or money order), and is due no later than one week prior to the start of the class.
  • $100 is non-refundable
  • Training materials, the phlebotomy textbook, and lab coats will be provided at no additional charge

Selection Criteria

To be considered for admission to the program, candidates must have submitted complete applications by the specified deadline and have met the stated admissions criteria.

Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview with members of the program's Admissions Committee. In addition to evaluating academic performance, interview, interest in phlebotomy, and letters of recommendation, the Admissions Committee also considers clinical laboratory work experience, honors, extracurricular activities and communication skills.

The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. The University also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.

Program Content

1. 40 hours basic and advanced didactic training which includes:

  • Basic anatomy and physiology of body systems, with emphasis on the circulatory system, and appropriate medical terminology
  • Basic infection control, standard precautions and safety
  • Blood collection equipment, types of tubes and additives, proper order of draw when additives are required, special precautions
  • Proper identification of patient and specimens and importance of accuracy in overall patient care
  • Anatomical site selection and patient preparation
  • Blood collection process and complications related to phlebotomy
  • Proper selection and preparation of skin puncture site, including selection of antiseptic
  • Post puncture care, appropriate disposal of sharps, needles and waste
  • Customer Service skills
  • Federal regulations and regulatory agencies
  • Advanced infectious disease control and biohazards
  • Hemostasis
  • Risk factors and appropriate response to complications that may arise from phlebotomy
  • Knowledge of pre-analytical sources of error in specimen collection, transport, processing and storage
  • Recognition of and corrective actions to take with problems in phlebotomy, test requisitions, specimen transport and processing
  • Quality assurance in phlebotomy necessary to provide accurate and reliable laboratory test results
  • Application of basic concepts of communication, interpersonal relations, stress management, professional behavior, ethics and legal implications of phlebotomy

2. 100 hours of practical training in a clinical setting which includes:

  • 100 hours of actual hands-on training under direct supervision and guidance of state-certified phlebotomists in ambulatory clinics.
  • Successful completion of a minimum of 100 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures on different categories of patients.
  • Observation of at least two arterial punctures.

Schedule of Classes

There are 2 class sessions (spring and fall) per year. All students for each session will have the 7 day didactic (classroom) portion of the training in Orange. After completion of the didactic instruction, students will do their clinical rotation at either our Orange outpatient laboratory or our Gottschalk outpatient laboratory on the campus of UC Irvine.

The spring session generally starts on first Monday in March and the fall session generally starts on last Monday in August. Didactic training generally starts from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (M - F for 2 weeks) and clinical training generally starts from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (M - F for 3 weeks). Each student will be assigned to a 4:00 am start time on 2 days of the clinical rotation. There are three clinical rotations per session. Each student will be assigned to one of the three rotations. The rotation may start the week following didactic training or up to six weeks after didactic training.

Training Requirements

To graduate from the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT1) Training Program at UC Irvine Medical Center, the student must complete the training which consists of:

  • 40 hours of basic and advanced didactic instruction
  • Practical training of 100 hours in a clinical setting (successful completion of 100 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures on actual patients)
  • Scoring an average of 70% or better on all written examinations
  • Scoring a minimum of 70% on practical examinations  
  • Demonstration of competency and safe practice when drawing blood from patients of all ages

Clinical Training Only

Available for those UCI employees and Clinical Researchers who have completed didactic instruction elsewhere and need only the clinical portion of the class, the following applies:

  • Each student will be evaluated on an individual basis and must be approved by the Medical Director
  • Must pass a phlebotomy written exam with a score of 70% or better
  • A total of 2 attempts is given to pass the phlebotomy exam
  • Must provide proof of 40 hours of didactic training
  • Must pay full tuition
  • Must be available for 100 hours of clinical training between the hours of 8 am and 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
  • Clinical training will take place at either Orange or Irvine and will be scheduled in advance to make the best use of the employee’s time and the phlebotomy instructor’s time.

Evaluation

Students must successfully fulfill the minimum requirements of the lectures and practical training. Performance will be evaluated throughout the training based on: didactic lecture exams, lab exams, lab skills, work habits, professional attitudes and ability to work with others.

Students will also have the opportunity evaluate the overall program, lecture presentations and practical training.

Withdrawal from the Program

A trainee desiring to withdraw from the program must present his/her intention and reason for withdrawal in writing to the Medical Director of the Program.  Upon review of the request, an exit interview will be scheduled with at least one program official.  Documentation of the interview and written request will remain in the trainee’s file.  The trainee will turn in all Medical Center property upon termination.

Refund Policy

Refunds are based on the date a written withdrawal request is received by a phlebotomy program official. An administrative fee will be assessed for any withdrawal or dismissal.

  • Withdrawal prior to the first class session – $1,400 (total fee minus the non-refundable portion of $100).
  • Withdrawal or dismissal for any reason prior to the clinical training – $700 (50% of tuition minus the non-refundable portion of $100).
  • Withdrawal or dismissal for any reason after the clinical training has started – no refund will be issued.

Contact Information

Medical Director

Sherif A. Rezk, MD

Program Director

Janet Shigei, MS, MT(ASCP)

Program Coordinator

Rita Lu-Szeto, MSMT, CLS

Phlebotomy Training Program

UC Irvine Medical Center
101 The City Drive, Rt. 38
 Orange , CA. 92868
Tel: 714-456-8257 (Mon-Fri  2:00 to 4:00 p.m.)
Fax: 714-456-8272
E-mail: rmlu@uci.edu