The phlebotomy program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to function effectively and safely as a phlebotomist.

GET THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO SHINE

The course includes 96 hours of theory and 40 hours of clinical instruction. The course provides accurate, up-to-date information in phlebotomy procedures and techniques. Students are exposed to a wide variety of phlebotomy duties, with an emphasis placed on routine and special collection procedures, equipment, patient identification and OSHA regulations.

Phlebotomy course topics:

  • History of phlebotomy
  • Quality assurance and legal issues
  • Medical terminology
  • Circulatory system
  • Venipuncture specimen collection procedures
  • Blood collection variables, complications and procedural errors
  • Special collection procedures
  • Non-blood specimens and tests

After completion of the 96-hour theory portion (completed at the GACTC), students complete a 40-hour clinical experience with a laboratory facility. Students graduating from the program are able to work as phlebotomists in a wide range of laboratory settings including, but not limited to, physician offices, clinics, and hospitals. Upon completion of the course (theory and clinical), graduates are qualified to take the “Certified Phlebotomy Technician” certification exam through National Healthcare Association (NHA), which is administered at the GACTC.

Students may wish to pursue further medical training in a health related area such as Medical Lab Technician, Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse.

“The students from the Phlebotomy and Medical Assistant programs have been spot on when arriving to clinical rounds.  They are well taught, ask questions, and are always willing to learn.  These programs have provided quality individuals to facilities as employees at a time when healthcare needs them most.”

Jason C. Elchin, MT (ASCP), Manager, Laboratory, Conemaugh Nason Medical Center

COST

Tuition, book, and lab materials: $1,700.00

A $100.00 nonrefundable fee is due upon acceptance into the program and is applied to the cost of the tuition.

Estimated cost of Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam through National Healthcareer Association is $125.00.

SCHEDULE

Upcoming session:

No class sessions are scheduled at this time.  The next anticipated class session will be Fall 2024.

To be considered for admission to the Phlebotomy program, applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Applicants must complete and submit the following items to be considered for the Phlebotomy Technician program:

  1. Application for Admission
  2. Copy of the applicant’s final high school transcript, documentation of completion of a high school equivalency (i.e.. GED), or equivalent foreign education as verified by a GACTC-approved credential evaluation service. Applicants who apply during their senior year of high school must provide a copy of their final transcript following graduation from high school.
  3. PA Criminal Record information. Applicants must submit a Criminal Background History from the PA State Police that is within 1 year of the date of the first scheduled class session of the GACTC phlebotomy program. Applicants may request the background record from the PATCH system at https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp (there is a$22.00 fee). GACTC reserves the right to deny applicants to postsecondary educational programs based on the results of the criminal background check. GACTC reserves the right to accept an applicant with a criminal background based on the severity, date(s), and frequency of the conviction(s). Instructions for completing the PA Criminal Record Check are available here.
  4. PA Child Abuse Clearance. Applicants must submit a PA Child Abuse Clearance that is within 1 year of the date of the first scheduled class session of the GACTC phlebotomy program. To request this clearance, please visit https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home to create an individual account. Please follow the instructions to apply for the PA Child Abuse History Clearance. The purpose of the clearance is School Employee. When your report is ready, please provide to the Continuing Education office. There is a $13.00 fee for the PA Child Abuse History Clearance.  The GACTC reserves the right to deny applicants entrance to postsecondary educational programs based on the results of the PA Child Abuse Clearance.
  5. FBI Criminal History Record. Process online at https://www.identogo.com/. Follow steps on website to request digital fingerprinting. When prompted, enter service code (phlebotomy applicants use 1KG6NX). Click on “schedule or manage appointment”. Visit an IdentoGo Center to complete fingerprinting. Please provide your results to the Continuing Education Office once you receive them. You may e-mail the results to adulted@gactc.edu. You can also bring in or e-mail us your receipt that you will receive when you pay IdentoGo.
  6. Health Examination Form, completed by medical professional. Students are required to be screened for Tuberculosis by having a mantoux (2 Step PPD) test, IGRA blood test, or, if deemed necessary, a chest X-ray. Negative results must be submitted to the Continuing Education Office before the first day of clinical. Students are required to have a physical including a Hepatitis B vaccination and other certain immunizations.
  7. Our clinical sites may require the COVID-19 vaccination, however, exceptions may be available, per the clinical sites’ policies.

For additional information, please contact the Continuing Education Office at adulted@gactc.edu or 814-941-8324.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The GACTC reserves the right to deny admission or readmission to any student, if in the opinion of school authorities, his/her admission is not in the best interest of the student or the school.