Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a phlebotomist?
- Where do phlebotomists work?
- What is the average salary?
- What type of training is required?
- What are the necessary high school courses?
- What does the education program in Phlebotomy consist of?
- What are the admission requirements?
- If I apply, what are the chances of getting accepted?
- What is the typical cost of this program?
- Whom may I contact for more information?
Q: What is a phlebotomist?
A: A phlebotomist is an important member of the healthcare team. Phlebotomists obtain blood specimens by venipuncture and skin puncture. Phlebotomists work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals. Phlebotomists are trained to perform ECGs, point of care testing, medical coding, computer information tasks, and specimen processing.
Q: Where do phlebotomists work?
A: The phlebotomist can be employed in private laboratories, doctors' office laboratories, hospital labs, clinics, emergency rooms, and donor collection centers.
Q: What is the average salary?
A: According to the United States Department of Labor and Statistics, the median salary for phlebotomists is $30,670 per year, or $14.75 per hour. Positions are available on all shifts. (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm)
Q: What type of training is required?
A: A two-semester program which includes 160 hours of clinical training at an affiliated site (hospital, private lab or clinic). After successfully completing this training, a student will be eligible to take a national certification exam in phlebotomy. The training program at CCRI is an integrated program that combines theory with technical skills development under the direction of the program director. The student will receive a Phlebotomy Certificate from CCRI.
Q: What are the necessary high school courses?
A: Any high school student interested in this program could take an elementary algebra, basic science (including biology and chemistry - these courses are optional). The student should also have good reading, writing and communication skills.
Q: What does the education program in Phlebotomy consist of?
A: The Phlebotomy Program is a two-semester, part-time program. First semester courses include Phlebotomy I, an English course (ENGL 1010), Introduction to Laboratory Information Systems, and ICD-CM Medical Insurance Coding. Second semester courses include Phlebotomy II, Basics of Electrocardiography, and Quality Assurance for Point of Care Testing. These courses teach the necessary skills and theory needed to function as a competent phlebotomist. The student must have a 2.0 cumulative average to graduate from the college. This program contains a total of 160 hours of clinical training at a hospital or private lab. Students enrolled in either the day or evening program must be available to train at a clinical site during the day.
Q: What are the admission requirements?
- CCRI application
- High school transcript or GED
- Placement testing
- Reading comprehension test
- Health sciences application
- Good communication skills
Q: If I apply, what are the chances of getting accepted?
A: CCRI accepts approximately 28 day students and 14 evening students into the Phlebotomy Program each year. The program is offered at the Liston (Providence) Campus only. Prior to final acceptance, candidates will be directed by Enrollment Services to complete a criminal background check.
Q: What is the typical cost of this program?
A: The typical cost of the program for a full-time student is the current CCRI tuition and fees, laboratory fees, books, uniforms and travel expenses to the clinical sites. Additional information can be found on the Bursar website at www.ccri.edu/bursar.
Q: Whom may I contact for more information?
A: Contact Walé Fayanjuola, Enrollment Services, at the Providence Campus. The address is:
Walé Fayanjuola
Community College of Rhode Island
Liston Campus
1 Hilton St.
Providence RI 02905
(401) 455-6104
[email protected]
CCRI Website: www.ccri.edu
If more specific information is needed, contact Debra St. Pierre, Phlebotomy Program Director, at (401) 333-7106, or email [email protected].