PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is offering its Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (PTC) this spring, with classes starting on March 2, 2021. 

 

The non-credit program provides hybrid (classroom and online) instruction, laboratory simulation, and clinical site placement to train phlebotomy technicians.

 

Phlebotomists or phlebotomy technicians primarily draw blood, which is then used for different kinds of medical laboratory testing. Because all blood samples look the same, phlebotomists must carefully identify and label the sample they have drawn and enter it into a database.

 

Based on the data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 17 percent from 2019 to 2029 which is much higher than the average 5 percent growth rate for all other occupations. Blood analysis remains an essential function in medical laboratories and hospitals. Demand for phlebotomists will remain high as doctors and other healthcare professionals require bloodwork for analysis and diagnosis.

 

Potential pathways at BCC for those who complete the PTC certificate program are the following: Physical Therapist Assistant (A.S.); Respiratory Care (A.S.); Nursing (A.S.); Health Science Option (A.S.); Biological Science (A.A.); Biotechnology (A.A.). Clinical experience acquired through working as a phlebotomist can be the first step in a health care career.

 

The program includes topics specifically related to phlebotomy, such as human body systems, obtaining and handling blood specimens, laboratory tests, blood collection equipment, safety and preparedness, infection control, venipuncture, dermal (capillary) puncture, special phlebotomy procedures, and other related skills. The program prepares participants to earn a Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

 

For more information, or to register for this Phlebotomy Technician Certificate, head to https://shop.berkshirecc.edu or contact Elena Nuciforo, Director of Workforce Development: Healthcare at enuciforo@berkshirecc.edu.