School of Phlebotomy

Cleveland Clinic School of Phlebotomy

The School of Phlebotomy course of study is designed to prepare students for the ever-changing field of phlebotomy. Phlebotomists serve a more vital role than ever before in the care of patients, thanks to increasing demand to provide patient samples for diagnostic testing. As a student of our program, you will develop venipuncture skills along with the critical thinking and communication skills required to provide essential patient samples used to diagnose diseases and monitor patients' progress.

We welcome students who are enthusiastic about providing focused patient care and have a strong personal work ethic conducive to achieving quality samples for patient testing.

Mission & Vision

The mission of Cleveland Clinic is “Caring for life, Researching for health, Educating those who serve.”

The mission of the School of Phlebotomy is to provide the highest quality classroom and laboratory education, preparing students to be proficient stewards in the field of phlebotomy.

The vision of the School of Phlebotomy is to sustain excellence in the practice of phlebotomy through the study of current theory and practice supporting world class care.

Accreditation & Certification

The School of Phlebotomy program at Cleveland Clinic is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Program outcomes will be posted after completion of first academic session.

5600 N. River Rd.
Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
773.714.8880

This Accreditation allows any student who successfully completes the program to apply for the Phlebotomy (PBT) national certification examination offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC).

The School of Phlebotomy program is approved by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation.

This School of Phlebotomy is approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools (School Registration No. 2165).  For questions related to the State Board approval, please contact Cleveland Clinic Center for Health Profession Education, 9500 Euclid Ave./JJ21., Cleveland OH 44195, 216.444.5678 option 4.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:

Gerald Hicks
Program Director
216.372.6861
CCSP@ccf.org

About Us

The School of Phlebotomy guarantees placement for up to 12 students each academic session, with up to four of the students being placed at a Cleveland Clinic hospital or family health center for their clinical experience. If there is a situation where students cannot be placed at a clinical affiliate for their rotation, they will be placed at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus for completion of their clinical experience.

Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar begins with the start of the Fall session and ends with the Summer session. Academic Sessions are held three times a year in January, May, and September. Please reach out to Program Director for exact start dates as they will change with each Academic year.

The School of Phlebotomy seeks student applicants who:

• Demonstrate familiarity with the profession of phlebotomy.
• Match personal attributes with those required for practice of phlebotomy.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Candidates must submit all transcripts from high school and/or college (if applicable).
• Applicants whose English is not their primary language must provide a TOEFL iBT score of 70 or greater.

Desired Attributes of Applicants

• Problem solvers.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Dependability and a sense of responsibility.
• Courtesy and respect in personal relationships.
• Internal Motivation.
• Integrity.
• Maturity.
• Interests or hobbies that enrich personal satisfaction.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to react appropriately and to maintain poise and control under stressful conditions.
• Manual dexterity.

Cleveland Clinic is committed to providing a working and learning environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is the policy of Cleveland Clinic to ensure that the working and learning environment is free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, age, national origin, disability, military status, citizenship, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Cleveland Clinic prohibits any such discrimination, harassment and/or retaliation.

Any participant in a Cleveland Clinic educational program – including any student, trainee or employee – who may have been subject to discrimination on the basis of a protected characteristic is encouraged to make a report.

Reports of discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression may be made to the Title IX Coordinator at TitleIX@ccf.org.

Reports of discrimination on the basis of a disability, may be made to the Section 504 Coordinator, Main Campus NA31.

Reports of discrimination on the basis of any other protected characteristic may be made to the Office of Educational Equity at EduEquity@ccf.org.

In addition, Cleveland Clinic will provide reasonable accommodations to any qualified student with a disability in order for the student to have equal access to our program. Students needing a reasonable accommodation in order to apply to or participate in the program should contact the program director as early as possible

The Cleveland Clinic and its School of Phlebotomy are committed to valuing all people through our organization, regardless of background or culture. A diverse and inclusive environment for students and staff, and culturally appropriate care for our patient, is essential to fulfilling our vision to be the best place for care anywhere and the best place to work in healthcare. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Program Goals and Objectives

Goals and Expectations

Behaviors demonstrated by students are expected through their course of training and as they assume a role in the clinical laboratory as a phlebotomist. These behaviors include:

• Ethics: Students conduct themselves with honor and do not cheat or falsify academic information at any time.
• Respect: Students make every effort to maintain effective relationships and communicate with their peers, instructors and laboratory staff.
• Diligence: Students strive to be on time, prepare daily, complete assignments and apply themselves to study.
• Knowledge: Students assimilate the knowledge required to achieve competency as a phlebotomist.
• Integrity: Students follow required lab practices and maintain an organized work space.
• Judgment: Students exercise their best judgment in analysis and problem solving.
• Competency: Students sustain grades to remain in good standing in the program.
• Quality: Students are mindful that quality in all phases of school or work is essential and is foundational to providing samples for accurate diagnostics and the best patient care.
• Certification: Students pass a certification examination on completion of studies and maintain certification throughout their career.
• Continuous learning: Students commit to the personal responsibility of learning new information and practice.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the Cleveland Clinic School of Phlebotomy program the graduate will be able to: 

1. Demonstrates the concepts of communications involving both personal and patient interaction. Communicate ideas effectively in oral and written form; use electronic methods to communicate, collaborate and disseminate information.
2. Perform proper infection control techniques and safety measures to protect patient, coworkers and community.
3. Apply knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of body systems and medical terminology in relation to general pathologic conditions associates with the body systems. Apply disease states and conditions in relation to specimen collection for clinical lab testing.
4. Demonstrate proper techniques using appropriate equipment to perform venipuncture and capillary puncture while maintaining quality assurance during and after specimen collection.
5. Demonstrate proper techniques using appropriate equipment to perform specimen processing while maintaining specimen integrity.
6. Explain and apply appropriate functions of Point of Care Testing.
7. Demonstrate a professional attitude in all interactions, maintain a willingness and enthusiasm to learn and accept instruction and suggestions in a positive, constructive manner, and continue to develop themselves professionally.
8. Practice medical and professional ethics and apply the understanding of legal implications involving phlebotomy practice.
9. Meet eligibility requirements to sit for American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry Examination or equivalent.

Program Administration

Brian Rubin, MD, PhD
Chair, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute

Sean Williamson, MD
Vice Chair, Education

Paul Suchy, DM
Administrator, Center for Pathology Education

Gerald Hicks, MBA, MLT(AMT), PBT(ASCP)^cm
Program Director

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

Tuition for the program is $1000. The cost of books, health insurance, and living expenses is paid by the student.

Please see tuition refund schedule below.

Health Insurance

Health care and hospitalization insurance are the responsibility of the student. Proof of medical insurance must be provided on or before the first day of the clinical year.

Housing

Cleveland Clinic has no student housing facilities. The cost of room, board and transportation is assumed by the student.

Withdrawal/Refund Policy

A student may withdraw from the School of Phlebotomy at any time. The withdrawing student is responsible for returning any borrowed reference materials belonging to the School of Phlebotomy. The student must surrender his or her temporary ID badge and parking sticker prior to departure on the last day. There will be no reimbursement for any expenses incurred as a result of being in the program. The student will be asked to complete a final program evaluation prior to departure.

Application

All application material, correspondence or inquiries concerning applications should be directed to the Program Director:

Gerald Hicks, MBA, MLT (AMT), PBT (ASCP)^CM
Program Director
School of Phlebotomy
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave, L13
Cleveland, OH 44195
216.372.6861
CCSP@ccf.org

The evaluation of an applicant begins after all application materials have been received. Applicants will be notified when the application file is complete.

To apply to the Cleveland Clinic School of Phlebotomy, submit the following items:

• Application form and Essential Functions acknowledgement.*
• Official transcripts from High School and all colleges/universities attended should be sent directly from those institutions to the Program Director.
• Current resume (optional).

* Please request the starred documents from Gerald Hicks at the email address above.

Course Description and Graduation Requirements

Phlebotomy I (2001)

Lectures present the principles of phlebotomy equipment and venipuncture techniques. Additional lectures will cover review of phlebotomy history and health care setting, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology with emphasis on circulatory system. Laboratory work emphasizes phlebotomy technique using multi-sample needle, syringe and butterfly collections while procuring a quality blood sample for patient testing.

Upon completion of lectures, quizzes and laboratory assessments, the student will be able to demonstrate the proper phlebotomy technique using the proper equipment. The student will also be able to apply medical terminology, anatomy/physiology knowledge when reviewing test orders for sample collection. The student will be able to demonstrate the concepts of communication in written, verbal and non-verbal forms.

Total Clock hours: 40

Phlebotomy II (2002)

Lectures present the principles of capillary and special collection techniques. Additional lectures will cover point of care testing, specimen handling, non-blood specimens and arterial punctures. Laboratory work emphasizes capillary and aseptic techniques of blood collection. Principles of specimen handling, specimen processing and point of care testing are also emphasized.

Upon completion of lectures, quizzes and laboratory assessments, the student will be able to demonstrate aseptic technique of blood collection and capillary collection. The student will be able to explain the proper methods of specimen handling, specimen processing, and point of care testing.

Total Clock hours: 40

Phlebotomy Clinical (Experience)

Hands on phlebotomy experience provided at assigned location within Cleveland Clinic. During this clinical rotation, phlebotomy students will have the opportunity to obtain patient samples in both an inpatient and outpatient setting, while being exposed to all types of patients (pediatric, geriatric, disabled). Students are also be provided clinical time in specimen processing areas at their assigned clinical location. Students will have 160 hours of clinical time along with a minimum of 100 unaided venipuncture collections.

Graduation Requirements

Acceptable performance in all courses must be achieved in order to complete the program. A student must complete the entire program to be eligible to sit for any certification examination. This includes satisfactory academic and laboratory performance along with satisfactory completion of clinical rotations. Criteria for acceptable performance are determined by the student’s performance throughout the entire program. The criteria are outlined in the Student Academic and Laboratory Performance Standards section of the student handbook.

The Certificate of Completion allows a student to apply for phlebotomy certification from national certifying agencies. Passing a national certification exam is not required for a Certificate of Completion from the School of Phlebotomy.

FAQs and Resources

How long is the Phlebotomy program?

The Cleveland Clinic Phlebotomy program lasts approximately 12 weeks and includes days off for all major holidays.

Are students expected to report on a daily basis?

Students are expected to attend classes on the required day and time unless otherwise notified.

How long is a typical school day?

Students are expected to be in attendance 4-5 hours from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. This may change slightly depending on the operational needs of the department and learning opportunities that may present during the clinical experience.

Is there a uniform requirement?

There is a uniform requirement. Students will be provided two pairs of scrubs (gray or red). Any additional scrubs must be purchased by the student.

What is the cost of the Phlebotomy program?

The current program cost for the program is $1,000. The cost of books, health insurance and living expenses is paid by the student.

Are there financing options or financial aid available to help pay for the program?

Financial aid is not available for this program.

Can a student work while enrolled in the Phlebotomy program?

Students are allowed to work while enrolled in the Phlebotomy program. We generally do not recommend working more than about 20 hours per week to allow for enough time for study.

How is the selection process conducted?

Applicants who meet the minimum GPA and have submitted all the required materials by the deadline may be scheduled for an interview.

All interviewed students are then evaluated on their application, interview and academic performance. The final selection is based on the composite score.

Where is the interview, and how do I get there?

If you are selected for an interview, you will be given directions and a campus map. You can drive a personal vehicle, get dropped off by someone else or take public transportation.

Can I schedule an online interview?

Based on visitor restrictions at Cleveland Clinic facilities at the time the interviews are scheduled, the interview may be done virtually, by phone or face-to-face. Applicants will be given more details when your interview is scheduled.

How many students are selected for the program?

Currently, the program accepts up to 12 students for each academic session. There are three academic sessions per calendar year. Please see program schedule for specific dates.

Resources about Phlebotomy

American Society for Clinical Pathology

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science

American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Medicine

PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE INSTITUTE (ROBERT J. TOMSICH)

Outcomes