Phlebotomy Program at UPMC Altoona

Mission Statement

The mission of UPMC Altoona Phlebotomy Program is to provide a quality program for directing students in acquiring the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and values necessary to be a successful Phlebotomist. The Program is also committed to providing students with the resources necessary to pass certification examination as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician.

Vision

The vision of UPMC Altoona Phlebotomy Program is to be a world-class program where we will provide an exceptional educational experience.

Values

We at UPMC Altoona Phlebotomy Program show compassion, care and concern for our patients. We respect the dignity of each individual. We provide quality care to those we serve, and we respect the culture, beliefs and needs of those we serve.

The primary role of phlebotomists is the collection of blood specimens for laboratory analysis to monitor and diagnose medical conditions and treatments. Because of the increased number and complexity of laboratory tests, phlebotomy has become a specialized area of clinical laboratory practice. Phlebotomists are recognized as a key player on the health-care team, they must be familiar with the anatomy and physiology related to laboratory testing, the collection and transport requirements for tests performed in the laboratory, documentation and patient records, and interpersonal skills needed to provide quality patient care.

Major Traditional Duties Include:

• Correct identification and preparation of the patient before specimen collection
• Collection of the appropriate amount of blood by venipuncture or dermal puncture for the specified tests
• Selection of the appropriate specimen containers for the specified tests
• Correct labeling of all specimens with the required information
• Appropriate transport of specimens to the laboratory in a timely manner
• Processing of specimens for delivery to the appropriate laboratory departments
• Performance of computer operations and record-keeping
• Effective interaction with patients and hospital personnel
• Compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and confidentiality guidelines
Observation of all safety regulations, quality control checks, and preventative maintenance procedures
• Attendance at continuing education (CE) programs

The UPMC Altoona Phlebotomy Program is a 6-week commitment. This includes 4 weeks of online didactic learning, followed by 2 weeks of clinical practice. The online didactic learning will include the following areas of study: anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, safety and infection control, the clinical laboratory, phlebotomy techniques, quality management, and ethical and legal issues. The 2 week clinical practice consists of inpatient and outpatient phlebotomy settings, guided by experienced phlebotomists to ensure proper technique. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain at least 30 venipuncture and 10 capillary draws during their clinical practice.

Upon satisfactory completion of the program student will be eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam. More information on NHA can be found here at their website.

We take up to 8 students per program. The Phlebotomy Program is offer once in January and once in the May. Applications for the January program open November 1st and end December 15th, applications for the May program open March 1st and end April 15th.

To apply for the UPMC Altoona Phlebotomy Program, please email BaughmanAD@upmc.edu to request an application.

A personal interview with selected applicants will be held before admission to the program.

Tuition for the UPMC Altoona Phlebotomy Program is presently $750. Tuition must be paid in full within the first week of class. A $150 deposit is required at the time of acceptance to hold the student’s spot in the upcoming class.

Students must have consistent access to the internet and a computer. This will not be provided by the program.

Educational materials will be provided by the program to the student at no additional cost.

Protective gear will be provided by the program to the student at no additional cost.

Uniforms (scrubs) worn during the clinical rotations are to be provided by the student. The hospital dress code must be followed.

Opportunity for tuition forgiveness with employment commitment.

Students who withdraw from the UPMC Altoona Phlebotomy Program prior to the beginning of the program forfeit the $150 deposit fee. Students who withdraw after the beginning of the program will be given a refund for tuition paid as follows:

• Within 1-7 days: Refund 75%
• Within 7-14 days: Refund 50%
• Over 14 days: No Refund