Degree Plans

Phlebotomy, OSA


  • Academic Year: 2020-2021
  • Division / Department: Health Professions / Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Degree Code: PHLEBOTOMY.OSA
Download Occupational Skill Plan

The McLennan Community College offers an Occupational Skills Award in Phlebotomy.

To earn the occupational skills award, the student must successfully complete the following courses: PLAB 1323 Phlebotomy, PLAB 1260 Phlebotomy clinical, HPRS 1206 Medical terminology, BIOL 2404 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology and MLAB 1201 Introduction to the clinical laboratory science class.

The phlebotomist is responsible for the collection and processing of blood and urine specimens for the clinical laboratory. The specimens collected by the phlebotomist, and patient test results obtained, allows the physician to detect, diagnose and treat disease in order to determine the best treatment option for the patient.

Phlebotomists are employed in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, blood banks and other laboratory environments. Phlebotomy is also considered an entry level skill for students who might wish to pursue additional educational opportunities in the medical laboratory such as a medical laboratory technician or medical laboratory scientist.

Upon successful completion of the Phlebotomy course (PLAB 1323) and the phlebotomy clinical (PLAB 1260), students are eligible to sit for the national certification exam administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) in phlebotomy.

Marketable skills include:

1. The appropriate motor skills to successfully identify patients, properly draw the required samples and process the specimens in the clinical laboratory for testing.

2. The appropriate communication skills necessary to effectively communicate with patients of all ages and help ensure that the patient understands the procedure and the ability to put the patient at ease as much as possible before the draw.

3. The ability to pay close attention to detail so that every patient is properly identified and the appropriate test samples are drawn in order for the required testing to be performed and reported to the physician.

4. The ability to properly use the hospital/laboratory computer systems to input data regarding the patient and the specimen(s).

5. The interpersonal skills necessary to demonstrate empathy and understanding for patients who may be apprehensive about a blood draw, showing the patient care and concern at all times.

Semester I

PLAB 1323 Phlebotomy 3 hours
MLAB 1201 Introduction to Clinical Lab Science 2 hours
PLAB 1260 Clinical-Phlebotomy/Phlebotomist 1
Upon successful completion of the Phlebotomy sequence of courses, PLAB 1323 and PLAB 1260, the student will be eligible to take a national certifying examination for Phlebotomy.
2 hours
HPRS 1206 Essentials of Medical Terminology 2 hours
BIOL 2404 Anatomy & Physiology (specialized) 2
All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
4 hours
Total hours:13 hours