Phlebotomy Technician

The Phlebotomy Technician program at Harrisburg Area Community College is a comprehensive training course designed to prepare students for a vital role in the healthcare industry. This program provides students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to accurately collect blood samples, process specimens, and assist in diagnostic testing, ensuring high-quality patient care. Throughout the program, students will learn about human anatomy, physiology, and the principles of blood collection techniques, including venipuncture and capillary puncture, in addition to safety protocols and infection control measures. The coursework combines classroom instruction with practical hands-on training in laboratory settings, allowing students to develop confidence and proficiency in phlebotomy procedures under supervised conditions. The program emphasizes the importance of professionalism, patient communication skills, and adherence to regulatory standards such as OSHA and CLIA regulations. Graduates of the program will be prepared to take certification exams, such as the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam, which can enhance employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and other healthcare facilities. This program is ideal for individuals seeking a fast-paced entry into the healthcare field, requiring only a few months of study, with a focus on skill development and certification readiness. By completing this program, students will obtain the necessary competencies to perform blood draws efficiently and safely, contributing to accurate diagnosis and patient health management. Harrisburg Area Community College’s Phlebotomy Technician program is committed to providing students with a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed in this important healthcare role.

General Education   
BIOL 111 Introduction to Human Biology (or)  3 
  BIOL 121 Anatomy and Physiology I  (4) 
CIS 105 Introduction to Software for Business  3 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking (or)  3 
  COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication  (3) 

Major Requirements   
BIOL 105 Medical Terminology  3 
PBT 101 Phlebotomy  4 
PBT 102 Phlebotomy Clinical Experience  2 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Obtain blood specimens skillfully and safely

Understand the legal and ethical implications of phlebotomy procedures

Function well as members of a medical laboratory team

Take the national entry-level credentialing examination administered by certifying agencies of the profession

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Phlebotomy Technician program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a career in the healthcare industry specializing in blood collection and specimen handling. This program provides comprehensive training on the techniques and safety protocols necessary for collecting blood samples from patients, labeling specimens accurately, and processing these samples for laboratory analysis. Students will learn about human anatomy, patient interaction, infection control, and OSHA safety standards, ensuring they are well-equipped to work in clinical and hospital settings.

The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and practical hands-on experience, often conducted in clinical laboratory environments or affiliated healthcare facilities. Once completed, graduates are typically qualified to take certification exams offered by recognized agencies such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), which can enhance employment opportunities and professional credibility.

Harrisburg Area Community College emphasizes a student-centered approach, providing small class sizes for personalized instruction and access to experienced faculty members. The program aims to develop technical skills, professionalism, and patient care abilities, making graduates competent and confident in their roles. Upon obtaining certification, phlebotomy technicians can find employment in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, physician offices, and blood donation centers. The program's duration varies but generally provides graduates with the essential credentials to enter the growing healthcare field, which is continually looking for qualified phlebotomy professionals.

The college also offers support services and resources to assist students with job placement and career development after completing the program. Depending on the current curriculum updates and industry standards, students should consult the college’s official website or contact the admissions office for the most recent detailed information about program requirements, certification options, and enrollment procedures.