Phlebotomy Technician, Certificate
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Certificate Program / certificate
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Cirriculum Guide
- College
- Health and Human Sciences, College of (Dean's Office)
- School/Department
- School of Allied Health
Program Contact
- Dr. Kristine Kraft
-
Professor, Director of School
330-972-6516
Overview
The Phlebotomy Certificate at The University of Akron prepares students for entry-level employment as phlebotomists in health care settings. Phlebotomists are trained to collect blood specimens safely and accurately for diagnostic testing, transfusions, research, and blood donation.
This certificate program emphasizes the development of knowledge, technical skills, and professional behaviors necessary for success in patient-centered health care environments. Students receive hands-on training in venipuncture, capillary collection, specimen handling, infection control, and patient communication.
The curriculum includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet employer expectations and pursue national certification.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the Phlebotomy Certificate program, graduates will:
Demonstrate competency in venipuncture and capillary blood collection techniques
Apply proper infection control and safety procedures in clinical settings
Accurately label, handle, and transport specimens for laboratory analysis
Communicate effectively and professionally with patients and health care team members
Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors in patient care environments
Prepare for national certification examinations in phlebotomy
Admissions Requirements
Admission to the Phlebotomy Certificate program requires:
Admission to The University of Akron
Satisfactory academic standing
Ability to meet essential technical standards for clinical practice
Students must successfully complete all coursework and clinical requirements to progress and graduate from the program.
PHLEB 200 and PHLEB 250 must be completed at the same time. They are currently offered in the Fall semester.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Phlebotomy Certificate program are prepared for employment in a variety of health care settings, including:
Hospitals
Medical and diagnostic laboratories
Physician offices and outpatient clinics
Blood donation centers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 18,400 job openings are expected each year, reflecting ongoing demand in healthcare systems.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Phlebotomists, U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm, accessed June 2026.
At the state level, Ohio employs approximately 4,600 phlebotomy technicians, with employment concentrated in major health care systems, hospitals, and diagnostic laboratories. This steady workforce demand reflects the essential role phlebotomists play in diagnostic testing and patient care across the region.
Certification and Credentialing Opportunities
Graduates of the Phlebotomy Certificate program may be eligible to sit for nationally recognized certification examinations, including:
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) – National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) – American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) – American Medical Technologists (AMT)
These certification exams evaluate competency in areas such as specimen collection, patient identification, infection control, and laboratory procedures. https://www.phlebbot.com/exam-comparison-nha-ascp-amt