Phlebotomy Technician
Phlebotomy Technician Program
At HIGH, our Phlebotomy Technician program is more than a certification — it’s a gateway to serving your community. As a vital part of any healthcare team, phlebotomists help ensure safe, compassionate, and accurate lab testing that directly impacts patient care.
- Learn essential blood collection and specimen handling techniques
- Hands-on practice with real equipment in lab settings
- Prepares you for work in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers
- Supports underserved populations through care accessibility
Phlebotomy Technician Certificate
The Houston Institute of Global Health’s accelerated Phlebotomy Technician program is designed to get your career ready in just 8 weeks. The training program is designed to prepare students with both theoretical and hands-on training for a successful career as a phlebotomist. Phlebotomy requires individuals to accurately and skillfully perform multiple tasks at once. With duties such as labeling specimens accurately and completely, collecting timed specimens, and observing safety policies and procedures, it is important for phlebotomy students to be detail-oriented and committed to care. Plus, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience through a 20-hour clinical externship, where you’ll practice what you’ve learned in a real medical setting. By the time you land your first job, you’ll be fully prepared to jump right in and make an impact from day one.
- 160 hours Required
- 4 weeks clinic
- 8 Weeks of Classes
- Online + 4 Saturdays from 10:30am-3:30pm
- 160 clock hours
- HIGH campus, Online learning
Hands-on learning
Get real-world ready with clinical experience.
Earn your credentials
Show your future employer that you’ve met the highest standards of preparation in the field.
Flexible format
All courses are completed online, with the exception of 4 Saturdays from 10:30-3:30.
Curriculum Overview
Graduates of the Phlebotomy Technician program will be qualified to obtain an entry-level position as a phlebotomist in places such as hospitals, clinics, independent medical laboratories, and doctor’s offices.
For course descriptions, see our course Catalog.
Week 1
PBY102 | Introduction to Phlebotomy Practice and Quality Assessment Basics | 19 clock hours |
3 Theory Hours/16 Lab Hours/0 Externship Hours/19 Clock Hours
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practice of procedures required for blood draws. These include sanitation techniques and sterilization procedures, Veni- puncture, identification of labeling, identifying orders, and other essential information for developing the phlebotomy skills base.
Week 2
PBY101 | Ethical, Legal and Regulatory Issues | 11 clock hours |
11 Theory Hours/0 Lab Hours/0 Externship Hours/11 Clock Hours
Students will learn the laws which govern the duties and the work settings of Phlebotomy Technicians. Students will develop an understanding of their specific ethical responsibilities critical to the role of the Phlebotomy Technician.
Week 3
PBY100 | Basic Medical Terminology, the Human Body, and the Cardiovascular System | 19 clock hours |
3 Theory Hours/16 Lab Hours/0 Externship Hours/11 Clock Hours
Students on this course will demonstrate knowledge of the circulatory system and the use of related medical terminology. Students will study the blood, its components and function within the human body.
Week 4
PBY104 | Safety and Infection Control | 11 clock hours |
11 Theory Hours/0Lab Hours/0 Externship Hours/11 Clock Hours
In this course, students will develop the skills base and thinking processes to ensure quality and safety in client care, laboratory processes, and records accuracy.
Week 5
|
PBY103 |
Documentation, Specimen Handling, Transportation and Blood Collection Equipment |
25 clock hours |
3 Theory Hours/17 Lab Hours/5 Externship Hours/25 Clock Hours
This course concentrates on the specific procedures involved in transferring blood products and specimens, their proper storage, and the processing involved. The course also emphasizes the importance of accessioning, the entry portal for the record of a specimen entering the laboratory system. Ultimately students will learn the importance of accuracy and the following procedure to increase safety and reduce the risk of error.
Week 6
PBY105 | Pre-examination/Preanalytical Complications | 25 clock hours |
3 Theory Hours/17 Lab Hours/5 Externship Hours/25 Clock Hours
The pre-analytic testing phase occurs first in the laboratory process. This phase may include specimen handling issues that occur even prior to the time the specimen is received in the laboratory. Important errors can occur during the pre-analytic phase with specimen handling and identification. Therefore, the pre-analytical phase must have rigorous control measures to avoid unwittingly allowing problems or errors to travel further “downstream.”
Week 7
PBY106 | Obtaining Blood Samples | 25 clock hours |
3 Theory Hours/17 Lab Hours/5 Externship Hours/25 Clock Hours
A course on obtaining blood samples, also known as phlebotomy, teaches students how to take blood samples from patients for laboratory analysis, transfusions, or donations. Students learn how to collect blood samples using a variety of techniques, including venipuncture, capillary puncture, and heel and finger pricks. Students learn about laboratory practices, such as labeling, transportation, and disposal of waste
Week 8
PBY107 | Specimen Collection and Processing | 25 clock hours |
3 Theory Hours/17 Lab Hours/5 Externship Hours/25 Clock Hours
This course is an introduction to the collection and processing of patient specimens for clinical laboratory testing. The primary emphasis is venipuncture technique and its importance in sample quality.
Support Beyond Graduation
We don’t just train you — we walk with you.
Every HIGH student receives:
- Resume and job interview coaching
- Access to externship-to-hire opportunities
- Community job board access
- Letters of recommendation and professional references
Our goal is to see every graduate working, serving, and thriving.
