Phlebotomy and ECG Technician, Micro-Credential

SUNY Code: 20260
Campus Location: North
Micro-Credential

Pre-Admission Recommendations: High school degree or HSE (High School Equivalency) and completion of all developmental English and math courses
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Hospitals, Clinics, Physicians’ Offices and other Healthcare Facilities

• Program Description
• Admission Requirements
• Outcomes
• Department Notes
• Curriculum

Program Description

For those seeking an in-demand entry-level career in the healthcare industry, this microcredential provides an excellent introduction to the roles of the phlebotomist and the electrocardiography (ECG) technician in a simulated clinical environment. In addition to using simulation arms to practice basic venipuncture skills and learn the phlebotomy specimen collection process and phlebotomy theory and techniques, students will learn the fundamentals of laboratory safety, proper disposal of biohazardous waste materials and medical sharps, and discuss established regulations and standards, quality assurance and liability risk management as they apply to the practice of phlebotomy and electrocardiography. Students will also learn proper performance of electrocardiography (ECG) testing by placing electrodes on a life-like mannequin and using a cardiac rhythm simulator connected to an electrocardiograph to mimic various dysrhythmias and normal ECG tracings. Students will also build a professional vocabulary of medical terminology, learning word components, combining forms, medical abbreviations, anatomic structures and directional terms, major body system identification, and common pathologies to prepare them for this content area of both certification exam outlines.

Additionally, students will gain direct patient-care experience by participating in at least 45 contact hours in an assigned SUNY Erie affiliated healthcare setting, demonstrating the cognitive objectives, psychomotor competencies and affective behaviors of phlebotomy standards while obtaining practical application experience in the collection of clinical samples from actual patients under the supervision of a host-site preceptor using techniques and skills learned in the on-campus course. Students also complete training in HIPAA and OSHA compliance, Laboratory Safety, Blood Borne Pathogens and Infection Control as part of their coursework prior to off-campus participation.

Nationally recognized certification exams will be administered upon successful completion of these courses where students will demonstrate competency in skills attainment. The goal of this micro-credential is to produce entry-level certified phlebotomists and ECG technicians who possess the necessary knowledge to work effectively with patients alongside other valued members of the allied healthcare team. These courses will not only prepare certificants to begin careers as certified phlebotomy technicians and registered ECG technicians but may serve as a gateway into another healthcare career and/or add valuable experience and certification to enhance another degree.

Phlebotomy and electrocardiography are part of the clinical skill set of medical assistants, and according to NYS Department of Labor, medical assisting is one of the in-demand occupations with the most anticipated hiring in Western New York (Current Employment Statistics | Department of Labor (ny.gov)). This aligns with Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiatives and is a key component of New York State’s approach to state investment and economic development. Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of phlebotomists is projected to increase by 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately, an average of 19,500 openings for phlebotomists are projected annually over the next decade to replace those who upskill into other occupations, exit the labor force or retire https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm). Likewise, the employment of ECG technicians is expected to increase by 14% from 2020 to 2030 and an estimated 12,000 openings for technicians are anticipated each year.

Admission Requirements

Admission Criteria include:

• high school degree or HSE (High School Equivalency)
• completion of all developmental English and math courses

Outcomes

Upon completion of the micro-credentialed Phlebotomy and ECG Technician program, students will be able to: 

• identify the function of phlebotomy and electrocardiography (ECG) in the healthcare setting;
• demonstrate competency in Bloodborne Pathogens, OSHA Regulations, Infection Control, Laboratory Safety and HIPAA Compliance;
• select appropriate veins and demonstrate proper collection techniques by venipuncture on adults;
• recognize the need for specialized collection techniques, the complications and special considerations associated with blood collection and micro-collection;
• demonstrate venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques;
• demonstrate proper procedure for recording and printing a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG);
• identify the role of the ECG Technician in assisting with ECG assessment and interpretation;
• identify quality assurance practices in healthcare;
• apply the skills required to project an image of professionalism to include appearance, conduct, punctuality, competency and continuing education; and
• pass national certification exams for phlebotomy and ECG technicians.

Department Notes

• All safety protocols must be followed clinical and laboratory courses.
• Students are responsible for providing transportation to off-campus clinical sites assigned for Clinical Rotations in Phlebotomy to observe and perform phlebotomy skills for 45 hours in a practical setting.
• Students who have previously taken a medical terminology course at another institution or who have had experience working in the medical field, may elect to schedule a proficiency test to obtain credit for Medical Terminology I (MA 115) if not needed for PT Financial Aid. Upon successful passing of the Medical Terminology I (MA 115) proficiency test, the student will receive credit by examination (CE) on their college transcript. Any interested student should email the Department Chair at sylviab@ecc.edu to schedule an appointment to take the exam. Note: Students MUST take the proficiency tests PRIOR to attending the respective courses.
• Because of the critical nature of the profession, deviations from professional conduct may adversely affect the patient’s well-being. Therefore, the department reserves the right to immediately remove the student from didactic, laboratory and clinical course work and/or dismiss that student from the program if the department determines that the student has acted in an unprofessional manner or if the student is unable to provide safe clinical practices.

Off-Campus Participation

• This program requires students to participate in college sponsored off-site activities. According to SUNY policy #3200 (Admissions of Persons with Prior Felony Convictions), SUNY Erie must inquire if a student has a prior felony conviction before the student can participate in any college sponsored off-site activity. Screening may be completed at tinyurl.com/ErieBoxedOut.
• A felony conviction may impede a student from completing microcredential requirements, including clinical rotations for phlebotomy, and the ability to sit for national certification examinations.

Completion Requirements

• students must successfully complete all three (3) courses associated with this microcredential before participating in national certification exams
• successful completion of microcredential courses does not constitute certification; learners are not certified until they participate in and pass national certification exams
• upon passing both certification examinations, students will hold NR-CPT and NRC-EKG credentials attesting that they have demonstrated professional competency in the areas of phlebotomy and electrocardiography

Technical Standards

Phlebotomy and Electrocardiography Technicians are patient-facing healthcare professionals, and in addition to presenting to the public in a courteous, pleasant and well-groomed manner to place patients at ease and explain physician instructions, they must also possess the physical and mental standards required to effectively accomplish the skills and behaviors required to achieve the educational goals of the program.

Duties assigned to technicians require a reasonable level of manual dexterity and visual acuity in order to successfully perform required competencies. In order for students to achieve the essential functions of these professions, students must meet the following Technical Standards:

• Visual Acuity: learners must be able to read charts and graphs, discriminate colors, read instruments and record results;

• Speech and Hearing: learners must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively in order to assess both verbal and non-verbal communication and share information with other members of the healthcare team;

• Observation and Communication: learners must possess the ability to communicate effectively and read, write and use the English language to communicate detailed information verbally and in writing with individual patients, families, visitors and other members of the healthcare team and complete required medicolegal documentation. Additionally, students must functionally use all senses: vision, touch, hearing, and smell which are essential in assessing patients and maintaining safety;

• Sensory/ Motor Functions: learners must possess the ability to execute the tasks delegated to them, such as manipulating instruments and equipment, preparing patients for physician examination, collecting specimens and safely performing clinical procedures such as phlebotomy and electrocardiography, and responding to emergency situations;

• Psychological Stability: learners must demonstrate the emotional health required for full utilization of intellectual abilities. The student must be able to handle stress and take appropriate actions when emergency situations arise; and

• Affective Behaviors: in addition to meeting the safety and technical requirements of this microcredential, learners must also possess emotional stability and flexibility to develop the ability to think critically, exercise sound judgment, function effectively in stressful situations, accept constructive criticism, adapt to change, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate appropriate behavior toward patients and other members of the healthcare team.

Health Science Division Student Health Report Form

In addition to the student health form required for admission to the College that is retained in the Student Health Office, a separate Health Science Division Student Health Report Form is required prior to placement at college sponsored external clinical rotation experiences, including MA 129: Clinical Rotations for Phlebotomy and is retained in our department files. The Health Science Division Student Health Report Form provides evidence of a recent physical examination, demonstrating that a matriculating student is in good physical and mental health, capable of completing course requirements, and has received the following required screening and immunizations:

• most recent negative PDD (Purified Protein Derivative) Mantoux test (MUST be within a year)

*students with a history of positive TB exposure must have a negative chest x-ray within two years

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) Vaccination (MUST provide vaccine record with BOTH dates for two-dose series or date of single-dose vaccine and proof of booster within 30 days of eligibility)

• BOTH dates for MMR (Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella) or positive titer results
• BOTH dates for Varicella Vaccine (Chicken Pox) or positive titer results
• date of most recent Tetanus Vaccine (MUST be within 10 years)
• most recent Influenza Vaccine (MUST be within a year)
• All THREE dates for Hepatitis B Vaccine, positive titer results or declination form

All screening and immunization documentation must include the name and address of who and where the vaccine was ordered and/or administered as well as the date of vaccination.

The Health Science Division Student Health Report Form completed in full and signed by a physician or other qualified representative of the physician office must be received by the instructor prior to the first day of class for MA 127. Only after all complete, signed Health Science Division Student Health Report Forms have been received can placement at affiliated clinical rotation sites be requested or considered. Students who are not in compliance or who submit incomplete or otherwise unacceptable physical exam reports will not be eligible to participate in Clinical Rotations for Phlebotomy and will not be eligible for certification.

Curriculum

Total Credits: 7