Program Description
The Peninsula College Phlebotomy certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level work in various healthcare settings. Medical Assistant-Phlebotomists are credentialed under RCW 18.360 perform capillary, venous, and arterial invasive procedures for blood withdrawal and other functions under the supervision of a health care provider.
MA-P credential holders may also perform CLIA-waived tests, moderate and high complexity tests with training, and electrocardiograms.
Application to the program is required. Applicants who plan to begin the program Fall Quarter must submit their application packet by 5:00 pm on June 1st of the preceding Spring Quarter.
Program Length: 3 Quarters
Program Code: PHLPHC45
Career Opportunities and Earnings
Graduates can expect to work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctor’s offices and other outpatient clinics. Potential positions include:
- Medical Assistant – Phlebotomist
- Forensic Phlebotomist
- Lab Assistant
Starting wages range between $21 to $22 per hour in the Pacific region.
For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search for Phlebotomist: bls.gov/oes.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- Function professionally in a legal and ethical manner as a Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist
- Use medical terminology correctly
- Effectively communicate with other healthcare team members, patients, and physicians
- Demonstrate proficiency with basic medical testing procedures
- Perform electrocardiograms accurately
- Follow laws and regulations regarding patient privacy and confidentiality
- Successfully perform capillary, venous, and arterial invasive procedures per protocols
Goals
- The program prepares students for phlebotomy jobs and a national phlebotomy credentialing exam
- The program teaches basic skills required for capillary, venous, and arterial blood withdrawal procedures
- The courses are based on recommendations from local employers and industry trends
- The Phlebotomy certificate is significantly more cost effective than most private and public schools
Program Prerequisites
People of all ages and experiences are invited to apply for the Phlebotomy Program once they have obtained a high school diploma or GED, been accepted as a Peninsula College student, and are eligible to enroll in college level English and math. You do not need to take or enroll in these courses before applying to the Phlebotomy Program. Eligibility to take these courses may be determined by transcript review or by placement testing.
Students entering this program should have good familiarity with computer software and hardware in the Windows or MAC environment. Placement test(s) will help determine placement level in math and English if not known. Previous coursework may also indicate placement level. Students will complete the Program’s application process in spring or summer quarters for subsequent fall quarter entry.
Approximate Additional Costs
- Books, uniforms, equipment, supplies and miscellaneous fees (per quarter): $150-$300
- Tuition and fees: $5,902.65 total based on 2026-27 WA resident tuition rates (additional fees may apply)
- First quarter (15 credits): $1,967.55
- Second quarter (15 credits): $1,967.55
- Third quarter (15 credits): $1,967.55
Student Expenses
There are expenses associated with the Phlebotomy Program other than tuition, placement testing, and other college-related fees. The costs listed below are approximations only.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Uniforms (two sets per student minimum: a scrub pant and top for each set) | $40-$70 per set |
| Shoes (leather or other puncture-resistant material, athletic or medical type) | $30-$100 per pair |
| White laboratory coat (optional) | $25-$45 each |
| Textbooks | $150-$300 per quarter (prices determined by the publisher, not the Medical Assisting Program) |
| National exam application fee | $119-$150 |
| National exam sitting fee | $40-$100 |
| WA state DOH MA-P application fee | $150 |
| Background check for the Program | $44-$60 |
| Background check for Washington state, if required | Varies; check the Department of Health website |
| Fees for Continuing Education credits | Varies; check the appropriate website |
| Immunizations | Varies based on immunizations/titers needed |
| Insurance | Varies by individual carrier |
Health and Liability Insurance (optional, but recommended prior to Practicum) Neither Peninsula College nor any affiliated clinical externship sites are responsible for the cost of medical care for an injury or illness that occurs as a result of classroom, lab, or practicum activities. | Varies by individual carrier and type of coverage, but can range from $35-$150 annually |
Sample Schedule
This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn a certificate. The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not.
First Quarter (Fall)
Survey of workplace skills, including communication, team building, problem solving, and leadership. Emphasis on concepts of perception, attitude, motivation, and ethics.
Credits: 3
Designed to help you succeed on college research assignments. This course will emphasize developing research questions and search strategies; searching relevant subject databases; synthesizing information from sources; and citing sources in APA format. Readings and assignments focus on issues and contexts specific to Health and Social Sciences. Students will demonstrate core 'information competencies' by developing a research project on a topic relevant to the health sciences or social sciences. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 2
Study of medical terminology using a body systems approach, relating terms to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Word parts are used to build, analyze, define, spell, and pronounce medical terms, including abbreviations. Structural, directional, disease and disorder, surgical, and diagnostic terms will be covered for body structures, body systems, and specialized areas of medicine such as oncology. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
This course introduces students to phlebotomy and is intended to provide an overview of the profession, discuss ethical issues regarding patient care, review job duties, and explore professional organizations, laws, and standards relevant to the profession. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
Second Quarter (Winter)
Active reading, effective writing, and critical thinking, using subjective and objective approaches. Introduction to research techniques. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)
Credits: 5
This course provides two year American Heart Association (AHA) Health care Provider certification in basic first aid and CPR. Students will be instructed in adult and pediatric CPR, foreign body airway obstruction, automatic external defibrillation and the basic skills necessary to provide first aid assistance in emergency situations. Class is based on nationally recognized standards from AHA and National Safety Council. Students will perform chest compressions and rescue maneuvers and should be prepared for extended stretches of time spent on the floor practicing CPR and first aid procedures. This class may include students from multiple sections.
This class has a $161.22 first aid course fee.
Credits: 1
This course continues to instruct students in the study of phlebotomy and includes a skills laboratory component. Students will perform their clinical tasks under supervision in the lab and will put into practice the techniques and skills reviewed and discussed in the preceding course. IBEST instructor(s) will review math, writing, and communication subjects within the context of the phlebotomy profession. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, capillary, venous, and arterial blood withdrawal procedures, EKGs, CLIA-waived tests, blood borne pathogen and workplace safety training, aseptic handwashing and appropriate use of personal protective equipment. This class may include students from multiple sections.
This class has a $90 medical assisting course fee.
Credits: 9
Third Quarter (Spring)
College mathematics used in professional and technical programs. Content includes mathematical modeling and applications employing numerical operations; measurements; geometry; linear and nonlinear equations; exponent, radical, and polynomial operations; functions; formulas; plane analytical geometry with graphing; and an introduction to trigonometry. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 5
This course is the final of three phlebotomy courses and includes a clinical externship and a capstone/job readiness component. Students will perform their clinical skills under supervision in the lab, at a contracted practicum site, and will perform the minimum number and type of blood withdrawal procedures required to earn eligibility for their Phlebotomy Technician Certification through the National Center for Competency Testing. Students will complete a capstone project to ensure their readiness to enter the workforce. This class may include students from multiple sections.
Credits: 10
Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:
- The quarter you begin
- How many classes/credits you plan to take in each quarter
- Your math and English placement; Learn more about placement options by visiting the Assessment and Placement website.
- If you start in our Transitional Studies program