Phlebotomist, Certificate - SUNY Niagara

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Nurse drawing blood from a patient

Phlebotomist, Certificate

Program Overview


Phlebotomists are specialists support workers who collect blood from patients from laboratory testing. Results from laboratory testing provide valuable information to physicians for diagnosing and treating patients. Employment opportunities are available in hospitals, and out patient clinics.

Program Goals and Objectives

  • Prepare students for immediate entry level employment.
  • Provide students with the knowledge and experience necessary to collect blood samples, and other specimens for testing.
  • Upon completion of this program, students will be eligible to sit for the phlebotomy certification exam, that we offer here at SUNY Niagara.


Expected Growth of Occupations

Data from the NYS Department of Labor predicts that New York will need approximately 15,560 new healthcare practitioners and healthcare technicians per year to meet the needs of the state’s health care system.

*Data taken from NYS Occupational Handbook

Career information and opportunities

Phlebotomist Certificate

SUNY Niagara’s 30-credit Phlebotomist Certificate prepares you to collect blood and other specimens for lab testing. You’ll finish with a clinical practicum and be eligible for a phlebotomy certification exam.

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What careers does this certificate lead to?

  • Phlebotomist
  • Phlebotomy technician
  • Patient service technician
  • Donor center phlebotomist

The program is designed to prepare you for immediate entry-level work.

What will I learn to do?

  • Collect blood and other specimens
  • Follow OSHA and CLIA safety rules
  • Communicate with patients
  • Provide basic patient care
  • Use medical terminology and ethics
  • Give first aid and CPR
Sources

How much can I earn in Western New York?

Yearly pay in Western New York, 2026
Job Starting pay Median pay
Phlebotomists$36,570$46,600
Medical assistants (related career)$37,340$45,200

Starting pay is what newer workers typically earn. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less.

Western New York includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Pay depends on the job, your experience, your certification and the employer.

What is the job outlook in Western New York?

  • Phlebotomists: Jobs are expected to grow about 26% from 2022 to 2032, with about 95 openings each year.
  • Medical assistants: Jobs are expected to grow about 35%, with about 370 openings each year.

Across all jobs in Western New York, employment is expected to grow about 9%. Phlebotomy is expected to grow almost three times as fast.

Sources

Where do phlebotomists work?

  • Hospitals
  • Medical laboratories
  • Blood donation centers
  • Physician offices
  • Outpatient clinics

SUNY Niagara phlebotomy alumni work in all of these settings.

Where will I get hands-on experience?

  • Phlebotomy I and II courses
  • A phlebotomy practicum in your second semester
  • A basic patient care lab
Sources

How do I get there?

  1. Learn human biology, medical terminology, ethics and safety rules.
  2. Build blood collection skills in Phlebotomy I and II.
  3. Complete a phlebotomy practicum and finish the 30-credit certificate.
  4. Take the phlebotomy certification exam offered at SUNY Niagara and start working.

Want to go further? Several courses in this certificate are also part of SUNY Niagara’s Medical Assistant A.A.S. Talk to an advisor about your options.

Which courses prepare me?

  • PHL 100/101 Phlebotomy I and II
  • PHL 102 Phlebotomy Practicum
  • MED 101 OSHA/CLIA Regulations
  • MED 102 Patient Communication
  • MED 134 Medical Terminology
  • MED 160 Basic Patient Care
  • BIO 117 Human Biology
  • HED 214 Advanced First Aid and CPR
Sources
Apply now

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