Elevate Your Medical Career
The Accelerate U (AU) Phlebotomy Certification program is a 6-week certificate program designed to support current healthcare workers in becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) to expand their skillset and career options. This program is offered exclusively to graduates of our Medical Assistant program and takes place at our Chicago Campus through hands-on Saturday training sessions.
The program provides knowledge and skills in safety and compliance, patient preparation, routine blood collections, special collections, and processing samples. You'll earn a nationally-recognized certification through the National Health Careers Association (NHA) and gain specialized skills that can enhance your healthcare career prospects.
Program Length: 6 weeks
Degree Type: Baccalaureate Certificate including CPT Credential through the National Health Careers Association (NHA)
Class Format: On-campus Saturday sessions from 9am-2:30pm plus weekly homework preparation
Cost: $1,200
Class Dates: November 1, 8, 15, 22, December 6, and 13
Program Highlights
Expand Your Healthcare Career
This specialized certification adds valuable phlebotomy skills to your Medical Assistant background, making you more versatile and competitive in the healthcare job market. Phlebotomy skills are in high demand across hospitals, clinics, labs, and physician offices.
Intensive, Hands-On Training
Learn from skilled phlebotomist instructors in our fully-equipped labs. Practice venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques on real equipment with proper safety protocols and infection control procedures.
Industry-Recognized Credential
Upon completing the program, you'll be prepared to take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification exam offered by the National Health Careers Association (NHA), a nationally-recognized credential that will enhance your employability.
Focused, Efficient Format
Complete your certification in just 6 weeks with Saturday classes that fit around your work schedule. Each week includes 2-3 hours of homework focused on exam preparation to ensure your success.
Comprehensive Training Package
Your program fee includes hands-on training, all lab supplies, access to online study materials and practice exams, plus a paid voucher for the CPT certification exam.
Learning Objectives
The Accelerate U Phlebotomy Certification program focuses on the essential skills needed to safely and effectively collect blood specimens in healthcare settings. Over the 6-week experience, you'll develop specialized phlebotomy techniques and knowledge. Topics you'll cover include:
Safety and Compliance Federal and organizational regulations; infection control protocols; safety procedures in the phlebotomy environment; proper use of personal protective equipment.
Patient Preparation Patient identification procedures; obtaining informed consent; assessment for testing readiness; special considerations for different patient populations; professional communication skills.
Blood Collection Techniques Venipuncture methods and proper technique; dermal puncture procedures; equipment selection and preparation; proper sequencing during collections; troubleshooting difficult draws.
Special Collections Blood cultures and sterile technique; donor phlebotomy procedures; newborn screening collections; specialized calculations and techniques for various collection types.
Specimen Processing Accurate specimen handling and labeling; processing for laboratory testing; transport requirements; maintaining sample integrity; chain of custody procedures when applicable.
Admission Requirements
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Accelerate U Medical Assisting program.
This program will be offered to the first 12 medical assisting graduates who qualify, apply, and submit a deposit.
Graduation Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 for graduation
- 2 quarter hours for completion
- Minimum grade of "C" or better in all coursework
- Completion of all coursework at NLU
- Students must sit for the NHA Certified Phlebotomist Technician (CPT) exam
Program Cost
Tuition: $1,200
What's Included:
- Hands-on training with skilled phlebotomist instructors
- All lab supplies and equipment
- Access to online study materials and practice exams for the CPT exam
- Paid voucher for the CPT certification exam
What You'll Need to Provide:
- Personal computer for homework and online study materials
- Navy blue scrubs for Saturday skills labs
- Notebook and pen for class
Payment: This program is NOT eligible for financial aid and must be paid out of pocket.
