Phlebotomy

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1:  What is a Phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists are medical professionals who draw blood from patients for various lab tests and procedures.

Question 2:  Who do I contact for program information?

The Program Manager is Kristie Fuller, and she can be reached at email fullerk@easternflorida.edu

Question 3:  When and where are classes offered for this program?

The program is offered at both the Cocoa and Palm Bay campuses - when applying to Health Sciences, students should specify which campus they prefer. Students can choose their preferred lab time, at their assigned campus.  Clinical rotations are 40 hours a week, but times and locations vary each semester, based on availability. Please refer to the college course schedule for specific days and time.

In the fall, the program is offered on both campuses. In the spring, the program is offered only on the Cocoa campus, and for Summer Term 2023, the program is only offered on the Cocoa campus.

Question 4:  What is the length of the program?

The length of the program is one semester.  65 hours are spent on campus in lecture and lab over the first six weeks of the semester, and a 100 hour clinical rotation follows for the remainder of the term.

Question 5:  What type of degree do I receive after completing the program?

Upon successful completion, you will receive a "College Technical Certificate." This one-semester program of study prepares the student for employment as an entry-level phlebotomist. 

Question 6:  How can I enter the Phlebotomy Program?

Qualifying for enrollment in the program starts with a high school diploma or G.E.D. and applicants must be at least 18 years of age.  All students must complete an EFSC application and a Phlebotomy program application. Applicants must also attend a mandatory Orientation session that discusses the program in detail and complete and submit the written interview. See the orienation page for more information. Admission to the program is limited.

Question 7:  How many and how often are students admitted into the program?

  • 20 students are accepted in the fall
  • 10 students are accepted in the spring
  • 10 students are accepted in the summer

Question 8:  How will I gain experience prior to the clinical rotation?

During the first six weeks of the program, students will perform various phlebotomy procedures on one another in the laboratory class. The procedures include venipuncture of the antecubital area of the arm, venipuncture from the hand veins, capillary collection from the fingers, as well as blood culture collection. During the lecture course, students will learn the theory behind the procedures as well as safety and infection control procedures, bloodborne pathogen training and specimen processing. 

Question 9:  Do I need to take a licensing exam after I graduate?

No. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to take a National Certification Exam.  Licensing in the State of Florida is not required to practice.

Question 10:  How can I see if Phlebotomy is the career for me, before applying to the program?

Job Shadowing is a great way to learn if Phlebotomy will keep your interest and if you can handle what the career entails.  You can contact hospitals or Lab offices in your area to inquire about job shadowing.