Phlebotomy Specialization


Phlebotomy Program Director and Instructor, Dr. Jose Vila talks about the Phlebotomy Program at COT...

Phlebotomy Training Program

About the Phlebotomy Specialization Certificate Program

To see Chicago career opportunities for Phlebotomists click here.
To view the Phelbotomy Program curriculum and courses click here.

Phlebotomy is the science of collecting blood samples to be used in patient lab analysis. Amongst the skills gained in this program are: microscopic lab analysis, obtaining an EKG, taking vital signs, and urinalysis. The program provides specialized training that prepares students for various careers as phlebotomists, EKG Technicians, lab assistants, and research assistants. Students learn these skills in just a few short months of training. This program will prepare students for the Phlebotomy Certification Exam.

This one-quarter program is designed to provide specialized training in phlebotomy for individuals who have some experience or exposure in the healthcare field and who wish to add this clinical skill set to their existing abilities.

The Phlebotomy Specialization program trains students in the techniques and procedures of phlebotomy, microscopic lab analysis, understanding safety and universal precautions, and record keeping and documentation. Performing CPR and obtaining EKGs will also be covered. Students earning this certificate may qualify as phlebotomists and for a variety of positions in medical offices, clinics, blood banks, and laboratories.

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Phlebotomy Training at COT

When a student enters the Phlebotomy training program at COT they start on a path to gaining high level technical medical skills that are in-demand today and across the Chicago area. A Phlebotomist must possess high technical proficiency and standards of excellence. That's why our courses are taught by medical doctors; they pass their expertise and practical knowledge on to future Phlebotomists in our short Phlebotomy Certification Training Program. So in just months of preparation, you can be on your way to starting a promising career in Phlebotomy.

What Phlebotomists do

The phlebotomy position requires a wide range of skills. They work with their hands and directly with patients. A phlebotomist would know the techniques and procedures for preparing a patient, properly obtaining the correct specimen, and how to handle the specimen to be sent to a laboratory. The phlebotomist is all the while exercising their knowledge of accuracy and safety guidelines, including appropriate safety standards and infection precautions.

A phlebotomist with training in EKG techniques could also be found working as an EKG technician. In the COT Phlebotomy program, an overview of the electrical conduction system is presented. The phlebotomist with EKG training knows the proper procedures for obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) quickly and accurately. Higher up medical professionals depend on the Phlebotomist and EKG Technician to use correct methods of practice that yield accurate and reliable test results.

Because the phlebotomist's work requires direct contact with patients, the phlebotomist is expected to understand why certain medical tests are ordered as well as safety, recordkeeping, documentation, quality control, laboratory math and patient relations. On a day-to-day basis the phlebotomist sees many different patients with a variety of conditions, and the phlebotomist assists the medical staff in helping their patients by providing the lab with the appropriate specimens. These specimens help medical professionals make an accurate diagnosis.

Career Certifications for Phlebotomists

The Phlebotomy Training Certificate Program prepares students for the following certifications:

  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician
  • Certified EKG Technician


Who should become a Phlebotomist?

A great deal of responsibility is entrusted upon the phlebotomist. So they must be careful and attentive in their work. Doctors, Nurses, Lab Technologists and other medical professionals rely on the phlebotomist so this person must be ready to take on the responsibility of performing their tasks at the highest level.

A phlebotomist works with their hands and must possess the manual dexterity to draw blood with a high level of accuracy and precision. They work with a diverse population with various needs and conditions, so they must be tolerant and patient. They must adapt to the patients needs and obtain the specimen sample as quickly and accurately as possible in order to minimize patient discomfort, and this is a big part of the characteristics of a phlebotomist. They care about the patients and want to help people.

Phlebotomists are medical technicians. They are skilled at operating medical equipment and following procedures such as the correct method of draw, order of draw, the correct handling and processing of samples, and the correct handling and disposal of sharps. This position is right for someone who can follow orders and respond to many demands.

Why Study Phlebotomy at COT?

  • Classes are taught by medical doctors
  • State of the art lab
  • Hands-on clinical and lab training
  • Campus is conveniently located and easily accessible by public transportation
  • Fast training for an in-demand career
  • Affordable tuition
  • Small class sizes ensure plenty of personal attention from instructors
  • Job Placement assistance is available
  • Courses prepare you for certification
  • Schedules are flexible
  • Rolling admissions (quick admissions process)
  • Classes start frequently
  • Immediate employment focused training


Learn More

To learn more about COT's Phlebotomy program, contact one of our admissions professionals and receive excellent advice about your options for the future. Call us at 800-953-6161, or 773-278-0042. Also, people are always welcome to stop in and meet with our admissions professionals. Request more information.