Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy Prerequisites

• High school graduate or HISET
• High school GPA of at least 2.0
• Certified Nurse Aide Certificate
• Immunization Records
• Demonstrate good physical health
• Excellent communication skills
• Background check set up by IWCC
• Drug screen set up by IWCC

Immunization Requirements for Course Clinical Externship 

All healthcare workers must be immunized for certain diseases as part of their employment. Students at Iowa Western Community College must have verification of the following immunizations or immunity to the following diseases before registering for the course. Immunization requirements are subject to change and vary depending on clinical assignment.  

• Hepatitis B:
  Students must have completed the Hepatitis B series before they can register for the Phlebotomy course.  This immunization is a series of three injections. You will need to provide documentation.  Students are responsible for providing this information to the Program Coordinator.  Students who have received only 2 of the Hepatitis B series will be required to sign a waiver before they may attend clinical. 
• MMR (measles “rubella”, mumps, rubella):
  Students must show proof of at least two MMR immunizations during their lifetime and/or provide lab results that show proof of immunity.
• Varicella (chicken pox):
  Students must show proof of immunity to Varicella, have a physicians record of having the disease or proof of immunization.
• Two-Step Tuberculin Skin Test:
  • • How is Two-Step Tuberculin Skin Testing Done?
      • • The two-step tuberculin skin test (TST) is used to detect individuals with past tuberculosis (TB) infection who now have diminished skin test reactivity. This procedure will reduce the likelihood that a boosted reaction is later interpreted as a new infection.
    • Four appointment schedule for two-step testing:
      • • Visit 1, day 1: Place the first TST and have the employee return in 48-72 hours for the test to be read.
        • Visit 2, day 2-3: Evaluate, measure and interpret the TST. Document the millimeters (e.g. 0mm, 4mm, 12mm).
        • Visit 3, day 7-21: Place the second TST on all employees whose first test was negative using the alternate arm.
        • Visit 4, 48-72 hours after second test placed: Evaluate, measure and interpret the TST. Document the millimeters (e.g. 0mm, 4mm, 12mm).

75 Hour Certified Nurse Aide

Students must present a copy of their CNA certificate.

Drug Screen

All students will be required to have a drug screen during the classroom portion of the Phlebotomy course. Students must pass the drug screen to be eligible to attend the clinical for the Phlebotomy Training.  Iowa Western Community College will arrange for the drug screen at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Students will be given contact information for the Occupational Health Department.  Students will pay $35 to Mercy Hospital for the drug screen.

Criminal Background Checks

All students will be required to have criminal background checks prior to the clinical for the Phlebotomy Training. Students will have criminal background checks for the state of Iowa and Nebraska. IWCC will complete the background check. If a student is found to have a history of criminal activity, or founded child or adult abuse, they may be dismissed from the class.