Build the skills to give safe, compassionate patient care, and prepare for your Massachusetts nurse aide certification.
Why become a phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists collect the specimens that doctors rely on to diagnose and treat patients. The work is hands-on, patient-facing, and needed in hospitals and labs across Greater Boston.
You'll learn how to:
- Draw blood safely and accurately
- Follow the correct order of draw
- Process and label specimens
- Apply infection control and OSHA standards
- Care for patients with professionalism
Program overview
| Credential | Prepares you for the NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam |
|---|---|
| Hours | 80 hours of coursework and lab |
| Length | 10 weeks |
| Format | Hybrid: live online lectures and in-person lab sessions |
| Class schedule | Mondays, 6–9 PM: in-person lab at the Chelsea Campus. Wednesdays, 6–9 PM: live online lecture |
| Externship | 40-hour externship at a partner healthcare site (mandatory) |
| Location | BHCC Chelsea Campus |
| Cost | Contact the R3 team for current tuition and funding options. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding. |
What you'll learn
Phlebotomy skills
- Venipuncture techniques
- Capillary puncture
- Specimen collection
- Order of draw
Safety and quality
- Infection control
- OSHA guidelines
- Patient safety
- Quality assurance
Professional skills
- Communication
- Documentation
- Ethics and confidentiality
- Workplace readiness
Career opportunities
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Blood donation centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Physician offices
How to get started
Spring 2027 cohorts
What to expect after you apply
There's no application deadline. After you apply, our team contacts students as seats become available. None of our programs offer rolling admissions, and seats are limited, so applying doesn't guarantee a seat in the next cohort. Plan for time between applying and your first class, and apply early. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding.
-
Submit your application. Apply online at www.bhcc.edu/training.
-
Complete intake. Meet with our team to confirm the program is a good fit. Medical Interpreter applicants must pass the language assessment to be considered for the course.
-
Attend orientation. R3 orientation for all programs is Tuesday, January 19, 2027, in person.
-
Start class. Phlebotomy and EKG begin Monday, January 25. CNA and Medical Interpreter begin Tuesday, January 26.
Frequently asked questions
When can I start?
None of our programs offer rolling admissions. The next Phlebotomy cohort starts Monday, January 25, 2027. There's no application deadline. Seats are offered as they become available. You must complete intake before classes begin, so apply early.
Do I need healthcare experience?
No. The program starts from the basics and builds your skills step by step.
What do I need for my externship?
Externship sites require a background check, a drug screening, and immunization records. The R3 team guides you through each step.
Is the NHA exam fee included?
Ask the R3 team about exam registration and fees for your cohort.
Is funding available?
Funding may be available for eligible students. You must be a Massachusetts resident to qualify for any funding. Contact the R3 team to learn more.
What happens after I finish?
After you earn your CPT, you can apply for phlebotomy roles. R3 career workshops help you prepare your resume and practice interviewing.