MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave Community College is adding Phlebotomy to its Community Education division’s list of non-credit classes. This means students have the option of learning Phlebotomy from both the college credit and non-credit academic divisions.
Many people may not realize that MCC offers credit and non-credit classes. What’s the difference between credit classes and non-credit classes? Simply put:
- Non-credit classes are generally short-term, with no grades and the student does not earn a college degree upon completion. The cost of most non-credit classes is typically paid out of pocket by the individual student. Some non-credit classes may provide credentials or non-credit certificates upon completion, but those are not transferable to other colleges or universities.
- College credit classes are traditional, semesterly college classes in which students earn credits toward a college degree or certificate. Those college credits are transferable between colleges and universities. Students seeking a degree or certificate also have many tuition assistance options, such as federal grants and college scholarships.
The college Phlebotomy classes teach students the process of medically extracting blood from a vein, and as phlebotomists know, there’s a lot more to it than just poking a needle into a patient’s arm. Anatomy, law and so much more all come into play for phlebotomists.
While the college credit Phlebotomy program is comprised of five classes and three semesters, the new, non-credit offering consists of two classes and 1.5 semesters.
“The big difference between non-credit and credit is the timeframe and number of courses,” says Holly Berebitsky, MCC Director of MEA Programs. “This is a great option for individuals who are looking to get into the healthcare field quickly and do not want to pursue other higher-education career options. This is just another way to provide more options to our community.”
Community Education’s Phlebotomy I is designed to teach the fundamental skills and techniques required for safe and efficient blood collection. This hands-on course will see participants learn about anatomy and physiology related to venipuncture, proper equipment usage, infection control measures and patient interaction.
Classroom instruction takes place Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The class begins Jan. 13 and runs through May 12, 2025 on MCC’s Bullhead City Campus.
Upon completion of Phlebotomy I, students can begin registering for Phlebotomy II. The class will meet for in-class instruction one day a week, while Tuesdays through Fridays will see students work toward completing a total of 90 hours of on-the-job experience, with either non-credit or credit pathways. Completing Phlebotomy I is a prerequisite for enrolling in Phlebotomy II.
“Phlebotomy technicians collect blood from patients and prepare the samples for testing,” Berebitsky says. “Most work in hospitals, labs and physician clinics. Most of our students find jobs within a couple months or go into other healthcare-related fields.”
Phlebotomy II will prepare students to enter the workforce with resume building and interview skills, with the goal being for students to be fully ready and armed with the skills needed to transition into the medical workforce.
The registration window for Phlebotomy 1 closes in a little more than a week. For more information or to register, go to https://www.mohave.edu/upcomingcommunityclasses/.