Phlebotomy Externship Placement Steps

Externship Requirement

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) requires candidates seeking certification as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) to complete a certain number of successful venipunctures (blood draws) and capillary sticks (finger or heel sticks) as part of their training.

The specific requirements are as follows:

1. Venipunctures: A minimum of 30 venipunctures sticks. These are the standard blood draws from a vein, usually performed on the arm.
2. Capillary Sticks: Additionally, candidates must perform at least 10 capillary sticks. These are generally done on the fingertips or heel (in infants) and involve collecting smaller blood samples.

These procedures must be performed on actual individuals (not mannequins or simulation devices) to ensure that the candidate gains real-world experience in phlebotomy techniques. Completing these procedures is part of the clinical requirements of this phlebotomy training program.

Externship Request Pre-requisites

1. The student has paid tuition in full
2. The student has reached a minimum of 80% course completion
3. The student has completed BLS training
4. The Student has filled out the Externship Request Form
5. The student has passed the NHA national exam or has it scheduled within the upcoming three weeks
6. Completed Confidentiality Agreement Form & Extern Agreement Contract

If you need additional assistance registering for your exam, access our NHA Phlebotomy Exam Instructions

Externship Pre-Requisites

Externship Placement

This program provides valuable hands-on experience in laboratories and clinics nationwide, allowing students to gain practical skills and knowledge in a real-world clinical setting and satisfy their stick requirements. The externship is an excellent way for students to supplement their classroom education and gain additional experience before obtaining a paid phlebotomy technician position. 

(Placement takes 4-6 weeks).

If you'd like to be placed in an externship clinic, please follow the directions below:

• Complete the externship request form below ONLY when you have scheduled your NHA CCMA exam or plan on doing so in at least 3 weeks.

1. Externship Request Form
2. Submit Your Clinical Externship Request

Attach the completed forms above and your Resume / CV to request

Book a Call with Your Externship Coordinator

 

Externship Documents

Once students secure an approved externship placement, they will need to:

• Download and read thoroughly all the required externship documents provided. 
• Properly complete and attain all signatures required for each document to receive externship certification. 
• Print and/or fill out each document digitally or using a pen. All signatures required must be hand-signed.

All documents requiring a signature must be returned to the Externship Coordinator for verification and processing of certification.

Externship Competency Checklist

Occupational Competencies Handout

Externship Evaluation Form

Phlebotomy Clinical Venipuncture Log

Phlebotomy Clinical Capillary Log

Completed Externship

Once all hours are completed, competencies are met, all documents are filled out appropriately, and all signatures required attained, students will need to:

1. Send their completed documents to [e-mail] via email
2. Please fill out the Post Student Externship Survey and provide valuable feedback.
   
   

Once all documents are received and verified, you will be issued a virtual Phlebotomy Externship Certificate to your email.

Congratulations on completing the phlebotomy course externship!