Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

The standards and benchmarks for this program were updated for the 2026-27 academic year.
Program Title: 	Phlebotomy
Program Type: 	Career Preparatory
Career Cluster: 	Health Science

Career Certificate Program	
Program Number	H170302	
CIP Number	0351100901	
Grade Level	30, 31	
Program Length	165 hours	
Teacher Certification	Refer to the Program Structure section.	
CTSO	HOSA	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	For program SOC codes, please see the Program and Course Tables section of the CTE Program Resources page linked below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml	
Basic Skills Level	N/A 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as phlebotomists.

The content includes but is not limited to communication, leadership, human relations, and employability skills; performance of safe and efficient work practices in obtaining adequate and correct blood specimens by capillary or venipuncture on adults, children and neonates; maintaining the integrity of the specimen in relation to the test to be performed; preparing blood smears; labeling specimens accurately and completely; collecting timed specimens; promoting the comfort and well-being of the patient while performing blood collecting duties; observing safety policies and procedures; medical terminology; emergency procedures including CPR (Heartsaver); delivering a variety of clinical specimens to the clinical laboratory; sorting and recording specimens received in the laboratory; centrifuging specimens and preparing aliquots of samples according to the designated protocol; distributing samples to appropriate laboratory sections; and preparing collection trays for specimen procurement.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 2 occupational completion points.

This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S.  Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44(3) (b), F.S.

To teach the courses listed below, instructors must hold at least one of the teacher certifications indicated for that course.

The following table illustrates the postsecondary program structure:

OCP	Course Number	Course Title	Teacher Certification	Length	
A	HSC0003	Basic Healthcare Worker	PHLEB 7G
LAB TECH @7 7G
MED ASST 7G
LPN 7G
PARAMEDIC @7 7G
REG NURSE   7 G
RESP THER @7 7G
PRAC NURSE @7  %7%G (Must be a Registered Nurse)	90 hours	
B	MEA0520	Phlebotomist		75 hours	

Florida’s Career Readiness Skills for CTE Programs

Employability Skills	
01.0	Apply academic skills to workplace scenarios.	
01.01	Use reading skills.	
01.02	Use writing skills.	
01.03	Use mathematical strategies and procedures.	
01.04	Use scientific principles and procedures.	
02.0	Design a solution to an industry problem.	
02.01	Use critical thinking.	
02.02	Use creativity.	
02.03	Make sound decisions.	
02.04	Solve problems.	
02.05	Reason. 	
02.06	Plan and organize.	
03.0	Manage resources within an industry project	
03.01	Manage time.	
03.02	Manage money or resources.	
03.03	Manage materials.	
03.04	Manage personnel.	
04.0	Oversee the subcomponents, operations and output of a technical or organizational system.	
04.01	Manage systems.	
04.02	Monitor systems.	
04.03	Improve systems.	
05.0	Use information for decision making.	
05.01	Locate information.	
05.02	Organize information.	
05.03	Use information.	
05.04	Analyze information.	
05.05	Communicate information.	
06.0	Apply relevant technology to workplace scenarios to aid productivity.	
06.01	Use technology.	
07.0	Interpret and express interpersonal communication.	
07.01	Communicate verbally.	
07.02	Listen actively.	
07.03	Comprehend written material.	
07.04	Convey information in writing.	
07.05	Communicate nonverbally.	
07.06	Interpret nonverbal communication.	
08.0	Interact with others to accomplish workplace goals.	
08.01	Collaborate with others in a team.	
08.02	Respond to customer needs.	
08.03	Exercise leadership.	
08.04	Negotiate to resolve conflict.	
08.05	Respect others.	
09.0	Manage personal behavior to maximize productivity and professional growth.	
09.01	Demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline.	
09.02	Adapt and show flexibility.	
09.03	Work independently.	
09.04	Demonstrate a willingness to learn.	
09.05	Demonstrate integrity.	
09.06	Demonstrate professionalism.	
09.07	Take initiative.	
09.08	Display positive attitude.	
09.09	Take responsibility for professional growth.	
Job Attainment	
10.0	Find, assess and apply to job opportunities.	
10.01	Identify online job posts relevant to his or her career aspirations.	
10.02	Compare and contrast the job posts’ required qualifications, job duties, compensation, benefits and employers. 	
10.03	Define what information, documentation and writing prompts are required for the positions.	
11.0	Communicate personal competence, character and fit for a job opportunity.	
11.01	Develop a resume.	
11.02	Write a cover letter.	
11.03	Curate a professional portfolio that includes work products.	
11.04	Prepare for and experience a mock job interview.	
12.0	Cultivate and leverage relationships to professionally advance.	
12.01	Request a signed reference letter, letter of recommendation and/or an online skill/professionalism endorsement. 	
12.02	Develop a plan to cultivate a professional digital footprint.	
12.03	Develop a networking plan for a specific industry of interest.	

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood-borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Demonstrate accepted professional, communication, and interpersonal skills as related to phlebotomy.
13.0	Discuss phlebotomy in relation to the healthcare setting.
14.0	Identify the anatomic structure and function of body systems in relation to services performed by the phlebotomist.
15.0	Recognize and identify collection reagents supplies, equipment, and interfering chemical substances.
16.0	Demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary to perform phlebotomy.
17.0	Practice infection control following standard precautions.
18.0	Practice accepted procedures of transporting, accessioning, and processing specimens.
19.0	Practice quality assurance and safety.
20.0	

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title: 	Phlebotomy
Career Certificate Program Number: 	H170302

The Basic Health Care Worker (HSC0003) is referred to as the Health Science Core and is the first OCP in the majority of the Career Certificate Program health science programs. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.

Course Number:  HSC0003
Occupational Completion Point:  A 
Basic Healthcare Worker – 90 Hours	
 
To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) and benchmarks have been placed in a separate document. To access this document, visit this link: 
https://www.fldoe.org/file/20894/health-sci-core-psav-cc-2627.rtf

Course Number: MEA0520
Occupational Completion Point: B
Phlebotomist – 75 Hours	
12.0	Demonstrate accepted professional, communication, and interpersonal skills as related to phlebotomy. The student will be able to:	
12.01	Demonstrate the appropriate professional behavior of a phlebotomist and describe the scope of practice (job skills and duties). 	
12.02	Explain to the patient the procedure to be used in specimen collection. 	
12.03	Explain in detail the importance of identifying patients correctly when drawing blood.	
12.04	Explain the importance of continuing education in relation to certification to maintain competency and skills.	
13.0	Discuss phlebotomy in relation to the healthcare setting. The student will be able to:	
13.01	List, classify, and discuss various departments and services within the healthcare setting in which the phlebotomist must interact with to obtain laboratory specimens from patients.	
13.02	Identify the major departments/sections within the clinical laboratory, the major types of procedures run in each department/section, and their specimen requirements.	
13.03	Describe roles of the major classifications of clinical laboratory personnel (i.e., pathologist, chief/administrative technologist, CLS, MLS, MLT, MT, phlebotomist, lab assistant, etc.).	
14.0	Identify the anatomic structure and function of body systems in relation to services performed by the phlebotomist. The student will be able to:	
14.01	Describe and define major body systems with emphasis on the circulatory system.	
14.02	List and describe the main superficial veins used in performing venipuncture.	
14.03	Locate the most appropriate site(s) for capillary and venipuncture.	
14.04	Describe the function of the following blood components: erythrocytes, thrombocytes, leukocytes, and plasma.	
14.05	Compare and contrast serum and plasma as they relate to blood collection.	
14.06	Discuss hemostasis, hemolysis, and methods of prevention as they relate to blood collection. 	
15.0	Recognize and identify collection reagents supplies, equipment, and interfering chemical substances. The student will be able to:	
15.01	Identify and discuss the proper use of appropriate types of equipment needed to collect various clinical laboratory blood specimens by venipuncture.	
15.02	Explain the special precautions and types of equipment needed to collect blood from the pediatric patient. 	
15.03	Identify and discuss the proper use of supplies used in collecting short-draw specimens or difficult draws. 	
15.04	Identify and discuss the proper use of the various types of anticoagulants, preservatives, and gels used in blood collection, and the vacuum tube color-codes for these additives.	
15.05	Describe the types of specimens that are analyzed in the clinical laboratory and the phlebotomist's role in collecting and/or transporting these specimens to the laboratory.	
15.06	Describe substances potentially encountered during phlebotomy that can interfere in the analysis of blood constituents.	
15.07	Define and utilize correct medical terminology and metric measurement needed for specimen collection.	
16.0	Demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary to perform phlebotomy. The student will be able to:	
16.01	Follow approved procedure for completing a laboratory requisition form and recognize a properly completed form.	
16.02	Demonstrate knowledge of established protocol for patient and specimen identification. 	
16.03	Discuss appropriate methods for facilitating and preparing the patient for capillary and venipuncture collection.	
16.04	List appropriate antiseptic agents useful in preparing sites for capillary and venipuncture for adult and pediatric patients.	
16.05	Perform venipuncture by evacuated tube, butterfly, and syringe systems, demonstrating appropriate use of supplies, proper handling of equipment and specimens, and appropriate patient care.	
16.06	Describe the correct order of draw.	
16.07	Describe the use of barcoding systems used for specimen collection.	
16.08	Convey an understanding of capillary puncture using appropriate supplies and techniques for adult and pediatric patients.	
16.09	Describe the most common complications associated with capillary and venipuncture, their causes, prevention, and treatment.	
16.10	Recognize and respond to possible adverse patient reactions such as allergies, convulsions, syncope, lightheadedness, vomiting, and nerve involvement. 	
16.11	Perform appropriate procedures for disposing of used or contaminated capillary and venipuncture supplies.	
16.12	Demonstrate the proper procedure for collecting blood cultures.	
16.13	Demonstrate a working understanding of how the age and weight of patients impact the maximum amount of blood that can be safely drawn.	
17.0	Practice infection control following standard precautions. The student will be able to:	
17.01	Define the term “hospital-acquired infection.”	
17.02	Describe and practice procedures for infection prevention, including hand washing skills.	
17.03	Discuss transmission-based precautions.	
17.04	Identify potential routes of infection and their complications.	
18.0	Practice accepted procedures of transporting, accessioning, and processing specimens. The student will be able to:	
18.01	Instruct patients in the proper collection of urine (clean catch, mid-stream), sputum, and stool specimens.	
18.02	Follow the approved procedure for preparation and processing (e.g., centrifugation, separation, aliquoting, labeling, and storage) of serum, plasma, urine, sputum, stool, and wound culture specimens.  	
18.03	 Describe the significance of time constraints for specimen collection, transporting, and delivery.	
18.04	 Describe routine procedures for transporting and processing specimens, including DOT packaging requirements.	
19.0	Practice quality assurance and safety. The student will be able to:	
19.01	Distinguish and perform procedures that ensure the reliability of test results when collecting blood specimens.	
19.02	Practice appropriate patient safety.	
19.03	Practice safety in accordance with OSHA (State & Federal guidelines) for chemical, biological, and PPE established procedures, including proper disposal of sharps and biohazardous materials. 	
19.04	Follow documentation procedures for work-related accidents.	
19.05	Implement appropriate Joint Commission patient safety goals and other accrediting/regulatory agency guidelines.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence, and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore, the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635, F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

A voluntary national certification is available through an exam offered by:
The National Health Career Association www.nhanow.com
7500 West 160th Street, Stilwell, Kansas 66085
Phone: 800-499-9092 x8223, Fax: 973-644-4797

To be eligible, students must:

1. Have a High School Diploma or equivalency and have completed an NHA approved training program.
OR
2. Have a High School Diploma or equivalency and have worked in the field for a minimum of one year.

Although there is no state licensure required for phlebotomists, graduates with required amounts of work experience may obtain certification from national credentialing agencies such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), and the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

The Core should be taken first in the program. Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio.

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

CTSOs are co-curricular career and technical student organizations providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. Other CTSOs not listed in this curriculum framework or recognized by the Florida Department of Education are permissible provided they support student mastery over the standards and benchmarks of this curriculum framework.

Cooperative Training – OJT

On-the-job training is appropriate but not required for this program.  Whenever offered, the rules, guidelines, and requirements specified in the OJT framework apply. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology, and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Note: postsecondary curriculum and regulated secondary programs cannot be modified.