Empire College

Individuals who successfully complete the 100-hour, 11-week program will receive a certificate of completion from Empire College allowing them to sit for the National certification examination. Upon passing the National examination, graduates are eligible to apply to the State for CPT I certification. Jon Drew, CLS, who is Kaiser’s Laboratory Administrative Director, will serve as Empire’s Director of Phlebotomy. “I’m excited about providing technical guidance and oversight, as well as helping students towards their goal of Certified Phlebotomy Technician and starting a career in laboratory sciences,” says Mr. Drew.

After completing 60 hours of didactic coursework over a 10-week period on campus, students will finish the program with a 40-hour (1 week) externship at Kaiser Permanente or other local laboratory site. Instructors for the 60 hours of basic and advanced phlebotomy coursework are Megan Van Rees, CPT I, CCMA-AC and Brian Wood, CPT I. Mr. Wood, who received his B.S. in biochemistry and biology from San Francisco State University, is in the final phases of becoming licensed as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

“This is a great opportunity for Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center to partner with a community leader like Empire College and help the next generation of phlebotomy technicians gain the skills and experience they need,” said Judy Coffey, Kaiser Permanente Senior Vice President and Area Manager.

Empire College has already received tremendous interest in the program from graduates and students, as well as others looking to expand their career options and skills. “Due to the required student:teacher ratio, there will be 12 students accepted in each class,” says Vickie Savino, Empire’s Director of Education.

“In addition to the skill of drawing blood, students will examine the basic concepts of quality assurance and patient safety, as well as the legal implications of phlebotomy and legal issues related to blood collection.”