Phlebotomy Technician Program
Launch your career as a professional phlebotomy technician with Austin Peay State University’s non-credit Phlebotomy Technician Program in Tennessee. This program prepares competent, entry-level phlebotomists across the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Graduates are trained to:
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Prepare patients and perform venipuncture and dermal blood collection
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Maintain specimen quality and assist with collection of non-blood specimens
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Work effectively in physician offices, hospitals, blood centers, home health agencies, nursing homes, and outpatient laboratories
Upon completion, students are eligible to sit for the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) national certification exam in Phlebotomy.
Quick Facts
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Course Offerings: Spring (January), Fall (August), and occasionally Summer (May)
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Program Type: Non-credit; ASCP-BOC exam eligibility upon completion
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Financial Aid: This course does not qualify for federal financial aid
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Location: Austin Peay State University - Clarksville, Tennessee
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Contact for Questions: Dr. Heather Phillips at 931-221-7018 or Professional and Workforce Development at 931-221-7816
Requirements and Recommendations
It is recommended that students:
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Are familiar with and able to use a computer
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Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency
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Are 18 years or older, or will turn 18 during the duration of the program
Your course fee includes:
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Textbook and supplies
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Background check and drug screening
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CPR for Healthcare Providers
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One set of scrubs and a lab coat
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Subscription to board exam preparation resources
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ASCP-BOC exam
Program Outcomes
Updated as of 10/23/2025. Data are updated annually upon submission of NAACLS-required program reports, usually in October.
| July 2022 - June 2023 |
July 2023 - June 2024 |
July 2024 - June 2025 |
Three year averages | |
| Graduation Rate | 95% | 96% | 100% | 97% |
| Attrition Rate | 5% | 4% | 0% | 3% |
| Certification Rate | 89% | 91% | 100% | 93.5% |
| Placement Rate | 89% | 89% | 100% | 95% |
Program Faculty
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Perry Scanlan, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM
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Professor & Director of Medical Laboratory Science and Phlebotomy Programs
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Email: scanlanp@apsu.edu
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Office: Health Professions Building Room 407A
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Phone: (931) 221-6495
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Heather Phillips Ph.D., MLS(ASCP)CM, MT(AMT)
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Assistant Professor, Medical Laboratory Science
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Medical Laboratory Science / Phlebotomy Programs Coordinator
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email: phillipsh@apsu.edu
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Office: Health Professions Building, Office 407Q
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Phone: (931) 221-7018
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Natalie DoVanne, MLS(ASCP)
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Phlebotomy Instructor
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Ms. DoVanne has worked in the laboratory for more than 20 years, training Medical Laboratory Science and phlebotomy students and teaching courses including phlebotomy and microbiology in academic settings. She is a dedicated instructor with a strong impact on her students.
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Joanne Peebles, PBT(ASCP)
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Phlebotomy Instructor
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Ms. Peebles is an ASCP-certified phlebotomist and a full-time phlebotomist at Skyline Medical Center. She has 16 years of phlebotomy experience in both fast-paced and slower-paced hospital settings.
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Clinical Sites
Students may complete clinical experiences at the following partner sites:
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Any Lab Test Now, Clarksville, TN
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Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, Fort Campbell, KY
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Centennial Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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Horizon Medical Center, Dickson, TN
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Houston County Community Hospital, Erin, TN
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Jennie Stuart Medical Center, Hopkinsville, KY
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NorthCrest Medical Center, Springfield, TN
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Skyline Medical Center, Nashville, TN
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Sumner Regional Medical Center, Gallatin, TN
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Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN
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Tennova Healthcare, Clarksville, TN
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Trigg County Hospital, Cadiz, KY
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Tristar Ashland City Medical Center, Ashland City, TN
Accreditation
The Phlebotomy program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
NAACLS
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: (773) 714-8880
Fax: (773) 714-8886
Website: NAACLS.org
FAQs: Becoming a Phlebotomist in Tennessee
Phlebotomists draw blood through venipuncture or dermal puncture, prepare patients, label and maintain specimen quality, and support laboratory testing. They work in hospitals, outpatient labs, blood centers, physician offices, nursing homes, and home health settings.
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Complete a phlebotomy technician training program (such as APSU’s non-credit program in Tennessee).
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Meet phlebotomy technician school requirements (see Requirements and Recommendations above).
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Successfully complete required labs and clinical experiences.
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Sit for a phlebotomy certification exam, such as the ASCP-BOC, upon program completion.
Program timelines vary by term and schedule. Review current “Course Offerings” and registration details or contact Continuing Education for the most up-to-date start dates and duration.
Common employers include hospitals, outpatient laboratories, blood centers, physician practices, nursing homes, and home health agencies—reflecting strong placement opportunities across diverse clinical settings.
Yes. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) national phlebotomy certification exam.
Because phlebotomy requires hands-on skills and clinical hours, core training includes in-person labs and clinical experiences. Check the current schedule for any online components related to theory or orientation.
Compensation varies by employer, setting, and region. For current phlebotomist salary information, consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or local job postings in Tennessee.
Graduates pursue roles in hospitals, outpatient labs, and blood collection centers. Strengthen your job search by earning certification (e.g., ASCP-BOC), preparing a resume that highlights clinical hours and competencies, and applying to partner clinical sites and local healthcare systems.