New Phlebotomy Training comes to CUIMC Following “Simple is Better”

Blood collection is central to clinical trials, ensuring specimen integrity, protocol compliance, and participant safety. Yet, despite the strength of Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s research enterprise, study teams have long lacked an in‑house, research‑focused option for phlebotomy training. Coordinators often relied on costly external programs that offered limited hands‑on practice, while constrained clinical resources made it difficult to obtain timely phlebotomy support for studies.  

To close this gap, Ismael Castaneda, DrPH, CPI, CCRP, CRM, Clinical Research Nurse Manager for the Clinical Research Resource (CRR) developed the concept for a dedicated training solution. Building on his proposal, the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, through its CRR and Training and Education Resource (TRANSFORM), has launched a new Phlebotomy Training Program providing structured, in-house instruction and certification opportunities for research personnel. Dr. Casteneda compiled an interdisciplinary stakeholder group to bring this program to fruition, including the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), People and Organizational Development (POD), the Office of General Counsel (OGC), the VP&S Office for Research (OFR), and the Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation Center at Columbia School of Nursing.  

Pilot Program: Evaluating Feasibility and Impact 

The Irving Institute’s CRR team and partners developed a preceptor-led curriculum and launched a pilot program from May 6 to May 17, 2024, with a small cohort of students. This unique didactic and experiential training curriculum features: 

• Didactic training on venipuncture techniques, safety, and patient interaction 
• Hands-on simulation using manikin arms 
• Supervised live blood draws, requiring 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary draws to meet NHA certification standards 

The pilot was highly successful, with all participants completing the mandatory draws without any adverse events. A post-training survey indicated high satisfaction from its trainees, five of whom went on to pass the NHA phlebotomy certification exam. 

 With their supervised venipuncture and capillary practice hours completed, they expanded CUIMC’s pool of research phlebotomy professionals.   

The pilot’s outcomes were formally presented by Dr. Castaneda at the CUIMC Administrator’s Network (CAN) meeting on June 20, 2024. During the presentation, Dr. Castaneda highlighted the program’s success and institutional impact.

After 17 years in clinical research, this was my first opportunity to obtain this highly sought-after certification. The program provided everything I needed—I simply had to show up and do the work. As a junior faculty member, I can now confidently include blood draws in my clinical research, and I passed the certification exam on my first attempt. I even submitted a funded pilot grant that included blood draws as a direct result of this training. — Kathryn Whyte, PhD, MS, RDN, Associate Research Scientist, Department of Pediatrics, program trainee 

Full Program Launch 

Building on insights from the pilot, the Phlebotomy Training Program will officially launch this month.  The program will run on a rolling admission, with cohorts of 10 participants. Lead by Dr. Ismael Castaneda, Alejandro Cruz, RN, and Kristy Deyeso, DNP, the program will be delivered over five consecutive days: two days of didactic instruction and simulation-based training, followed by three days dedicated to completing the supervised blood draws required for certification eligibility. The program is designed to strengthen research personnel’s technical skills, confidence, and independence, while providing nationally recognized NHA certification upon successful completion. The Phlebotomy Training Program is now accepting registrations. 

The Phlebotomy Training Program is now open for registration.

I had a wonderful and fulfilling experience in the CRR phlebotomy training course. Although I was initially nervous about the short timeframe, the instructors were incredibly supportive. The classroom sessions were comprehensive without being overwhelming, and the emphasis on hands-on learning made me feel fully prepared for live draws. This is an incredible opportunity for CUIMC staff. — Talia Adler, Clinical Research Coordinator, Department of Emergency Medicine 

Special Acknowledgment

In Memoriam: This program is dedicated to Mary Moran, RN, of the Helene Fuld Health Trust Simulation Center at Columbia School of Nursing. Mary played a central role in shaping and launching the program, offering steady leadership, guidance, and deep commitment to trainee education. Her professionalism and dedication continue to live on through the people and systems she helped build.