Phlebotomy Training

It will be necessary to receive training if you are planning to work as a phlebotomist.  You will need to check with your state to learn about licensing requirements in your state.  There are some states that will require that you sit for a certification exam and that you have attended an accredited training program.  Other states will allow you to receive training directly from a healthcare provider. Either way, you will need to have some instruction in the process of drawing blood and properly collecting samples before you can work directly with patients.

If you are working as a phlebotomist, you will be drawing samples for lab studies in various healthcare settings.  There are opportunities for advancement within a career as a phlebotomist.  You will be able to earn a good income.  There will be opportunities to find first shift jobs though it is sometimes necessary to work other shifts especially if you work in a hospital.

Types of Training Available

There are various types of training available for individuals wishing to work in the area of phlebotomy.  You can attend vocational training programs.  Some of these programs will provide you with a diploma in phlebotomy.  There are other programs that will offer you a certification.  You can also find degree-based programs for an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree if you want to enter in phlebotomy.

Most vocational programs will last for at least 6 months and can certainly last longer.  If you are working for an associate’s degree, you will be attending school for 16-24 months.  It will take you four years or so to complete a Bachelor’s Degree.

Some programs will allow you to sit for a certification exam in the area of phlebotomy.  There are other exams that will simply provide you with the knowledge you need to work in phlebotomy.  If there are not specific licensing requirements, then you will be able to apply for employment.

Topics Covered

There are many different topic areas that will be covered when you are learning to work as a phlebotomist.  You will cover many more topics and courses if you attend a degree based program.  If you are going to work as a phlebotomist, you will need to learn how to properly handle blood samples.  You will also need to learn how to properly handle syringes, blood collection bottles, vaccume tubes and other medical equipment.

Your training will train you in the proper use of all the medical devices you will be using  when collecting samples for lab studies.  You will also learn how to use bandages, medical tape and gauze.

A training program will teach you the steps you must follow to draw blood samples.  You will learn how to clean the area before preparing to draw blood.  It is necessary to learn hand washing procedures.  You will learn what steps you need to take to prevent the spread of infections and disease.  The course will also teach you how to properly handle and dispose of hazardous materials.

When you are training to become a phlebotomist, you will need to learn to communicate well with patients.  You will learn how to help make them feel at ease while you are collecting lab samples.  Your training should prepare you to be able to answer questions that patients might have when you are collecting samples.

Phlebotomy training will prepare you to draw blood safely and effectively.  You will learn how to take blood samples in the least painful way for your patients.  The course will teach you about the different types of collection tubes you will use.  You will learn how to properly label tubes to be taken to the lab.

Training Methods

You will have some classroom instruction when attending a phlebotomy training course.  This is your chance to learn about anatomy and physiology.  You will gain background knowledge pertaining to the phlebotomy field.  There will also be practice activities to help you learn how to begin collecting lab samples and how to properly use all equipment and syringes.

You might practice on fruit and other objects at first.  Many training programs have learning tools that are made to look and feel like an arm so that you can learn the best ways to draw blood.  You should have many opportunities learning how to tap into the veins before you work with patients directly.

The training program should then provide you with hands on experience or require you to complete an internship.  This will be your chance to work with patients directly under the direction of a supervisor.  You will be able to receive help completing a draw if you have any struggles when you are gaining this experience.