A phlebotomist is a medical professional who performs that task of drawing blood safely and without causing unnecessary pain to patients for testing or transfusing.
Phlebotomy requires great skill which is developed through highly specialized training.
During phlebotomy training students must learn how to correctly draw blood without causing harm to the patient as well as how to deal with any complications that may arise out of the procedure.
Students also learn human anatomy, proper collection and handling of blood samples, proper needle techniques, health safety and record keeping.
Included in the training curriculum will be studies about the human anatomy, the circulation system, blood collection methods, handling medical equipment as well as appropriate bedside manner.
Phlebotomy Training – Practical vs Theoretical
Phlebotomy training is very diverse and includes both theoretical and practical training.
Theoretical training will include such aspects as blood extraction, collection and storage, blood collection containers as well as the safe transportation of blood.
Practical training includes identification of arteries and veins, safety precautions for blood extraction as well as different methods for drawing blood.
A good idea for students is to volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes or private doctors’ offices to gain some much needed hands on experience.
To become a phlebotomist you should study at an accredited university, college or school either online or physically attending classes.
However, online schools offer basic phlebotomy courses only.
The entry requirements for training may differ between institutions but most require, at a minimum, a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Duration of training in vocational programs at community colleges and hospital ranges between a minimum of six months to a maximum of one year.
However phlebotomy training can also be acquired as a two-year associate degree or as a four-year bachelor’s degree. Local hospitals as well as community centers may also offer phlebotomy training courses.
Phlebotomy Training Requirements
When choosing a phlebotomy training program it is important to ensure that it meets the requirements of any of the three certification bodies; NPA (The National Phlebotomy Association), APT (The Association of Phlebotomy Technician) or ASCP (The American Society for Clinical Pathology).
Note however that California and Louisiana are the only two states that require phlebotomy certification for phlebotomists who are not doctors, nurses or clinical laboratory technicians.
However, certification is becoming a requirement for most employers.
The internet is a very useful resource for finding information on phlebotomy training courses, the listing of accredited schools as well as their locations.
