The Basics Of Phlebotomy Training

If a career in healthcare is your goal, phlebotomy is one of the quickest ways to get there. While some people see phlebotomy as a stepping stone to other careers in the healthcare field, it can be a fulfilling career on its own. Here's an overview of what training will be in a phlebotomy training program.

What is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy is drawing blood from patients. The blood is then used for laboratory tests, transfusions, or even donations. Phlebotomists are health care professionals who are responsible for performing this procedure. They may work in a stationary setting, like a lab or doctor's office, or they may travel from room to room in a hospital.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

The primary duty of a phlebotomist is to collect blood samples from patients. This involves selecting the appropriate type of needle, preparing the patient for the procedure, and then drawing the blood. Phlebotomists must be careful to avoid injuring the patient or contaminating the sample. They must also take care to ensure that all equipment is sterile and properly disposed of after each use.

In addition to blood collection, phlebotomists may also be responsible for other tasks such as labeling and storing samples, entering patient data into electronic medical records, and answering patient questions.

What are Phlebotomy Training Requirements?

Though the job duties of a phlebotomist are relatively simple, there is a significant amount of training required in order to perform the job safely and effectively.

There are many accredited phlebotomy training programs available both online and in person. Most phlebotomy training programs last several weeks up to a full semester, making them ideal for someone who wants to start a career in healthcare as soon as possible.

Phlebotomy training includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience. You will learn about human anatomy, medical terminology, infection control, and safety procedures during training. Additionally, you will get hands-on experience in drawing blood.

Most states require phlebotomists to complete an accredited phlebotomy training program and pass a certification exam.

What Career Moves Can a Phlebotomist Make?

If you decide to move up the healthcare ladder, there are several positions you can move into, from phlebotomy. For example, you can transition to a management position in phlebotomy or take additional training to move into the laboratory. Additionally, if you prefer patient care, you can enter a nursing program. Phlebotomy is one of the skills that nurses need to complete in their training.

A career in phlebotomy can be a great option for those interested in working in the medical field but not interested in pursuing a lengthy or expensive degree program. If you think this might be the right career path for you, the first step is to obtain proper phlebotomy training.