Training In Phlebotomy

Training In Phlebotomy

Individuals with widely different backgrounds and training are drawing blood in physicians' offices and laboratories. They range from employees without any prior medical or laboratory background that were trained on the job to certified phlebotomists and technologists who have studied the theory and practice of venipuncture and specimen handling, and often are also proficient in laboratory testing procedures.

In some cases on-the-job venipuncture training is adequate when there are only occasional brood draws and the training is provided by another skilled phlebotomist. If you are seeking on-the-job training in phlebotomy then you may want to check with your local area hospitals, and sometimes it is provided through plasma donor centers.

Formal Training

Formal phlebotomy training is usually provided at a community college, or at a business, vocational, or technical school. Students interested in receiving such training should contact different technical and vocational schools in their local area and the colleges that offer career-focused degrees and request more information. Most schools can send you brochures on admission and can refer you to their admissions office or somewhere where someone will explain the course of study.

Formal training in phlebotomy prepares students for employment as phlebotomists. You will find that many schools offer morning, afternoon, and evening classes to accommodate their student's work and personal life. Phlebotomists that are already employed in the field may also find that supplemental training is available, or cross-training opportunites fore those in a different, but related, health care field.

Since the phlebotomist is considered part of the laboratory team, they must be trained in all aspects of specimen collection and processing. Generally the program includes safe and efficient work practices to obtain specimens, blood collection by capillary or venipuncture, specimen handling, labeling, sorting, preparation for testing, as well as communication, employability skills, and emergency procedures. The coursework also includes anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system and phlebotomy techniques.

To become proficient in venipuncture and capillary punctures students must also gain plenty of hands-on training! Therefore, in addition to class room training, an externship or clinical practicum is often required before graduation. The externship consists of unpaid work experience to gain hands-on experience before entering the work force. Finally, based on completion of this type of formal training plus one year full-time employment in an accredited laboratory many may qualify to take a national registry or certification exam.

Certification

Those who are applying for admission into formal training should be careful about which educational program they select because prospective employers may have preferences as to program accreditation.

For those who are experienced phlebotomists certification is available through several national credentialing agencies. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologists (AMT) are examples of the organizations that offer national certification and testing, which earns phlebotomists the title Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT).

Continuing Education

Phlebotomists must take continuing education courses to maintain their certification credential.

Degrees

While a degree is not necessary to become a phlebotomist, vocational training institutions may offer degree programs in medical laboratory technology or medical assisting where phlebotomy is included in the curriculum.