{"id":320,"date":"2018-04-28T17:30:09","date_gmt":"2018-04-28T17:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/?p=320"},"modified":"2018-09-14T16:18:12","modified_gmt":"2018-09-14T16:18:12","slug":"american-red-cross-phlebotomy-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/american-red-cross-phlebotomy-training\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does American Red Cross Phlebotomy Training Involve?"},"content":{"rendered":"
The American Red Cross is one of the most notable organizations that perform blood draws. That\u2019s one of the reasons why the Red Cross also provides training programs.<\/p>\n
Many people at the Red Cross work on a volunteer basis<\/strong><\/a>. But, they do have some employees who receive a paycheck. One great thing about training with the Red Cross is that they have locations throughout the country, so you can find something conveniently close to where you live.<\/p>\n You’ll develop the skills of venipuncture (drawing blood). You’ll also learn how to work with patients, so you can further your career by finding the right job.<\/p>\n Just because you train with the American Red Cross doesn’t mean you have to work there, or even volunteer with them. But, volunteering is a great way to gain valuable experience and improve your resume to find a trainee phlebotomy job<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n If you’re looking for a trustworthy place to complete your phlebotomy training, look no further. So, what can you expect from the Red Cross? Let’s find out.<\/p>\n [su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]<\/p>\n Many phlebotomy training courses only have a small number of entrance requirements. You have to be at least 18 and need to have a high school diploma or GED. Because the Red Cross is such a highly-recognized organization for their work, they do have some additional requirements.<\/p>\n These include the following:<\/p>\n Considering that most other phlebotomy training programs don’t have these requirements, it might seem like a lot. But, having the Red Cross on your resume as a training facility can make you look more reliable and may even make you a better phlebotomist.<\/p>\n Employers look at where you got your training, and they’ll take that into account. Going through these extra steps before you start to train is just the first step.<\/p>\n The cost for Red Cross phlebotomy training is $965, but this will likely change each year. This covers both tuition and fees to take the class.<\/p>\n On average, phlebotomy training programs cost anywhere from about $700-$1500. So, the Red Cross’ program falls right in the middle. It certainly isn’t the most expensive program out there.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s a great deal considering the type of education you’ll be getting from such a recognized organization. You also won’t get lost in a crowd or have a hard time getting individual attention.<\/p>\n They keep their classes small at anywhere between 8-16 students. That way, if you’re struggling with something or have questions, you can get the answers that you need right away.<\/p>\n The training program is\u00a0split into two different parts.<\/p>\n This includes 80 hours of classroom preparation and 40 hours of lab work\/hands-on work. You’ll learn things in a classroom setting before having to perform venipuncture.<\/p>\n The first part of your program will consist of learning the phlebotomy basics<\/strong><\/a>. This doesn’t just mean that you’ll learn how to draw blood. You’ll have to learn the science behind what you’re doing.<\/p>\n This includes the following:<\/p>\n Once you’ve completed the classroom part of your training, you’ll move onto a more hands-on approach. You’ll learn two different types of venipuncture. These are butterfly venipuncture and syringe venipuncture.<\/p>\n These refer to the type of needles and equipment that are used to draw blood. You’ll practice these draws from a training arm under the supervision of a phlebotomist or your teacher.<\/p>\n Being comfortable with different types of venipuncture is essential. Not every patient you’ll work with throughout your career will have a ‘good’ vein on their arm. For example, it may be harder to draw blood from an obese person<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n So, knowing different places to draw from and various techniques can be helpful. You’ll cover those through your Red Cross training.<\/p>\n [\/su_list]<\/p>\n Safety is one of the most critical aspects of phlebotomy training. The Red Cross is no exception. You’ll learn standard safety procedures put in place by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).<\/p>\n Safety measures include protecting yourself and your patients. The key is to make sure nothing gets contaminated. You’ll learn the importance of protective gear like gloves and even goggles while you’re drawing blood from a patient.<\/p>\n Another aspect of safety training includes proper labeling and transferring of blood samples. It’s the job of a phlebotomist to make sure every sample they take is accurately labeled. If there’s a mix-up, it could be extremely dangerous for the patient involved. That\u2019s why phlebotomists get indemnity insurance<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Knowing lab safety procedures is also essential. While you won’t work in the lab, you’ll work closely with them to transfer blood samples. Following lab safety rules will keep you protected and better organized to make sure your patient is getting the right diagnosis.<\/p>\n Once you complete your training with the Red Cross, you’ll have the opportunity to take a certification exam. You’ll take it through the National Healthcareer Association<\/a><\/strong> (NHA).<\/p>\n Certification isn’t required in most states. But, it can make it easier for you to find a job quickly. You may also be able to start out at a higher salary than without certification.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The best part is that it doesn’t take that long to become certified. There is only a little bit of extra training required. Even with certification, you can expect the entire training program to last for months.<\/p>\n As long as you meet the requirements, almost anyone can sign up to take phlebotomy training with the American Red Cross. But, there are usually three types of people who can get the most from this kind of phlebotomy training program:<\/p>\n If you have an interest in the medical field, to begin with, or you’re already in healthcare and want to boost your skills, these training programs are all great options.<\/p>\n There is a huge demand for phlebotomists<\/strong><\/a>. The population is getting older, and more blood tests are needed for different diagnoses. There is also a lot of new and advanced technology. Now more than ever, we can determine many different illnesses and conditions through blood samples.<\/p>\n Because of these advancements and aging population, more phlebotomists are needed to keep up with the demand. As you might expect, one of the most popular places for a phlebotomist to work is a hospital. Hospitals all over the country regularly hire phlebotomists to keep up with demand.<\/p>\n But, if you can’t find a job at your local hospital or one nearby, there are many other options that people don’t often consider right away. Emergency clinics and private practices also hire phlebotomists. Sometimes, local blood banks or even the Red Cross itself will hire phlebotomists as employees, instead of just volunteers.<\/p>\n Some people who receive phlebotomy training are choosing to be their own boss. Mobile phlebotomy<\/strong><\/a> is becoming more popular. A mobile\/traveling phlebotomist works when and where they are needed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This allows you a lot of flexibility, and you can set your own hours. The only potential drawback to doing this is you have to build up a ‘client base,’ but if you’re good at what you do, that shouldn’t take long.<\/p>\n The job growth rate for phlebotomists continues to climb. From 2014-2024, it’s expected to grow over 25%. So, finding a solid job at any one of these places shouldn’t be too hard!<\/p>\n Plus, depending on where you work you can make a decent salary. On average, phlebotomists make about $32,000 each year.<\/p>\n The American Red Cross will teach you the proper skills to become a phlebotomist. You’ll learn the educational side of things as well as the physical requirements. But, there is more to being a phlebotomist than just going by the book and learning how to draw blood.<\/p>\n Phlebotomists should have a particular set of characteristics. It’s not that you won’t be able to do the job without these skills. But, you may struggle with it, and you might not enjoy it as much as you could.<\/p>\n [su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]<\/p>\nPhlebotomy Training with the Red Cross<\/h2>\n
\n
What Does Training Cost?<\/h3>\n
What Does a Training Course Include?<\/h3>\n
\n
Does the Red Cross Offer Safety Training?<\/h3>\n
Should I Take a Certification Exam?<\/h3>\n
Who Can Take Phlebotomy Training with the Red Cross?<\/h3>\n
\n
Where to Find a Job after Phlebotomy Training<\/h3>\n
What Skills Should a Phlebotomist Have?<\/h3>\n