Understanding the phlebotomy procedures and how to work with patients correctly is essential. It takes the right kind of person to become a good phlebotomist. But, if you’re interested in it as a profession, it’s one of the best entry-level medical jobs available that doesn’t take a lot of training.<\/p>\n
But, what can you expect when you sign up for phlebotomy training? The basics are covered quickly. Then, you can choose whether you want to become a certified phlebotomist<\/a><\/strong>. The entire process can be a great stepping stone to a career in medicine. Or, you can make a lifelong career out of being a great phlebotomist. It all starts with the right training and learning the essentials.<\/p>\n [su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]<\/p>\n This guide will cover everything you need to know about phlebotomy training and what you should expect. If you have an interest in becoming a phlebotomist, it’s important to know what you’ll be doing during your training period. It’s also important to know why these different aspects of training are essential. Being able to use them in the ‘real world’ is the ultimate test for a good phlebotomist.<\/p>\n There are different parts of phlebotomy training basics to be aware of. Understanding will be expected of you can help you make an informed decision about becoming a phlebotomist.<\/p>\n If you decide to start training to be a phlebotomist, no prior college courses or experience in medicine is needed. Since it’s an entry-level job, almost anyone is qualified to take a training program for this particular career field.<\/p>\n It does take a high school diploma or GED equal to sign up for a phlebotomy training course. Even if you didn’t have the best grades in high school, it’s okay. But, you need to do well enough to pass and receive your diploma or its equal.<\/p>\n You are also required to be at least 18 years old to sign up for a phlebotomy training course. This makes it an excellent option for anyone just graduating high school and looking for a successful career path right away. College isn’t always an option for recent graduates. Phlebotomy training lets you learn a specific job in less than a year and starts you on the road to a lifelong career.<\/p>\n Though it’s not necessary, you might have an easier time during training if you enjoy things like chemistry and biology. People interested in phlebotomy may also excel with certain personality traits.<\/p>\n These include things like:<\/p>\n Certain physical traits can also be helpful to someone considering a career in phlebotomy. You may be on your feet long hours, and you should be able to move reasonably quickly. While these traits aren’t required for training or the job, you may find the experience easier if you have them.<\/p>\n Because phlebotomy is such a fast-growing career path, there are many places to train to become a phlebotomist across the United States. Some colleges offer the phlebotomy program<\/strong><\/a>. But, you don’t always need any degree to become a certified phlebotomist.<\/p>\n There are also training facilities across the country, too. Because so many types of people have an interest in phlebotomy, courses usually have varying schedules. So, if you work another job, you’re likely to be able to find classes at night, on weekends, etc.<\/p>\n Some hospitals are so eager to find qualified phlebotomists that they offer in-house training programs. This is a great way to get proper training. But, it can also make it easier for you to find a job afterward. Many times, the hospitals that train phlebotomists are eager to hire them. This is because those individuals know the hospital rules, safety methods, etc.<\/p>\n If you want to go one step further and become certified, most training facilities offer it as an option. There are also national organizations that provide training programs, including certification.<\/p>\n There’s a good chance you’ll find a training facility or classes offered somewhere near you. A quick online search of phlebotomy training courses near your city can help you to find the perfect fit. If you’re not able to travel frequently, you can also enroll in online courses. These will help to take you through the classroom basics.<\/p>\n In the 8+ months that you’ll be studying to become a phlebotomist, the programs are usually broken down into two sections. The first part will focus heavily on a classroom-type setting. The second half of your training will be much more hands-on. Let’s break down these areas of training a bit more, so you know what to expect.<\/p>\n The first half of your training will focus on what it means to be a phlebotomist and what you can expect on a regular basis in a typical workday.<\/p>\n Some of the topics covered in most courses include:<\/p>\n One of the most important things you’ll learn is how to sample blood and different techniques for doing it. You’ll work with a lot of different people every day. This includes people of different ages and body types. Drawing blood from a newborn or a child is different than drawing blood from an adult or senior citizen. Learning the best way to draw from every type of person is necessary to be successful.<\/p>\n The second part of most training programs involves drawing blood. All the training in the world can help you understand the process of how to do it, but nothing is better than practicing blood draws for yourself. This is done under the supervision of the instructor or another phlebotomist.<\/p>\n Many times, students practice drawing blood from other students, or volunteers. Each training program has a specific number of successful blood draws that must be completed for a student to pass. Usually, this number is well over 100.<\/p>\n This part of training typically takes place in a hospital or clinic. So, not only does the student get direct supervision, but they also get a feel for the environment they could be working in.<\/p>\n One of the most critical parts of phlebotomy training is understanding the basic equipment you’ll have to use on a regular basis. Some pieces of equipment can be added. It all depends on the type of testing that’s being done.<\/p>\n But, your training should include how to use the following tools properly:<\/p>\n Being knowledgeable of your equipment is essential in phlebotomy. Using the right equipment for each patient is necessary. This is all a part of being organized, too. Most phlebotomists will enter a room to draw blood with a\u00a0tray. This tray should have all the necessary equipment for that individual patient.<\/p>\n Learning safety and sanitization in phlebotomy training is imperative. Each hospital, clinic, or private practice has their own rules on what you can and can’t do. Many of these rules include extra safety precautions specifically for that location. But, there are some basic safety rules that all phlebotomists need to follow. These procedures are taught throughout the training period.<\/p>\n One of the most important things a phlebotomist needs to do is protect themselves and their patients. That’s why alcohol swabs are used to clean an area before a needle is used. Phlebotomists should also always wear gloves when they are working with a patient. Personal protective gear should always be worn to keep yourself safe from any spills or accidents.<\/p>\n Using sterile tools is also essential. New needles and blood vials need to be used with every patient. Phlebotomists have to take responsibility for the equipment they use. This is done by testing it out ahead of time and determining which equipment is right for each patient’s testing.<\/p>\n Finally, following safety measures for storing and transporting blood is vital. It’s the responsibility of a phlebotomist to learn about properly labeling the vials of blood they draw. Those vials then need to be organized and transported to a lab for testing. This makes sure the patient’s blood isn’t wasted or mislabeled in any way.<\/p>\n It’s easy to think that just because a training program takes less than a year that it’s easy. Whether a phlebotomy training program is easy for someone or not will significantly depend on the individual. Some people might breeze through it without any troubles. Others may find it’s not for them.<\/p>\n One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll probably excel more in phlebotomy training if you have at least some interest in the medical field. It may be difficult for someone who doesn’t have an interest in the human body or its functions. If you’re squeamish about blood, it might not be the career for you in the first place.<\/p>\n Training can be easy when it comes to scheduling. Because so many phlebotomists are needed around the country, it’s pretty simple to find a training program. But, that doesn’t mean the materials covered are always easy. Don’t assume that just because it’s an entry-level job that it isn’t taken seriously.<\/p>\n In fact, because phlebotomists see so many patients a day, it’s important to pass your training program with confidence. If a phlebotomist messes up on the job by mislabeling a blood sample or harming a patient, their career and their place of employment could be in serious trouble.<\/p>\n Perhaps the hardest part of phlebotomy training is the understanding that accidents happen sometimes. So do unfortunate situations. It’s crucial that you’re confident enough in your training and skills that you can handle these situations if they ever come up.<\/p>\n Some potential complications include:<\/p>\n Training can’t necessarily prepare you to stay calm under pressure. But, the more training you do have, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to hand the above situations professionally.<\/p>\n Specific phlebotomy training programs throughout the country may either demand or offer extra sections to their courses. One type of training for phlebotomists that is becoming more common within the coursework is CPR training.<\/p>\n While it still isn’t required by all states, most hospitals and clinics looking for phlebotomists prefer someone who can also perform CPR. Anyone working in healthcare should have some CPR training, and it can look good on a job application if you do. Even if you take a training course where CPR isn’t required, it’s a good idea to complete it on your own. In most cases, it only takes a few hours to get CPR certification.<\/p>\nWhat Should I Expect from Phlebotomy Training?<\/h2>\n
Can Anyone Become a Phlebotomist?<\/h3>\n
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Where Can I Complete Phlebotomy Classes?<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat to Expect from a Phlebotomy Training Course<\/h3>\n
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Types of Equipment Used by a Phlebotomist<\/h3>\n
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Safety Procedures during Phlebotomy Training<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nIs Phlebotomy Training Difficult?<\/h3>\n
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Does a Phlebotomist Need to Take CPR Training?<\/h3>\n
How to Become a Certified Phlebotomist<\/h3>\n
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