Phlebotomist Courses

A phlebotomy training program teaches future phlebotomists many aspects of phlebotomy – from phlebotomy technique to administrative activities. Graduates of phlebotomy training programs are well-rounded and are eligible for certification.

The phlebotomy training program will teach the candidate the complete venipuncture process, including patient identification, equipment selection, test labeling, requisition forms, order of draw, blood drawing methodology, patient aftercare, and quality assurance. Candidate also learn how to properly store samples to be sent for analysis, whether across the hall or across the country.

During a phlebotomy training program, phlebotomists will learn about the body systems and how they work. These classes fall into the anatomy and physiology category. These classes include the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, muscular, and skeletal systems.

Phlebotomists will learn about blood and cell composition. Candidates will learn how blood and cells are affected by infection and disease.  Phlebotomists will also learn blood sampling procedures. Most commonly used is venipuncture, but phlebotomists will learn other techniques that are used in newborns, children, some adults, and the elderly.

Phlebotomists will learn proper infection control. Candidates are taught how to prepare the blood collection site, how to choose the proper collection tools and how to handle the transportation, processing, and management of collected samples.

Phlebotomists also study medical terminology for clear communication between physicians and phlebotomists regarding specimen requests.  The medical terminology class includes an overview of common prefixes, suffixes and root words that used in the field. Students also study spelling and proper pronunciation. Students usually complete this course before signing up for the phlebotomy practicum.

Anatomy and Physiology for Phlebotomists

In this course, which is required in some programs, students get a broad introduction to body parts and systems and how they work. Students study anatomy and physiology, with particular attention paid to cardiovascular anatomy and the physiology of the circulatory, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Phlebotomy anatomy courses also cover locating and assessing venipuncture sites. This course is generally completed prior to enrolling in the clinical component of the program.

Phlebotomy Practicum

Practicum students practice the blood and specimen collection and handling skills learned in their theory class. They practice these duties on adult and pediatric simulation arms and other students before drawing blood under supervision in clinical settings. Practicum sites may be on campus or at off-site labs or medical center. Phlebotomy practicum is a required course usually taken after a theory class as well as any other required courses in phlebotomy, like medical terminology or anatomy and physiology.

Laboratory safety is important for keeping phlebotomists and their patients safe. Understanding proper waste disposal, how to handle lab equipment and clean up skills are just some of the safety skills taught to phlebotomists. Working in the medical field, phlebotomists must recognize that many patients may have pre-existing health conditions.

Completing a phlebotomy training course will open many doors into the world of professional medical careers and efficiently prepare you for full time or part time employment. Once you have gained a complete understanding of the phlebotomist job description you will have a better idea of whether or not phlebotomy is something you want to pursue as a career.