Phlebotomist Training

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. Candidates will 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 can work in hospitals in shifts although this is not the case for everyone that completes an online phlebotomy course. Certain phlebotomists work in clinics and with mobile blood drive services such as The American Red Cross. When working for a mobile blood drive, you will likely do a lot of traveling both locally and long distance while taking donations of blood.

Phlebotomy training is recommended to anyone aiming to be in this position as it results in better pay and benefits.  Many people will get into the role of a phlebotomist so that they can later advance to higher positions within the field. This is a perfect opportunity because the practicing phlebotomist gains on the job training while they are becoming familiar with the healthcare field. This will be the key to getting their name known somewhere they might like to work later after they have gone for further education.