The Complete Guide to Phlebotomy Training: What You Need to Know Before You Enroll

Are you interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, but don't want to go through years of schooling? Consider becoming a phlebotomist! Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from patients for diagnostic purposes. It's a crucial part of healthcare, and the demand for phlebotomists is on the rise. If you're interested in becoming a phlebotomist, the first step is completing a training course. Here's what you can expect.

Step 1: Research Schools and Programs The first step in your phlebotomy journey is to research schools and programs. Look for schools that are accredited and offer a phlebotomy program. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards, and it will make it easier for you to find a job after graduation. Make a list of potential schools and compare their programs, tuition costs, and schedules.

Step 2: Apply and Enroll Once you've found a program that suits your needs, it's time to apply and enroll. Most phlebotomy programs have basic admission requirements, such as a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may require additional prerequisites, such as medical terminology or anatomy and physiology. Once you've been accepted, you'll be able to start the program.

Step 3: Attend Classes and Labs Phlebotomy training courses usually consist of both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. You'll learn about the anatomy of the circulatory system, medical terminology, and safety procedures for drawing blood. You'll also get plenty of practice performing venipunctures (drawing blood from veins) and capillary punctures (drawing blood from the fingertip).

Step 4: Complete Clinical Externship After you've completed your classroom instruction and labs, you'll need to complete a clinical externship. This is where you'll get real-world experience drawing blood from patients under the supervision of a trained phlebotomist. You'll need to complete a certain number of successful venipunctures and capillary punctures to pass the externship.

Step 5: Take Certification Exam Once you've completed your training and clinical externship, you'll be eligible to take a certification exam. There are several organizations that offer phlebotomy certification, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Certification is not required to work as a phlebotomist, but it can increase your job prospects and earning potential.