Phlebotomy Courses

What is covered in phlebotomy courses? What is the meaning of the term phlebotomy? Phlebotomy comes a Greek words that translates to the “process of puncturing veins".

A phlebotomist is therefore a medical technician who is specifically trained to draw blood samples from patients. Phlebotomists also perform laboratory tasks that include setting up samples for analysis and recording laboratory results in computer systems and database. In phlebotomy training students learn the proper techniques for drawing blood in a manner that is least painful, uncomfortable, and intrusive to a patient. They also learn the guidelines for handling and controlling biohazardous materials that include blood samples, unused and used needles and syringes, and other tools and equipment that they use to accomplish their tasks. Diagnosing illness often starts testing a patient’s blood and getting blood from patients requires specific skills.

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Phlebotomy School Education and Training

In addition to having a high school diploma of GED students enroll in a phlebotomist program that usually takes a few months to one year in order to attain phlebotomy certification or diploma. Phlebotomy courses include anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system and phlebotomy techniques. Other courses are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and medical terminology.

Phlebotomy training requires extensive practical hands-on experience, practice, and demonstration. To become proficient in venipuncture and capillary punctures, phlebotomy students attain classroom training and clinical practicum experiences. Because phlebotomists are considered part of the medical laboratory team, they must be trained in all elements of specimen collection and processing.

Phlebotomy classes also includes safe and efficient work practices for obtaining specimens, collecting blood via capillary or venipuncture, specimen handling, labeling, sorting, preparation for testing. Students also learn emergency procedures. Phlebotomists are required to take continuing education courses to maintain their phlebotomy certification.

Phlebotomists Licensure

Phlebotomists certification is available through various credentialing agencies that include: National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), and American Medical Technologists (AMT). Phlebotomists earn the title Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) or Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT).

Phlebotomists Careers

Graduates of phlebotomy programs work in all areas of the health care industry. They work in hospitals, doctors’ office, clinics, independent laboratories, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, research clinics, blood banks etc. Responsibilities include collecting blood samples under the supervision of medical and clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers. They are also responsible for:

• Explaining procedure to patients
• Preparing reagents and stains
• Cleaning and sterilizing equipment
• Taking patients vital signs (blood pressure, pulse and respiration rate)
• Updating patient records
• Sending samples for lab testing

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

Upon completing required phlebotomy courses and certification, the level of income for certified phlebotomist range from $19,000 to $48,000 annually. The average salary is around $25,000 a year or around $11.71 an hour. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for phlebotomists is expected to rise as much as 20% in the next ten year.