Phlebotomist Training: Training for a Career in Venipuncture

Phlebotomist Training: Training for a Career in Venipuncture
If you are interested in working in a medical lab setting, then phlebotomist training may be an occupation to explore. If you are skilled at making people feel comfortable, this may be a good career fit for you.

Have you ever had a blood test? Most of us have at some time in our lives had blood drawn to check for signs of illness. The medical specialists who collect our blood are called phlebotomists. Their primary role is to make individuals feel comfortable while they extract blood for diagnostic testing.

To become a trained phlebotomist, be sure to look for a training program that is accredited; this endorsement means that specific standards have been adhered to in designing and delivering the instructional content. Known also as venipuncture, this specialty offers several training options ranging from a few months to a year, two years or even four years.

Some community colleges or private schools offer one-year training programs. Community colleges provide two-year associate degrees and higher education institutions deliver bachelor's degrees.

It would be to your benefit to check your state's guidelines when planning how much time and money you want to dedicate to phlebotomist training. In many areas, this specialized position requires certification.

The first step toward certification is to complete a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Certification can be derived from organizations such as the National Phlebotomy Association, the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the American Phlebotomy Association.

The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) establishes national standards for phlebotomist training. To be eligible for the certification exam the NPA requires prospective phlebotomists to have completed a minimum of 160 hours of classroom plus 200 hours of clinical training. NPA is the governing body that oversees ethics and professionalism of phlebotomists.

The American Phlebotomy Association also certifies those who have completed 140 hours of classroom, hands-on and clinical instruction. The American Society for Clinical Pathology certifies any training approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Classes in training to be a phlebotomist may include:

Anatomy, Genetics and Immunology
Medical Safety & Processes
Record Keeping & Labeling
Handling Medical Equipment
Donor & Information Processing
Legal Issues & Quality Control
Ethics & Professionalism
Theory & Lab Training

Job duties normally encompass the following tasks:

Collecting blood for analysis
Labeling blood and other specimens
Communicating effectively with patients and medical staff
Transporting specimens to and from laboratory
Sterilizing collection equipment
Recording information

As with many medical specialties, phlebotomy is expected to flourish; the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates growth until 2018. Hospital settings are by far the primary job location, but medical facilities, labs, private practices, blood banks, and research facilities also employ phlebotomists. Salaries range from $23,000 to $60,000 according to geographic area, education, experience and position.

If you enjoy working in a laboratory setting and helping people, then phlebotomist training may be the answer to a promising career. Be part of the healthcare team and help save lives.

Get more in depth information about Phlebotomist training and the career opportunities available at www.FindHealthCareTraining.com

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By James Hamby