Phlebotomy training is fast becoming one of the most sought-after programs in the medical field.

The healthcare industry has seen consistent growth over the past few years and as the Bureau of Labor Statistics states, this trend is almost certain to remain stable in the years to come.

As the demand for qualified medical personnel increases, it makes sense to consider gaining certification in phlebotomy which is a relatively new area of expertise in healthcare.

What is Phlebotomy Training?

A phlebotomist is a medical professional who draws blood from patients for performing diagnostic tests that allow the physicians to diagnose diseases or disorders with accuracy. Anyone who wishes to become a phlebotomist needs to complete a phlebotomy training program that gives both theoretical information as well as practical experience in relation to collection and storage of blood samples.

What Areas does Phlebotomy Training Cover?

A candidate who enrolls for a phlebotomy training program learns how to
•    Collect accurate patient information
•    Draw blood samples by different methods
•    Store blood samples in a safe manner
•    Prepare blood samples in the manner prescribed for particular tests
•    Perform several laboratory tests on the collected specimen
•    Understand if any abnormality is present on the basis of the test results

What are the Types of Phlebotomy Training Programs?

When it comes to phlebotomist training, several programs offer courses of varying duration. Community colleges, vocational schools, medical laboratories, hospitals, universities and online schools offer phlebotomy training programs. The duration of these programs depends on the level of training you wish to acquire. Certificate courses may take between eight to thirty weeks whereas associate degree programs typically require two years of study. Some institutions offer a 4-year degree called the Bachelor of Science in Phlebotomy.

• Certificate Programs in Phlebotomy

Certificate programs in phlebotomy training focus on the basic minimum to get you started off with phlebotomist jobs. These generally include a study of human physiology and the terminology used in phlebotomy, the equipment and procedure to be used for drawing blood samples and the several techniques that may be used during this process.

• Associate’s Degree in Phlebotomy

If you are looking for greater knowledge and practical experience, associate’s degree programs in phlebotomy are a better option. Besides, these programs also give you the skills that can open up a career as a laboratory technician or a medical assistant.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Phlebotomy

If you wish to become a medical technologist, it is best to undertake a 4-year Bachelor’s degree program in phlebotomy. The extensive study of human anatomy and physiology, medicinal chemistry, laboratory equipment operation, maintenance and trouble shooting and psychology and interpersonal communication equip a student for a supervisory position in healthcare such as that of a medical technologist who supervises other phlebotomists.

Who is Eligible for a Phlebotomy Training Program?

The minimum qualification required for entry into a phlebotomy training program is a high school diploma or GED. If you are planning to become a phlebotomist, it is vital you take courses in chemistry, biology, and mathematics and computer science during your high school education. A strong understanding of these subjects is useful when you study anatomy and physiology, laboratory equipment operation and calculation of diagnostic values during your phlebotomist education program.

Desirable Qualities in a Phlebotomist
Phlebotomy jobs mainly involve the process of drawing and handling blood samples. Therefore, you should be comfortable with this aspect of the job. If you are the kind who feels queasy when you see blood or feel scared of inflicting pain on others, this is not the profession you ought to choose. 

Certification as a Phlebotomist
Different states have different regulations regarding the requirements for certification in phlebotomy. Some states such as California specify that a phlebotomist license is issued only to those who have completed a phlebotomy training course comprising of a minimum of 40 class hours along with 40 clinical practice hours. During this period, the candidate should have performed at least 10 skin punctures and 50 venipunctures.

The National Phlebotomy Association and the American Society for Clinical Pathology offer certification to phlebotomy professionals who have a minimum of 140 hours of actual work experience during which time they should have completed at least 100 venipunctures.

Tips on Choosing a Phlebotomy Training Program

•   Determine your career goals: do you wish to find quick employment as a phlebotomist or begin working directly at a supervisory level?
•    Get information regarding your state’s stipulations regarding certification and licensure for phlebotomists

•   Compare across schools offering the phlebotomy training programs to find one that will help you meet your state’s specific requirements for licensure
• Check if the program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
•   Find out about the experience levels of the faculty, the laboratory facilities, and student placement record and financial aid options available at the school.

Job Prospects after Phlebotomy Training

Although this field of specialization is relatively new, there are several employment opportunities available for phlebotomists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a minimum growth of10 percent in the medical technician industry of which phlebotomists are a part.

Phlebotomists can find employment in hospitals, private clinics, medical laboratories, blood testing agencies and blood banks. The level of your qualification determines the nature of your work and specific job responsibilities. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree begin working directly at a supervisory level whereas those with certificate degrees begin at the most basic level.

Phlebotomist Salary

According to Phlebotomist.net, the starting salary of a phlebotomist may range between $20,000 and $25,000.  However, several factors affect this figure such as the setting in which you work, prior work experience and the part of town where your workplace is located.

For example, people working in a hospital will earn more than those working with a private clinic. Similarly, phlebotomists working in a metropolitan area earn higher salaries than those working in smaller towns. Of course, the biggest factor affecting your salary is often the level of your phlebotomy training.

Summary
Phlebotomy is an upcoming area in the medical profession. Persons who complete their phlebotomy training find employment in hospitals, clinics and blood banks where their responsibilities include drawing, storing and testing blood samples from patients.

Besides procuring phlebotomy education, candidates also require to conform to their state’s specific licensing requirements to be able to find phlebotomist jobs. Hopefully, by now you should have a basic understanding of phlebotomy training.