Best Schools that Offer Phlebotomy Programs

Phlebotomy is an essential healthcare profession that collects and handles patient blood samples.

Phlebotomists perform various tasks such as drawing blood samples, labeling and preparing samples for testing, and maintaining equipment and records.

They play a crucial role in the healthcare system by ensuring blood samples are collected, labeled, handled, and transported safely to the laboratory for testing.

Accredited Phlebotomist Training Programs Near Me

To become a phlebotomist, individuals must complete a phlebotomy training program to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their duties effectively.

The program includes hands-on training, classroom instruction, and clinical experience, allowing students to gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to perform their phlebotomist jobs.

Types of Phlebotomy Programs

Several in-class and online phlebotomy programs are available, each with unique characteristics. Let’s have a look at these, shall we?

Certificate programs are short-term programs that typically take around 6-12 months to complete. They are designed to give students the basic knowledge and skills to become phlebotomists.

These programs are ideal for individuals who want to enter the workforce quickly or those who wish to gain additional skills to supplement their current careers.

Diploma programs are similar to certificate programs but are usually more comprehensive and may take longer to complete (around 12-18 months).

These programs give students a deeper understanding of phlebotomy and prepare them for more advanced roles in the healthcare industry.

Associate’s degree programs take around two years to complete, providing students with a more in-depth understanding of phlebotomy.

In addition to learning how to collect and handle blood samples, students study related topics such as anatomy and psychiatry.

These programs are ideal for individuals who want to pursue a career in phlebotomy and gain a broader understanding of the healthcare industry.

Bachelor’s degree programs take around four years to complete. They are designed for individuals who want to pursue a career in a related field, such as medical laboratory science or healthcare management.

These programs provide students with a comprehensive understanding of phlebotomy and prepare them for leadership roles in the healthcare industry.

  • Curriculum for Phlebotomy Classes

A phlebotomy program curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in phlebotomy.

The program will typically cover anatomy and physiology, blood collection techniques, laboratory safety and infection control, medical terminology and documentation, and ethics and legal issues.

In anatomy and physiology, students learn about the structure and function of the human body and the different diseases and conditions that can affect it.

This is essential for phlebotomists as it helps them understand how other medical conditions can affect blood collection and how to handle patients with specific medical conditions properly.

Blood collection techniques, including venipuncture and skin puncture, are crucial aspects of the phlebotomist’s role as it involves interacting directly with patients and performing a procedure that can be uncomfortable or stressful.

Laboratory safety and infection control teach students about the safety and infection control procedures used in the laboratory to protect patients and healthcare workers.

Medical terminology and documentation teach students the medical terms and language used in healthcare and how to document patient information properly.

Ethics and legal issues teach students about the ethical and legal matters related to phlebotomies, such as patient privacy and informed consent.

  • Phlebotomy Certification and Licensing

Obtaining certification or licensure is the final step for individuals who have completed a phlebotomy program. The certification process varies from state to state, and some states require certification, while others require licensure.

Individuals must pass a national certification exam to become certified or licensed.

Two of the most common certification exams are:

Both of these exams are widely recognized and respected in the healthcare industry and accepted by employers nationwide.

To take these exams, the individual must have completed a Phlebotomy training program and have the necessary hours of practical experience.

Once certified or licensed, individuals can work as a Phlebotomist and perform the duties that come with it, such as drawing blood from patients, labeling and preparing samples for testing, and maintaining equipment and records.

  • Career Outlook

Phlebotomy is a rapidly growing field with a high demand for trained professionals.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment of phlebotomists is projected to increase by 11% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Several factors drive this increase in demand for phlebotomists, the most significant of which is the aging population.

As the baby boomer generation ages, the need for medical tests and procedures increases, and the demand for phlebotomists to perform these procedures increases.

Additionally, advancements in medical technology increase the need for phlebotomists to collect and prepare samples for laboratory testing.

Furthermore, with the rise in chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, there is a growing need for phlebotomists to perform blood tests and monitor patients’ health.

Overall, the demand for phlebotomists is expected to grow over the next decade, making it an excellent career choice for healthcare professionals.

  • Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for a phlebotomy program vary depending on the institution offering the program. However, most programs have some basic requirements before an individual can be admitted.

These requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid government-issued ID, proof of current vaccinations and negative TB test, and a criminal background check.

Some programs may also require a minimum GPA or a certain number of completed college credits.

Additionally, individuals may be required to complete a certain number of hours of clinical practice before they can be eligible to take the certification exam.

Some institutions also need students to have a CPR certification. It is essential to check with the specific institution for the particular entry requirements for the program.

In conclusion, completing a phlebotomy program is the first step toward a career as a phlebotomist.

The curriculum of these programs covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, blood collection techniques, laboratory safety and infection control, medical terminology and documentation, and ethics and legal issues.

Upon completion of the program, individuals must pass a national certification or licensure exam, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) exam, to become certified or licensed.

With this certification or licensure, individuals can work as a phlebotomist, performing the duties that come with it, such as drawing blood from patients, labeling and preparing samples for testing, and maintaining equipment and records.