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Phlebotomist Training Schools: How to Get Started in Phlebotomy
Phlebotomist Training Schools:
How to Get Started in Phlebotomy
Do you see a career as a phlebotomist in your future? If so, you'll definitely need to get a good education. In the past, you might have been able to get into the field of phlebotomy through on-the-job-training. However, competition is now strong within this growing field—therefore, technicians armed with credentials from accredited programs will fare the best.
Build a Strong Foundation
Within your phlebotomy program, you will focus on developing your knowledge and skills in three main areas:
- Theory
- Practical application
- Safety
Through classroom instruction, you can learn everything from basic anatomy to the intricacies of the circulatory system. And, if you choose to earn a bachelor's degree, you can also study microbiology, chemistry, mathematics, and business management. However, the majority of your program will focus on building your hands-on skills in collecting and analyzing blood. You will gain experience in the most common techniques, such as skin puncture and venipuncture, plus learn how to perform basic laboratory testing.
The final component of your foundational knowledge in phlebotomy will be learning how to protect your patients and yourself. If you're not careful, blood-borne viruses like hepatitis or HIV can be transmitted, which makes training in sterilization procedures and infection control critical.
Specialize Your Learning
Depending on your program, you may also have the chance to learn specialized skills that could open up even greater career opportunities. Some phlebotomy programs offer training in electrocardiography (EKG) tasks, as well as more complex laboratory procedures. With these specializations, you can prove even more valuable to diagnostic centers and clinical laboratories. Plus, you could acquire medical billing and coding knowledge, which, coupled with your technical phlebotomy skills, can make you a valuable member of any medical office.
Gain Job-Specific Skills
Many phlebotomy schools offer externships in professional health care settings. Gaining real-world experience in a doctor's office, hospital, blood donor agency, or long-term care facility can broaden your education. Not only will you be able to apply your classroom learning to a job-specific environment, but you will also have the opportunity to network with future employers.
An externship can also allow you to meet the minimum number of practical hours required by some certifying organizations. For example, to be eligible to take the certification examination from the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), you must have 200 hours of practical experience. By completing an externship as part of your studies, you can get these hours before you leave school.
Prepare for Certification
Certification is the easiest way to show your health care colleagues, patients, and employers that you possess a certain standard of skill. With this in mind, many phlebotomy training programs ensure that their learning outcomes match certification requirements. But, it's always a good idea to check which certification you will be eligible to take upon graduation, and whether or not that particular certification will meet the requirements within your state.
Once equipped with a well-rounded education in phlebotomy, you can successfully take the certification examination, and get started in your rewarding career in health care. Why not begin your journey toward a bright career future, and browse this list of phlebotomist training schools today!
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