cassidy
What kind of training does a phlebotomist need?
#phlebotomist
2 answers
Darian Stacy
Darian’s Answer
With that being said, I worked for a plasma donation center that had on-the-job training. There were multiple checklists that I had to work through including taking medical history, setting up the plasmapheresis machines, dealing with donor reactions, and then finally poking. It was self-paced and when I finished these I was finally able to work by myself in just over a month with a pay raise.
There are other employers that I am aware of that required phlebotomy certification before getting hired. This is fairly easy to obtain as well. It is a few month course that you complete and then can immediately work after completion. No prior high education is necessary, only a high school diploma or GED.
I'm sorry if this is a vague answer but it is just my personal experience and what I witnessed.
Carol Kampf
Carol’s Answer
Hi Cassidy,
While I have not recruited for phlebotomists I have learned that the best way to learn about a career is to go online and ask.
This is what I have found so far. Most phlebotomists receive a combination of classroom training and on-the-job experience.
Although no education is mandatory to be employed as a phlebotomist, most hold an Associate's degree in the field or have completed phlebotomy training as part of a bachelor's degree program in a health-related field. Aspiring phlebotomists can get the training they need through certificate programs, which are available at four-year universities and community colleges around the country. The length and curriculum depends on the program, but most can be completed in one year or less.
Topics of instruction focus on venipuncture (the puncture of a vein), vascular anatomy (The arterial system is a series of branching and connecting conduits or tubes, all ultimately originating from the heart, the central pump of the body) , vascular physiology, skin puncture techniques, safety procedures and proper handling of blood specimens.
Note: A certification is required for phlebotomists in some states. Certifying bodies include the National Phlebotomy Association and the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. These sites will be able to tell you what is required.
https://study.com/phlebotomy_education.html
There is more information out there that will tell you what people do in certain careers, other sites that might describe a typical day in the role, job sites with openings and job descriptions as well as salary ranges for the positions, etc. YouTube may have videos explaining the same. If you look at multiple sites, look for consistencies in what they say. This should help you feel more comfortable that the information you are reading is accurate.
Hope this helps. Feel free to reach back out.
Carol
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