Phlebotomy
courses abound everywhere, however it can quickly become a daunting task to find a school or
program near you. We make your search incredibly easy through our Search by Zip Code box
below.
Components of Phlebotomy Training
Learning Phlebotomy
A career in phlebotomy requires willingness to thoroughly learn and practice the art of venipuncture and other
blood collection techniques, and the ability to cope with physical demands of constant patient contact. The
phlebotomist must lift, bend, carry and support constant weight from the phlebotomy collection tray. Phlebotomists
remain on their feet all day as they walk continuously in their phlebotomy role. Visual acuity sufficient to
provide high standard of care and work with standard computer terminal, as well as ability to analyze the blood
samples after they are collected is required.
Watch this short phlebotomy video clip!
A typical curriculum usually includes, but is not necessarily limited to, live phlebotomy demonstrations.
ATTENTION: Please
realize that this video (published from YouTube) isNOT HERE TO TEACHyou phlebotomy techniques, but
merely to show you different scenarios of the phlebotomist's daily routine.The video may contain
techniques, or procedures that do not conform to proper and safe venipuncture protocol. Viewer discretion is
strongly advised.
Phlebotomy Lectures
Overview of standard (universal) precautions
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Basic anatomy and physiology of the blood supply
Equipment and supplies
Venipuncture technique
Potential patient reactions to venipuncture and complications
Interventions to patient reactions and complications
Preparation for practicum
Skill Evaluation
Documentation
Skills check list (venipuncture performance evaluation).
Venipuncture Equipment List
Appropriate understanding of equipment and supplies and their use is an essential part of the phlebotomist
training to get them to a high level of proficiency:
Resealable plastic bag for biohazard waste materials
Spirits of ammonia (inhalant)
Phlebotomy chair (safety)
Arm board (adjustment)
Small rubber bands (use)
Disinfectant or towelettes with disinfectant
Venipuncture identification card (need varies from state to state)
Externship Practicum Components
Practicum/Externship
Venipuncture technique demonstration using training arm or student partner, or
Venipuncture technique experiences in clinic and field setting with preceptor.
Specific skills and tasks to be practiced and solidified include:
Working well with patients or clients
Interviewing patients and recording patient information
Being consistently pleasant and polite
Caring, empathetic, and professional attitude
Ability to explain the procedure and reduce fears
Precision and attention to detail
Basic computer skills
Examining patients to take vital signs
Assembling and disposing of equipment used in procedure
Proficiency in venipuncture technique
Adherence to standard procedures and universal precautions
Recording of patient identification, and blood samples
Excellent hand-eye coordination
Labeling blood containers and seeing that they are properly stored
Conducting medical testing procedures to screen blood samples
Keeping an inventory of supplies, reordering as needed
Stocking supplies on carts and phlebotomy collection trays
Maintaining patient confidentiality (HIPAA)
Those individual who have received vocational training which included venipuncture techniques, documentation,
charting and infection control, or those who are currently employed in a phlebotomy position with at least two
years of experience should seek certification. Certification provides industry recognized credentials and opens
doors that otherwise may remain closed.
Phlebotomy Lectures
