Phlebotomy Training
Current training requirements for phlebotomists in the USA can vary
widely from state to state. Some states require their health care professionals with blood drawing
responsibilities to be formally trained and certified, most don't. In
California new phlebotomy
regulations were adopted into law and signed by the Secretary of State on January 9, 2003 where
prerequisites and requirements for phlebotomy students are:
High school graduate transcripts, or GED
40 hours classroom (didactic) instruction
40 hours practical training
50 venipunctures & 10 skin punctures
Different Forms of Phlebotomy Training
Formal training which comes from caring phlebotomy instructors best
prepares students for employment as phlebotomists. Educational institutions now recognize and accommodate
a working person's schedule. Many schools offer morning, afternoon, and evening classes to accommodate
their student's work and personal life and are open for extended hours. Often they also have resource labs
that allow students to learn at their own pace and convenience. Phlebotomy training is usually provided at
a community college, or at a business, vocational, or technical school. Some phlebotomists acquired their
skills through phlebotomy workshops offered through the Red Cross, others are trained directly
on the job.
Phlebotomy Training Requirements
A formal phlebotomy training program typically lasts 4 to 8 months. Some
phlebotomy programs require a Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) to enroll. While a degree is not necessary many
vocational training institutions offer degree programs in medical laboratory technology, or shorter phlebotomy
certification programs that prepare phlebotomists for the job.
Each lecture session is four hours in length
The requirements for the completion of the course include attendance
of all lectures
Completion of forty hours of practical work in a clinical environment
as specified
Example Phlebotomy Course Outline
Phlebotomy program designed for people who plan to work for a clinical laboratory or public health department
or a clinic or hospital.
What to look for in a phlebotomy program:
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job oriented curriculum
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classroom instruction
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experienced instructors
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hands-on training
-
latest techniques and technologies
-
class size
-
duration
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clinical internship/externship
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certification provider affiliations
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total cost
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financial aid
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payment plan options
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job placement assistance
Total Program Cost May Include:
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tuition
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textbooks, materials, supplies
-
examination fee (*certification exam)
-
registration fee (*non-refundable)
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application fee (*ask!!!)
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refundable deposit (*refundable upon form submission)
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lab fee (*ask!!!)
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early cancellation fee
-
-
Student Tuition Recovery Fund (*State of California)
Phlebotomy State Certification in California
Upon completion of the program students will receive a certificate of completion and become eligible for
certification in the State of California as a Certified Phlebotomist Technician level 1 through the Department
of Health Services (DHS), Field Services.
Lectures typically cover:
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circulatory system review
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anatomy & medical terminology
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specimen collection
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venipuncture and skin puncture technique
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blood panel review & blood collection systems
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Universal precautions
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risk factors
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complications
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quality assurance in specimen collection
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OSHA
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HIPAA
Phlebotomy Course Outline
Continued Phlebotomy Skills Refinement
Upon graduation the skills that were taught in the classroom are refined on the job. As the number of blood
draws increases, the better the technique and skills of the phlebotomist will become. In addition to taking
continuing education courses to further solidify their knowledge phlebotomists can attend conferences and courses
to keep their knowledge up to date and maintain their credentials.
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.
