If you want to work a phlebotomist, then your gateway to your dream should be phlebotomy training. Your starting point as you venture into this line of work is to find an accredited institution which offers recognized training and certification. This will be your only guarantee to a well-paying and satisfying job. For now, we will explore some of the crucial things that you should take into account as you enrol for training.
Requirements to Enrol for Phlebotomy Training
In order for you to qualify for any kind of phlebotomist training program, you should have at least attained a high school diploma, but a GED certification is highly desirable. Besides, prospective students should also demonstrate the ability and determination to handle blood and bodily fluids comfortably. One is also required to have good to make good judgements, follow directions, and also passionate to work others.
Phlebotomy Training Curriculum
Basically, a phlebotomy program is centred on specific areas of study where the student is expected to demonstrate proficiency upon completion. Some of the key areas in the study include:
- Examining the human anatomy- specifically, the pathways of blood vessels (veins) and the veins that are normally used when obtaining blood specimen.
- Applying needle techniques- that is, how to put on gloves, the proper way of inserting needles into target veins. Also, the student will be trained on using different medical equipment and the procedures to follow when using items such as syringes.
- Basic First Aid- is also an important part of phlebotomy training which equips the students with life-saving skills.
- Medical Safety Procedures- several training institutes also impart students with safety guidelines in such things as handling body fluids and blood products. Ideally, phlebotomists should be familiar with safety practices when executing their duties.
- Record Keeping- this also constitutes part of phlebotomy training though the procedures may from one institution to another.
Phlebotomist Duties
As a phlebotomist, you will be required to perform quite a number of tasks as you undergo phlebotomy training. The duties that you will perform will focus on puncturing the blood vessels of patients so as to obtain blood samples for medical examination or diagnostic tests. This exercise requires precision because it can cause serious damage to the nerves in the target area and it therefore requires practice to minimize damage and blood loss.
Also note that there are different qualification requirements from State to State but the minimum is performing 25-100 s vein punctures and obtaining at least five capillary samples.