If you wish to pursue a career in the field of clinical technology, you can join any one of the many Phlebotomy schools across the United States and become a certified Phlebotomist. A Phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who is skilled at drawing blood from a patient safely and in a sanitary manner. If you are interested in gaining expertise in this field, you can choose to enroll in a community college or a technical or vocational college to learn how to collect arterial blood samples along with other related skills such as taking vital signs, explaining procedures and practicing safe techniques for storing the blood samples.
How Certification Benefits You
You can benefit tremendously when you decide to become certified professional. While some states do not insist on caregivers producing a certificate, most employers prefer to hire phlebotomists with a technician certificate. Some of the more renowned Phlebotomy colleges and schools include the Fortis Colleges in PA; Kaplan College; McCan School of Business & Technology, PA; Empire College, Santa Rosa, CA and MedTech College, Indianapolis. Most of these colleges have branches in other states as well. Some colleges offer only a Diploma in Phlebotomy while others offer additional training with ECG and Lab Assistant. Details are available for each course offered.
Phlebotomy Classes
You will be required to complete the theoretical classes before you begin a clinical practicum class. Phlebotomy classes offer facilities for all students to work in an affiliated hospital or blood collection center in order to hone their skills. Training can take anywhere from three to 6 months. Students who wish to make a career in this specialized field can enroll in a one year program and learn other factors such as the legal aspects of blood collecting, interacting with patients and various blood collection techniques.
Phlebotomy Courses
Phlebotomy courses typically last for about 8 weeks and consist of two phases. One is the didactic or classroom phase and the other is the clinical phase.
- Didactic Phase: During this phase you will have to attend lectures about interactive presentations and skills labs in addition to learning learn how to administer blood draws for patients. Initially, Venipuncture is practiced on manikins and then students will practice on each other. During this time, you will have to prove computer literacy, learn about HBV and HIV, Basic Life Support, Injection Control and legal and ethical responsibilities. This will take you to the clinical phase.
- Clinical Phase: In this clinical phase, students are introduced to affiliated community clinics and hospitals, where they actually draw blood from patients, under the supervision of a licensed laboratory professional.
What are the Requirements for Attending Phlebotomy Schools?
To be eligible to attend a Phlebotomy school, you need not have prior medical experience. However, you should have passed high school or GED. You should be able to read, speak and write fluently in English, submit to a physical examination and background check and carry a valid Social Security Number. This is a requirement necessary for state licensing purposes. It is necessary to ensure that you pass the examination and get a certificate from The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) to prove that the course is accredited.
