Phlebotomy: Summary of How to Become a Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist is a professional healthcare worker who is trained to draw blood from a patient. A Phlebotomist may be required to draw blood samples for a wide range of blood tests, blood donations or even blood transfusions. For you to learn how to become a Phlebotomist, there is a range of formal training and education. On top of that, there may be requirements for certification or licenses, which are the formal requirements for how to become a Phlebotomist. And finally, there is also a need to gain experience operating as a Phlebotomist, practicing in the safe and sanitary manner to take blood samples from patients.
Learn about the education for how to become a Phlebotomist
The minimum education required to become a Phlebotomist require that you have achieved a high school diploma. Additional training and education for how to become a Phlebotomist will be offered under a specific Phlebotomy training program, which we have provided numerous links to make it easier for you to choose the best Phlebotomy training course.
Step-by-step guide for how to become a Phlebotomist
There can be many different ways you can approach a career in Phlebotomy, and some people use it as a stepping stone to progress further into a medical career. However you choose to do it, we have itemised the basics steps for how to become a Phlebotomist.
Step 1: Minimum Education Levels
Most Phlebotomy training courses require a minimum education level of high school diploma. Although there is not necessarily any grade standard attached to this, it is always preferable to demonstrate that you have good fundamentals. It is necessary that you are able to learn new skills about how to become a Phlebotomist. Phlebotomy training involves learning about biology, anatomy, and chemistry, so it is desirable that you understand and like learning about these subjects. Another requirement is that you must be at least 18 years of age in order to apply to enrol in a Phlebotomy training course.
Step 2: Phlebotomy Training Courses
If you want to learn how to become a Phlebotomist, then you need to find a suitable Phlebotomy training school nearby. We have a wide range of available Phlebotomy training schools and training courses, so search through the list to find the nearest training center that you would prefer to attend. [Phlebotomy Training Courses]
When you choose a training course for how to becomes a Phlebotomist, you will learn all of the basic skills of Phlebotomy. You will learn how to draw blood from patients for blood sampling, blood testing, blood donation, and blood transfusion. You will learn about all of the various ways in which drawn blood must be treated, stored and transported to ensure that the blood samples are preserved appropriately. You will learn how to read and interpret the Doctor’s prescription for blood sampling, and you will be able to draw the correct blood samples for which ever testing the patient may require.
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You will also learn about how to deal with patients who may be apprehensive about drawing blood, or having a needle inserted into their vein. It is always Important to relax the patient and to remain calm and competent while working as a Phlebotomist. We always like to recommend handy tips such as use of a Pain gone Pen to distract patients during the procedure so that they don’t feel any pain!
Lastly, you will also learn about taking care with infection and sanitization training how to become a Phlebotomist. It is important to be learn about safety whenever dealing with blood samples, and to maintain cleanliness to avoid infections of any kind.
Step 3: Phlebotomy Registration or Certification
Training how to become a Phlebotomist is usually completed in less than a year, and will allow you to become a professional Phlebotomist. As well as the theoretical training, you would also be expected to spend some time doing practical Phlebotomy with a medical facility or hospital.
Upon completion of the formal training aspects for how to become a Phlebotomist, you may be eligible for certification. Depending on where you live or work, it may not be a requirement to have certification to practice Phlebotomy. But in terms of finding a good job, it is better to show an employer that you have the certification to perform the role as a Phlebotomist. Having Phlebotomy certification may even enhance your earning potential!
In the United States, there is a range of organizations that provide phlebotomy certification:
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Step 4: Employment as a Phlebotomist
Now that you have learnt how to become a Phlebotomist, you can work as a qualified medical professional. Without a doubt, there is rising demand for a wide range of medical health care workers. The good thing about training how to become a Phlebotomist is that you have already gained practical hands on work experience. Because you may have already met with prospective employers, and worked within a hospital or medical clinic, then you should promote yourself in a positive and professional manner at all times. Many student Phlebotomists can be approached by recruiters or employers during training. But you need to be active and promote yourself so that you will be seen as an asset to any medical facility who needs professionally trained staff.
How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?
The process for how to become a Phlebotomist is not as long as for other medical health professionals. Depending on which Phlebotomy training school you choose, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 10 months which includes practical hands on experience. Then you should allow some time to build up actual employment experience to apply for certification, which may take another couple of months. All up, you can expect to complete Phlebotomy training in 1 year, and be actively undertaking a Phlebotomy career with your choice of employment.
