Phlebotomist Training Red Cross

Answer 1

Phlebotomist training programs are widely available through medical career training schools, vocational and trade schools, two year colleges and four year universities. Many hospitals also offer Phlebotomist training programs for staff members looking to obtain new positions within the facility. Because there is a growing need for highly skilled workers in the field, Phlebotomist training programs are gaining popularity among people who want to find new and rewarding careers in the medical profession.

Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood from patients to fulfill testing order by their doctors, or in some cases their employer. Also, Phlebotomists work at blood banks to coordinate blood donations and blood drives. There are many different places where a certified Phlebotomist will be able to seek employment.

After completing a program of training that includes both theory and clinical work, students will be required to take a licensing examination before they become certified. This exam is designed to test that students have a mastery level of knowledge about Phlebotomy and the theory behind it. This will include a strong knowledge of human anatomy as well as a mastery level knowledge of how the circulatory system works and the Biology of blood itself.

The work involved in successfully completing Phlebotomist training is extensive, yet the rewards of having a satisfying career where there is room for advancement is amazing. Adult returning students looking to change careers and get involved in healthcare often start with Phlebotomist training to help them obtain employment before furthering their education. This is a wise move, as many facilities will pay current employees to seek higher education and defray their education costs while offing them flexibility to attend classes when necessary.

Some training programs are available online. Not every requirement can be met by online study, however theory requirements can. This eliminates the need for students to attend face to face classes on a regular basis until they get into the clinical hands-on aspects of Phlebotomist training. This is an excellent style of learning for dedicated students who might not be able to attend school on a traditional schedule.

Attending Phlebotomist training is a great idea for those looking to become a contributor in the health care field. There is only a short time of school required to finish and the salary expectations make the investment of time worth it.

Answer 2

The health care industry is in need of highly trained workers, including those who are interested in phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is essentially the art of drawing and collecting blood for lab testing and blood transfusions. Phlebotomists work in labs, blood banks, hospitals and health centers. They work with patients of all ages, including infants, toddlers, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Highly skilled and qualified phlebotomists are in demand, which makes proper training and education important. Training to become a phlebotomist requires a six-month program and certification. Although a college degree is not required, many aspiring phlebotomists obtain at least an associate's degree. Some even go on to obtain a bachelor's degree.

Phlebotomist education includes classroom instruction along with on-the-job training. Students learn much more than venipuncture, or how to poke needles into veins to draw blood. They also learn about the various supplies used in phlebotomy, including waste containers, puncture devices, syringes, blood culture bottles, bandages and tape. Students also learn to take vital signs and handle blood and needles and store specimens. Phlebotomist education also includes the study of anatomy, physiology and blood and cell composition. Some programs include classes in CPR, quality control, legal issues and ethics.

Besides education, students must have certain personality types. Phlebotomists have to work with a variety of patients and will acquire patient care techniques to handle patients and comfort them as they deal with anxiety and fear of needles. They also have to have adequate communications skills in order to explain procedures to patients. They also need to be detail-oriented and learn to label specimens correctly to avoid mix-ups. They must exhibit proper hygiene and follow safety procedures at all times to avoid infection and contamination.

Phlebotomy training is usually obtained at local community colleges, vocational schools and medical facilities. However, unemployment offices and job training programs such as Job Corps may offer free training to those who are interested in phlebotomy as a career but cannot afford the education. The Red Cross and United Blood Services are two organizations who are often interested in hiring aspiring but untrained phlebotomists and paying them while in training.

Many states require that phlebotomists be certified. Certification guidelines vary, but often include a combination of work experience and membership in a professional organization. Certification is done by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians and the National Phlebotomy Association. Certification must be renewed annually and requires continuing education.

Answer 3

Few industries show the kind of job stability, growth and income potential as medicine, so careers in medicine are always a good investment. As a Phlebotomist, you draw blood from patient and donators in a variety of settings. Although training is rigorous, phlebotomy training with the Red Cross provides an excellent way of getting income and starting a career in medicine. If you are in financial need, check with the government to see if you can get any funding for the courses, and the Red Cross also offers convenient payment options.

Starting the process

Students must submit to a background and drug test. After passing the test with all paperwork completed, training begins. Training for phlebotomy encompasses several areas of study, not just sticking a needle in an arm. You study the process and terminology of the circulatory system, get certified in all types of CPR and emergency care and study blood-borne pathogens, which is a job risk for phlebotomists. In preparation for real world practice, you learn the proper way to wear protective gear and carefully withdraw blood without hurting the patient.

If you hate the sight of blood, this job is not for you. Formal training

Initially, you learn how to draw blood with an artificial practice arm, which is a very close simulation to real world phlebotomy. Once trained and accepted, you practice on each another, not only in the procedures involved, but also learning how to properly find and draw from a vein. Inexperienced phlebotomists may repeatably miss veins, causing pain. After receiving a certification, you must submit to another series of exams for your phlebotomist certification.

Few careers offer as much emotional and financial satisfaction as the medical industry because, quite literally, you are saving lives. With a small investment in time and study, you can embark on a medical career by starting out in phlebotomy.