What does phlebotomist training involve?

Training in this field requires an intensive hands-on approach to drawing blood and handling specimens from patients. Although blood is primarily drawn from the veins, there are other methods that will be taught such as finger sticks, heel sticks and butterfly needles for scalp veins. Special training for collecting blood from the radial or ulnar arteries near the wrist is usually covered.

Besides drawing blood, a phlebotomist may be responsible for collecting physical samples. With any type of specimen collection from a patient, a phlebotomist must label the sample, preserve it properly and oversee it being taken to the laboratory. Strict procedures must be followed to ensure that the specimen is not contaminated or altered in any way. So much of the training for phlebotomists focuses on accuracy with records and proper procedures to ensure a high level of quality control.

General course descriptions for phlebotomy certification or occupational diplomas are:

• Human anatomy
• Medical terminology
• Venipuncture
• Environmental regulations
• Sanitation
• Records keeping
• Medical coding
• Insurance procedures

Is it important to become a professionally licensed phlebotomist?
Usually, yes. Some states require phlebotomy technicians to be certified or have state licensure. Phlebotomy training varies in length and usually leads to a certificate of completion, and in some cases, an occupational diploma. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is one of the main agencies that approve programs in phlebotomy and clinical assisting.