How to Become a Phlebotomist
Phlebotomist
What is a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists are healthcare professionals who work with patients and draw blood. The phlebotomist collects blood & other specimens which are tested in a laboratory. This information is critical to patient care and diagnosing sickness& disease. Physicians often order blood draws that are used to perform a wide variety of medical tests. Phlebotomists play an important role in medical clinics, hospitals, doctors offices, and blood banks around the country. The process of drawing blood is also known as venipuncture. The actual procedure is usually done using a needle and evacuated or vacuum tubes. Learn how to become a phlebotomist and find phlebotomy schools.
Phlebotomist Equipment List
Here are some of the most common supplies used by phlebotomists.
- Blood draw chair or table
- Carrier/Tube Holders
- Specimen Cups
- Vacutainer Tubes
- Sharps Containers (to dispose of needles)
- Disposable Gloves (rubber gloves & latex free gloves)
- Butterfly needles
- Tourniquet
- Bandages
- Alcohol pads
Phlebotomy as a Career
Choosing phlebotomy as a career is a popular choice because the training is relatively short, and jobs are often in high demand. Many medical assistants, nurses, and even doctors start out in healthcare by working as a phlebotomist. Most schools only require that students have a high school diploma or GED to begin training. Typically jobs can be found in medical offices and hospitals.
Phlebotomy Certification
Phlebotomy certification is often required by employers before they are willing to hire someone for the position. While an associate or bachelor's degree is not required, many healthcare workers choose to earn degrees in biology, chemistry or health care to expand their knowledge & gain a strong advantage in the job market. Phlebotomy certification training programs are offered at many colleges and universities throughout the country. Below you'll find a list of schools organized by state. Many of these schools also offer related programs such as radiology, medical assisting, medical coding, and healthcare admin.
Phlebotomy Training
Most schools only require that students have a high school diploma or GED to begin training. Because phlebotomy requires hands on training most schools look to recruit students within their state If you don't see a school near you you might also consider an online school with a program in a related health care field. Phlebotomists learn infection control, safety & first aid, medical terminology, as well as anatomy and physiology of organ systems. Classes also cover topics such as specimen handling, transportation and processing.
National Phlebotomy Association
Founded in 1978, the National Phlebotomy Association was established to educate, organize, and unite the industry and the phlebotomy healthcare community. It has been the only organization focused on all aspects of educating and certifying the nation's phlebotomists. The organization's members number over 16,000 phlebotomists, covering all 50 states. The National Phlebotomy Association suggests that all members to continue their education within the field and ensure that they keep up-to-date on the industry, even after you receive your certification.
National Phlebotomy Association
1901 Brightseat Road
Landover, MD 20785
Phone: (301) 386-4200
Fax: (301) 386-4203
Radiology Programs:
Summit College
Campus Locations:
AnaheimGet your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.
Programs offered:
Arizona College of Allied Health
Campus Locations:
Show LowArizona College of Allied Health prepares students to work in the 'real world' of medicine. With the use of lecture and laboratory teaching, we provide our students with hands on experience.
Programs offered:
Branford Hall Career Institute
Campus Locations:
DanburyBranford Hall Career Institute offers career-focused education that gives you the job skills you need to make the leap into some of today's hottest careers.
Programs offered:
Lincoln College of Technology
Campus Locations:
CincinnatiImagine the possibilities of furthering your education from the comforts of anywhere with Internet access. Imagine working towards your college degree and expanding your future career opportunities! With Lincoln College Online, you can. Use the internet to join students from all over the country who share your same educational and career goals. By enrolling in Lincoln College Online, you'll have the opportunity to learn while maintaining your active lifestyle. At Lincoln College Online you'll learn through simulation activities, participate in a virtual classroom, study lessons from qualified instructors who promote learning and participation in the online environment, and communicate with peers from across the United States of America.
For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo
Programs offered:
Fortis Institute
Campus Locations:
ScrantonLooking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
National College
Campus Locations:
IndianapolisThe fundamental purpose of National College is to educate men and women for the duties and responsibilities of business life and to help place them in positions where there is opportunity for advancement.
Programs offered:
Empire College
Campus Locations:
Santa RosaEmpire College, located in Santa Rosa, California, can give you the career training you need to launch or advance your career in the Business, Law, Technology, or Medical fields.
Programs offered:
Harris School of Business
Campus Locations:
LinwoodHarris School of Business offers career-focused education that gives you the skills you need to make the leap into your new career.
Programs offered:
Career Colleges of America
Campus Locations:
Los AngelesGet your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.
Programs offered:
Kaplan University - KHE
Campus Locations:
HagerstownDon't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan University can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
Ohio Business College
Campus Locations:
ElyriaOhio Business College offers a variety of Associate degrees, including Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Web Page Design, Information Technology, Accounting and Legal Assistant. We also offer Real Estate Pre-Licensing courses and Microsoft Office Specialist exams.
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at: www.ohiobusinesscollege.edu/disclosure.asp.
Programs offered:
Daymar Institute
Campus Locations:
ClarksvilleWe Change Lives... One Person At A Time®. We offer certificate, associate degree, and bachelor's degree programs for careers in a variety of fields, including medical, criminal justice, computer technology, and business.
DeVry University
Campus Locations:
GlendaleWe work closely with industry leaders to build market-driven degree programs. This ensures DeVry University graduates from our five distinguished colleges of study, as well as DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management, are prepared to meet the challenges of today’s global marketplace.
Programs offered:
Globe University/MSB
Campus Locations:
Elk riverGlobe University is focused on providing students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials they need to reach their personal and professional goals.
Programs offered:
