Phlebotomy Technician Training

Phlebotomy, commonly known as practice of collecting blood samples and ensuring that it's stored safely for medical tests, is one of the developing non-medical jobs. In fact, categorizing phlebotomy in the list of jobs or those of hospital jobs is equally justified, as phlebotomists work in almost every medical field.

Numerous individuals with or without any prior medical or laboratory experience or background can be recruited and trained for becoming a phlebotomy technician. Training consists of study of theory and practical methods of conducting blood tests and drawing blood samples.

In most of the jobs, expert and experienced phlebotomists as well as technologists provide training to beginners. The technician training for phlebotomists focuses on developing skills in the individual that are required for the job. Once armed with proper skills, earning potential of phlebotomists also increases to a great extent.

The training for phlebotomy is provided at a college, or at a business, vocation and technical school. Students and candidates interested in seeking training must contact different vocational and technical colleges in their area, that are willing to help them get admitted to authentic phlebotomy training programs.

Most of the schools and colleges will send you the information brochure about the course, its duration and fee charges etc., so that you're well aware of all the formal training methods.

Many schools, as you will find in their information brochures conduct classes in morning, afternoon and evening depending on comfort of students. This is done to help students to maintain a balance between work and life. The most important aspect of phlebotomy technician training program is that they are trained to perform efficiently in laboratory skills.

Safe and adequate measures of specimen collection and processing them for medical tests are an integral part of the training program. Blood collection by capillary method, or venipuncture, specimen handling and proper labeling of collected samples are also important parts of training individuals, as phlebotomists.

They are also trained in interacting with people as some patients panic or become nervous just by the sight of needles and blood. Hence, phlebotomists must ensure that they maintain an atmosphere of trust and confidence with patients as to lessen the anxiety and fears of the patient.

Generally, it takes one semester or a year for the completion of training programs and to get certifications or diploma. The chapters or topics covered in the one year course are anatomy and physiology, blood and cell composition, blood sampling procedures and laboratory safety.

Candidates and students also learn about techniques to find hard veins, capillary puncture and other techniques. The program also teaches methods of handling laboratory equipment.

Certified phlebotomy technician training is although not compulsory, it will always be beneficial to take a certified training. The Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT), are the two certifications certified by The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologists.

The technicians passing out from American Society for Phlebotomy are observed to be preferred more by the employers, although this is not fixed and depends on various parameters. To improve chances of earning prospects, phlebotomists can get themselves certified as Donor Phlebotomy Technicians (DPT). This can increase the prospects of their career.

The phlebotomy technician training ensures that the candidates recruited for this sensitive and challenging position are equipped with right sets of skills, as the blood samples are very important part of diagnosis of patient's medical history, as well as his future treatment.