What Does it Take to Become a Phlebotomist?

Acquire the skills to work as a phlebotomist and learn what takes to become one with Carrington College.

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If you are interested in becoming an integral part of a healthcare team, becoming a phlebotomist may be an ideal career choice for you.

Thanks to phlebotomy technicians, physicians and other health care practitioners can accurately determine a patient’s underlying health concerns and conditions, potentially saving their life. With compassion and a good bedside manner, you can make what is often a traumatic experience less painful. Learn more about this essential role—including requirements to be a phlebotomist and Phlebotomy Technician training—how you can make a difference in patients’ lives, and whether it is the right career path for you.

Phlebotomist Job Description

What does a phlebotomist do daily and what is a phlebotomist? Phlebotomy technicians perform a variety of tasks every day, all of which require incredible attention to detail. The primary duty of phlebotomists is to draw blood from patients—also known as venipuncture—for medical testing, research, transfusions and blood donations. In addition, phlebotomists explain the procedure and assist patients if they have an adverse reaction, like fainting, once their blood is drawn.

These medical professionals can work full-time or part-time. In a clinic or lab, a phlebotomist may work the typical 9-5 job, whereas, in a hospital or urgent care, they may work similar shifts to the nursing staff, including night shifts and rotating schedules (e.g., work two or three 12-hour shifts, followed by two or more days off).

Phlebotomist Technician Jobs

Before you seek phlebotomy technician jobs, there are a few details you should know. The environments that one can work in varies. Typical settings for phlebotomists include hospitals, doctor’s offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories. So it is essential you search these facilities local and beyond if you are looking to commute or move.

Depending on where you work, you may need to travel as part of your job.  Phlebotomists who collect blood donations sometimes travel to different offices or sites in order to set up mobile donation centers. Some phlebotomists travel to long-term care centers or patients’ homes.

As a phlebotomist you may be required to stand for long periods of time. Most phlebotomists work full time. Phlebotomists who work in hospitals and labs may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who have earned professional certification, such as those offered by professional organizations. Requirements vary by organization but may include education and clinical experience, passing an exam, and practical components, such as drawing blood.  Being certified as a phlebotomy technician indicates to prospective employers the professional has completed phlebotomy training and passed a certification exam.

How to Become a Phlebotomist

What does it take to become a phlebotomist? Some phlebotomists begin their careers with a high school diploma and on-the-job experience. However, most employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who possess professional certification. It is more common for phlebotomists to enter the occupation with a certificate or other postsecondary nondegree award from a phlebotomy training or course. Community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools offer phlebotomy training.5

Psychomotor Abilities:

Near vision — The ability to observe details up close.

Finger dexterity — The ability to manipulate small objects with your fingers on both your left and right hand in a precise and accurate manner.

Manual dexterity — The ability to swiftly and easily move one of your hands, your hand and arm together, or your both hands to grip, assemble, or manipulate objects.

Arm-Hand steadiness — The ability to move your arm while keeping your hand and arm steady or hold your arm and hand in one position.

Inductive reasoning — The ability to formulate generalizations from specific observations by means of pattern recognition and other analytical skills.

Deductive reasoning — The ability to examine a general statement or hypothesis and reach a specific, logical conclusion. Deductive reasoning is the opposite of inductive reasoning.

Soft skills:

  • Active listening
  • Time management
  • Critical thinking
  • Effective communication, both oral and written
  • Organization

Technology skills:

  • Electronic mail software — (Microsoft Outlook)
  • Office suite software — (Microsoft Office)
  • Spreadsheet software— (Microsoft Excel)
  • Word processing software — (Microsoft Word)
  • Medical software— MEDITECH Blood Bank, donor management system software, medical, MEDITECH Laboratory and Microbiology, medical procedure coding software.
Prepare for Your Career as a Phlebotomy Technician
Carrington College’s Phlebotomy Technician course offers you the hands-on training to pursue a job as a Phlebotomy Technician. Take the first step on your way to a new career.

What to Look for in Phlebotomist Training

Selecting which Phlebotomy course is the right one for you is a big decision. Proper education can pave the way to a successful and rewarding career. While several institutions offer phlebotomy training, it is essential you choose one that meets your educational and lifestyle needs. When searching for the right program, look close to the following four factors:

  • Cost— Postsecondary education is an investment in your future. However, it does not need to be so costly it is prohibitive. For more information on current tuition costs at Carrington College, please see the academic catalog.
  • Accreditation — Whether an institution is accredited may make the difference in your eligibility to receive phlebotomy certification and licensure. Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC/WASC), 428 J Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found on the ACCJC website.
  • Instructor quality — Having educated and experienced administration and faculty is essential to ensuring you receive proper phlebotomy training.
  • Hands-on experience— Because phlebotomists must have direct patient contact, it is crucial that Phlebotomy Technician courses offer clinical hours for hands-on training.

How Long is Phlebotomy Technician Training?

If you ask how long to become a phlebotomist, you will be happy to know it will not take years to earn your certificate of completion. At some institutions, phlebotomy programs can take less than one year to finish. Students can complete the Phlebotomy Technician training course at Carrington College in as little as 12 weeks.

Can I Study Phlebotomy Online?

Taking phlebotomy classes online offers flexibility and convenience to students. Here at Carrington College, the 40 lecture hours are completed online. Because you need to have direct patient contact and lab experience to earn your certificate, the 50 clinical hours and ten lab hours must be completed on-site.

What Will I Learn in Carrington’s Phlebotomy Technician Course?

Upon successfully completing Carrington College’s Phlebotomy Technician course, you will be able to take the National Healthcareer Association Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) exam. Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the course. Credential preparation varies by location. In addition, you will be able to:

  • Competently collect, transport, and process blood specimens from a diverse patient population.
  • Practice accepted standards for infection control, safety and disposal of biological waste as mandated by OSHA and other agencies.
  • Demonstrate professional conduct and ethical behavior consistent with state laws and regulations with other healthcare personnel and the public.

Phlebotomist Classes

Phlebotomists are a crucial component to high-quality patient care, having direct patient contact. Because a phlebotomist must be knowledgeable in areas such as body’s anatomy and function and correct selection of equipment, it is crucial phlebotomy schools provide a combination of classwork, lab work, and clinical hours that cover these and other areas. This course of study helps ensure students receive the appropriate phlebotomist education necessary for certification. Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

The Phlebotomy Technician course at Carrington College prepares students to sit for the National Healthcareer Association Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) exam. Phlebotomy courses require 12 weeks of basic and advanced procedures in phlebotomy with lab hours. The total hours include:

  • Lecture hours: 40 (must be completed online)
  • Lab hours: 10
  • Clinical hours: 50

Coursework covers:

  • Introduction to blood specimen collection and processing
  • Related body anatomy and function
  • Anticoagulants
  • Site selection
  • Specimen processing
  • Equipment and supplies
  • Safety and standard precautions
  • Professionalism and ethics
  • Review of the health care delivery system

As a Carrington College student, you will use various supportive technologies and equipment throughout your phlebotomy technician training to support the learning process. Technologies and equipment include:

  • Syringes
  • Blood glucose strips
  • Tourniquets
  • Butterfly needles
  • Draw station chairs
  • Coban wraps
  • Simulated arms

The Phlebotomy Technician course culminates in a Certificate of Completion.

Phlebotomy FAQs

Phlebotomy Definition: What is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy is the drawing of blood for the purpose of transfusion, diagnostic testing, apheresis, or experimental procedures.

What Do You Call A Person Who Draws Blood?

A phlebotomist is a medical professional that is responsible for drawing blood from patients and donors.

How Long to Become a Phlebotomist?

It can take as few as three months to complete your certificate through Carrington College.

Do I Need to be Certified to be a Phlebotomist?

States may require that phlebotomists complete a training program, have a license or certification, or meet other requirements. For specific requirements, contact your state licensing agency.4

Is Becoming a Phlebotomist Worth It?

Whether becoming a phlebotomist is worth it is up to you.

Is Phlebotomy Hard?

Is phlebotomy hard is a very personal question. Many may be able to learn the skills to become a phlebotomist, but only you can decide if it is hard, challenging or rewarding.

Sources:

  1. www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm#tab-2
  2. www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm#tab-6
  3. www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm#tab-5
  4. www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319097.htm#st
  5. www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm#tab-4
  6. www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/MedicalAssistant/LicenseRequirements/Phlebotomist
  7. www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9097.00

Last Updated:

April 5, 2024

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