Phlebotomy Training

The act of drawing blood is known as phlebotomy. It is an often performed medical routine, usually done for the purpose of acquiring a blood sample to be used in diagnostic testing or screening. Also referred to as venepuncture, it is a task that is performed by many healthcare professionals. Phlebotomy skills are required in many areas of medicine.

Although many individuals working in medical professions perform blood draws as part of their jobs, a person who is specifically trained in phlebotomy is known as a phlebotomist. A candidate does not have to have a medical background to train as a phlebotomist. That means that although a nurse or doctor may be a phlebotomist, in the sense that they perform venepunctures, it doesn’t necessarily follow that a phlebotomist will be a nurse or doctor.

Skilled phlebotomy technicians are in great demand, especially with the trend toward greater specialization in medicine. As of 2011, the future job prospects for trained phlebotomists are very good. Phlebotomy is also a field that doesn’t require a great deal of training to obtain certification.

To qualify as a certified phlebotomy technician, more casually referred to as a phlebotomist, you will need to seek phlebotomy training. The training can be a basic course that can be completed in a couple of weeks, or a more complete and robust phlebotomy training program that may require a year or more of study.

Phlebotomy training courses are offered at many technical colleges as well as at some medical training facilities. Depending upon the type of course you opt for, the training will generally provide you with a certificate or diploma. A high school diploma or GED is a prerequisite to entering a phlebotomy training program.

There are some key factors to bear in mind before entering the field of phlebotomy. This is a profession in which you will be working with blood and needles. Because of this, it helps to have a strong constitution. You certainly do not want to be passing out each time you draw a person’s blood. Your patients will do enough of that for you.

Additionally, you should be generally adept at dealing with people. A phlebotomy technician is continually working with patients from all walks of life. Many of the patients are apprehensive about the procedure, so a phlebotomist should have or develop a good “bedside manner”. A friendly disposition and a good dose of patience can also serve to make the experience a smooth process for technician and patient. Finally, the ability to communicate well can help to put the patient at ease.

When considering training options for phlebotomy aspirants, what should you look for? You certainly want to get the best possible training that is available to you and that fits with your goals and current life situation. Whatever program you opt for, it should result in receiving some sort of certification from an industry organization such as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians or the National Phlebotomy Association. Take steps to confirm that the school you attend and the training program are recognized by one of these groups.

Phlebotomy training options include short term classes, often less than a month duration, or longer term programs from a technical college or university. These longer term programs can often be up to two years in duration and will also include study in anatomy, medical terminology, and other ancillary areas.

There are also boot-camp style workshops available through the American Phlebotomy Association. These workshops focus on honing your skills and readying you for the phlebotomy certification test. Heavy emphasis is placed on blood draw techniques and students are allowed to practice on volunteers in order to get practical experience.

The length of your training program will not necessarily be the primary determinant of your phlebotomy skills. Hands-on experience and application will serve as the ultimate training course that refines your dexterity. Appropriate training and education will be the launching point.


W Joyner is a writer who writes on a variety of topics, particularly in the career and food areas. Review these great study tips for help in preparing for your phlebotomy certification exam!