If you are interesting in careers in the health care industry but do not wish to spend several years getting a medical degree a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program can be just what you are looking for. This is because the phlebotomist whose job involves standing on the frontline as he or she draws blood samples that are greatly need when diagnosis different ailments. The work they do gives the doctors the information they require to make the right decisions regarding a patient’s health. Still, if you are to qualify for this important position, you have to undergo some special training. Okay, so now let’s understand what a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program actually involves?
What Is Phlebotomy and Why Is It Important?
To better understand the nature of the training program, let’s answer the following question: what is phlebotomy and why is it so important in the field of health care? Phlebotomy is the process by which blood is taken from a vein or at times from a capillary for one reason or the other including for testing, transfusion or for donations. Blood samples collections are in use. Fore screening of diseases detection of organ function and evaluating an organize treatment response.
However, the given procedure does not look very complicated though. It has to be performed with great accuracy and understanding. Sloppiness in sample collection can lead to errors in the tests making a patient’s diagnosis and subsequent treatment regime can be affected.
What to Expect in a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program
A typical Phlebotomy Technician Training Program is design to equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program generally spans anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the institution and whether the course is part-time or full-time.
Here’s a breakdown of what you will typically encounter:
Classroom Instruction
This is because the first part of the training will entail the participants to undertake class-based training. This PRADS’ foundational phase covers the fundamental theories on phlebotomy and familiarizes the students with fundamental concepts in health system. Some of the key topics covered include: Some of the key topics cover include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology: In phlebotomy, it is vital to familiarise with the human body as well as its systems and sub systems like the circulatory system. The types of blood vessels such as veins and arteries will be cover. As well as the right places to collect the blood sample from a patient.
- Medical Terminology: Just like any other health care profession, phlebotomy has its own working terms or medical terms. By knowing these terms you will be able to communicate well with other care givers in a health facility.
- Infection Control: Blood borne diseases are some of the biggest concerns that can occur in any health care facility. You will learn about measures that have to be put in place as well as measures that are taken when there is an outbreak of an infection.
- Patient Interaction: The patients some time are anxious or uncomfortable, and the phlebotomist will be handling them. Communicational training in patients will make you understand how to reduce their anxiety, talk to them and be formal despite the pressure.
- Legal and Ethical Issues: As for other general requirements, phlebotomists must know patient rights, confidentiality and all the ethical issues connected with the medical profession. This is a part of any Phlebotomy Technician Training Program because legal ramifications of such violations are serious.
Hands-On Training
In this case, after getting acquainted with the theory. There is always the practical aspect of learning that follows every theory. This is most usually the part that students have a lot of fun and at the same time experience a lot of pressure. This is where you are allowed to practice on real patients or even the models.
Venipuncture:
You will successfully learn on the procedure of venipunctures which involves the act of needle piercing the vein with the intention of collecting blood. Technique is critical, an improper way can lead to some unwanted results like hematoma which is a blood clot that is found beneath the skin or even. Ends up making a lot of discomfort to the patient.
Capillary Puncture:
Apart from venipuncture, you’ll also learn how to do capillary blood punctures which are mostly done on fingers or heels. Especially for infants and it is done in a different way.
Equipment Use:
You will be expected to make some purchases and these include needles for administering the blood. The Collection tubes, tourniquets, centrifuge among others.
Labeling and Documentation:
They ensure that the blood samples are properly label during the blood collection process as well as ensure there is a proper documentation. When conducting the test so that the test results correspond to the right patient. Mislabeling is capable of resulting in wrong diagnosis or even wrong treatment.
Clinical Externship
The externship is an important component of the Phlebotomy Technician Training Program since it increases confidence in one’s abilities. Furthermore, practicing within an actual clinical setting will expose the student to issues on managing time and pace of a clinical setting. Handling different types of patients and overcoming the unexpected circumstances. That may be encountered in the health care facility.
Certification and Licensing
After you are done with your Phlebotomy Technician Training Program. There is a step that follows; certification. Certification is not mandatory in all the states but the majority of the employers prefer or may demand for certified phlebotomists.
Some of the most recognized certification bodies for phlebotomists include:
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- Eastern Virginia Career College (EVCC)
Career Opportunities for Phlebotomy Technicians
Based on the Phlebotomy Technician Training Program and certification, employment opportunities are immense provide that the certification has acquired. Phlebotomists can work in various settings, including: Phlebotomists can work in various settings, including:
Hospitals:
Hospital are one of the greatest users of phlebotomy services because they constantly need samples of blood for a variety of reasons.
Diagnostic Laboratories:
In the diagnostic laboratories they take blood samples and there they are fully employed in this capacity.
Blood Donation Centers:
Blood sampling from the donors is done by the phlebotomists in the donor centres to be used in surgeries, trauma cases among others.
Private Clinics:
It is common to find the services of phlebotomists utilized in many of the private clinics and other diagnostic centers.
Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities:
They also may be employed in places that require. The continual drawing of blood from the elderly or patients that are receiving long-term care.
Most graduates with experience and additional education can also progress into other related healthcare categories for instance medical laboratory technology, nursing or health care management.
Is a Phlebotomy Technician Training Program Right for You?
It provides job security and the market for employment of phlebotomist is often in great demand everywhere involving medical line jobs. Furthermore, phlebotomy job can be a starting point to other options in the health care area.
A great opportunity for people who have skills like enhanced concentration, good organizational skills, ability in communication and most importantly, love to help people is the career in phlebotomy. Also, the skills obtained from the training program will placements in a challenging and rewarding Medical environment.
Final Thoughts
A Phlebotomy Technician Training Program includes more than just knowing how to puncture the vein and take blood samples. It’s about knowing human body, handling infection prevention and control measures, and also how to deal with patients the correct way.
