What is a Phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists draw and prepare blood for laboratory testing, blood transfusions or blood donations. Phlebotomists are trained to collect blood via venipuncture, finger pricks, or in the case of infants, heel pricks.

Where does a Phlebotomist Work?

Phlebotomists can work in many different healthcare settings. For example, Phlebotomists can work in clinical laboratories, hospitals, dialysis centers, physician’s practices, nursing homes, blood donation centers and in clinics.

What are the duties of Phlebotomist?

The duties of a phlebotomist will vary depending on where you work, however in most healthcare settings, the duties are very similar. Being aware of what to expect before you start your phlebotomy training class and eventually apply for a job is important so you can decide if phlebotomy is right for you.

Expect the following duties once you start a phlebotomy training program and when you begin employment:

• Identifying patients prior to blood or specimen collection
• Preparing patients for blood draws
• Ensuring all the correct supplies are available and organized
• Finding usable veins
• Performing blood draws (venipuncture)
• Collecting and labeling blood specimens
• Maintaining standard precautions
• Using proper sterilization techniques

What certifications do I need as a Phlebotomist?

Most employers require Phlebotomists to hold a certificate from an approved college or a career school. Phlebotomy programs typically last less than a few months and include classroom and laboratory instruction.

Employers may also require Phlebotomists to obtain and maintain certification from a certifying organization, including but not limited to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) and National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Interested in becoming a phlebotomist? Request program registration information! Fill out the form below.

What is Phlebotomy?

Before we deep-dive into phlebotomy classes, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of what exactly phlebotomy is. Phlebotomy is the practice of removing blood from the veins or body for the purpose of medical testing, donation, or other uses.

Phlebotomy is often performed by a nurse, doctor, or by a specialized technician such as a phlebotomist.

What Does A Phlebotomist Do?

At its most basic, the main function of a phlebotomist is draw out and prepare blood. Some of the ways in which blood is typically collected is through finger pricks, heel pricks (for infants), or venipuncture (drawing blood through a vein). The blood can then be used for a variety of medical tests, transfusions, or donation.

How Do You Get A Phlebotomy Certification?

Currently, there are only four states that require a certification to practice phlebotomy: California, Louisiana, Washington, and Nevada. This means that, while in many other states a phlebotomy certification isn’t required, having one would certainly give an advantage to those seeking careers in the field. To become a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT) generally requires the completion of a specific number of hours in classes/training, a specific number of hours in clinical practice of different types of blood draws, and a written exam.

Which Phlebotomy Certification Is Best?

There are three levels of certification. Each level signifies what types of phlebotomy or blood draws the holder is qualified to perform:

• Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT) – skin puncture only
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) – skin puncture and venipuncture
• Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II) – skin puncture, venipuncture, and arterial draws

Each subsequent level of certification will have higher requirements in training and clinical experience.

What Will I Learn in Phlebotomy Class?

In phlebotomy class, you’ll learn everything you need to know to have a successful career in healthcare such as a hospital, laboratory, blood donation center or clinic setting. In phlebotomy training, expect to learn:

• Blood Collection Procedures: This is core to the daily processes of a phlebotomist. You’ll learn venipuncture techniques for different people (newborns, seniors, etc.).
• Special Collections and Point-Of-Care Testing: You will become familiar with specific and unique collection procedures for bodily fluids.
• Lab Safety Practices: You’ll become an expert in safely handling lab equipment & clean up processes.
• Anatomy & Physiology: You’ll become well-versed in the core anatomy and physiology that you deal with as a phlebotomist.
• Cell & Blood Make-Up: In class, you will learn how infection affects the blood and cells and how to prevent this when drawing blood.
• Medical Terminology: You will learn special vocabulary of scientific and technical terms used in the healthcare setting.

How Long is Phlebotomy Training?

The duration of phlebotomy training classes varies from program to program. Programs can be as long as a few months or as a few weeks. Learn more about the various programs we offer.

Top Knowledge’s Phlebotomy Certification Training Program & Classes: Baltimore and Montgomery County (Coming Soon)

Top Knowledge Healthcare Institution is your premier source for phlebotomy courses in Baltimore, Maryland. Top Knowledge offers a 100-clock hour phlebotomy technician training program composed of:

• theory (40 clock hours)
• laboratory (20 clock hours)
• clinical (40 clock hours)

The program can be completed in as little as 6 weeks.

Interested in becoming a phlebotomist? Request program registration information! Fill out the form below.