There are several methods to diagnose illnesses or detect alterations in a person’s organism.
One of the most basic yet significant techniques to analyze different medical indicators or detect the presence of a certain illness, medication, or any other foreign element present in a human body, is the extraction of blood.
But extracting blood is not only done for this purpose, it can also be done for blood transfusions or even for experimental procedures.
Although several healthcare professionals with the proper education and expertise are able to draw blood from patients, there are also specialists in the area called Phlebotomists.
In the next few sections, we’ll be talking about Phlebotomy, how to become a Phlebotomist, and the cost of Phlebotomy Training.
Table of Contents
What Is Phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy, as previously mentioned, is the drawing of blood for medical purposes, which can be to perform tests, make blood transfusions, for research, or any other medical objective.
Even though physicians, registered nurses, and other qualified healthcare professionals are able to extract blood from patients and become certified in this field, some specialists focus on this medical field and are known as Phlebotomists.
What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
Among the most common responsibilities and duties of a Phlebotomist are extracting blood from patients and donors, explaining the procedure to those who have never experienced it before or are nervous or apprehensive about the extraction of blood, keeping a record of patients, and properly labeling the samples obtained and maintaining order and sanitary conditions in their work environment, among others.
Where Do Phlebotomists Work?
Phlebotomists can work in different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, blood donation centers, nursing homes, private doctor’s practices, diagnostic laboratories, community health centers, and assisted living facilities, for instance.
How Do I Become a Phlebotomist?
If you aspire to become a Phlebotomist, you must enroll in a Phlebotomy Training program and then obtain certification, even though it might not be mandatory in the state where you wish to work.
Phlebotomy Training
The first step to becoming a Phlebotomist is to enter a training program.
These programs are usually offered by technical schools, vocational schools, and community colleges.
The subjects might vary according to the program you choose, but the most common topics you’ll learn are anatomy, physiology, venipuncture with different instruments (vacutainers, butterflies, and syringes), medical terminology, blood and its components, difficult draws, test tubes, and patients’ rights.
Besides theoretical classes, laboratory work and clinical experience are also part of Phlebotomy Training programs.
Certification
Although certification is only mandatory in a few states, employers tend to prefer hiring workers who have obtained certification.
There are a number of organizations that provide certifications for Phlebotomists, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
The majority of training programs include state or national certification.
It’s important to mention that other healthcare professionals such as Medical Assistants, Nurses, and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) might also pursue certification in order to improve their skills and job opportunities.
How Long Does Phlebotomy Training Last?
The duration of Phlebotomy Training tends to depend on the type of institution where you apply and the type of program you choose.
In most cases, training lasts between 3 months and a year to complete.
How Much Does Phlebotomy Training Cost?
Several factors have an impact on the cost of Phlebotomy Training programs, such as the city where you live, the institution where you wish to study, and the kind of program you select.
Online programs can cost between $500 to $900, on average.
In-person training programs are usually found from $1,000 to $3,000.
Certification exams tend to cost between $117 to $125.
