Phlebotomy Accreditation Programs
February 21, 2012
Phlebotomy training teaches students the process of extracting blood from patients as prescribed by a physician for the purpose of testing or to start IV (intravenous) lines. The demand for trained phlebotomists who continue on to receive their phlebotomy certification continues to grow. Phlebotomy jobs are available in a large number of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Community health care centers
- Physicians’ offices
- Blood banks
- Laboratories
Since one can become a trained and certified phlebotomy technician in months as opposed to years, it is an ideal choice for those who wish to enter the medical field. When choosing among the many phlebotomy schools that offer phlebotomy courses, it is recommended that the program includes hands-on training in the practice of drawing blood. This is vital as all certification bodies will require a certain amount of actual blood draws in order to be eligible to take their certification exams.
It is not always possible for those working full time to leave their jobs to attend on-campus phlebotomy courses and in such cases they may choose to take online phlebotomy certification classes. There are a couple of factors that prospective students should keep in mind before enrolling in any online phlebotomy training program. It is first important to make certain that the school and the program are accredited by a recognized accreditation board and that the program provides practicum modules at a medical facility that has been approved by one of the phlebotomy certification bodies.
Since there is more to phlebotomy than simply drawing blood, your phlebotomy course should include topics such as:
- Anatomy and physiology
- The circulatory system
- Blood and cell composition
- Laboratory protocol
- Infection control
- First aid
- Dealing with the difficult patient
- Special procedures for children and the elderly
The two key areas to verify before beginning your phlebotomy training is to first make sure that you will be well prepared for your phlebotomy certification exam and that your phlebotomy course provides amply opportunity for hands-on training.
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Phlebotomy Schools
February 22, 2012