Phlebotomy Classes For Budding Phlebotomists
Phlebotomy classes are the important foundation which every good phlebotomist builds on. They prepare you not only for the venipuncture portion of the job, but also the mental portion, and all of the rules and regulations that come with the position.
While often short, phlebotomy classes are by no means easy; there is a lot of information packed into the short classes. Your professional experience practicing venipuncture will determine how many classes you need to take.
If you’ve never drawn blood before you will likely have to take a beginners course where you are taught the basics of venipuncture. If you have had on the job training, you will most likely only have to take the advanced course, which focuses more on rules and regulations than on the actual practice itself. If you do take the beginning course, you will, naturally, have to take the advanced as well. There is no way to skip the advanced portion, when it comes to obtaining your state license in phlebotomy.
Not only are there classes in just phlebotomy there are courses available to assist you in taking the state exam that is needed to obtain your license as a phlebotomist in your state. These are very helpful if your test date is far from when you have taken the phlebotomy classes or if you just need some extra help.
Phlebotomy programs are there to help you, not just waste your time. Many view the courses as just an obstacle between them and their license. They are beyond informational and you will learn something new in each course.
Perhaps you have been a phlebotomist for a while and would like to move upwards in your position. There are phlebotomy classes to teach you even more, such as how to do arterial draws. After taking these classes you can take another state test and become a higher ranking phlebotomist. Typically there are only two ranks of phlebotomists, but this can vary state to state.
Phlebotomy classes have many valuable lessons to teach you, but the most important is the lesson of safety. Rules and regulations always have their purpose, and in the case of phlebotomy it is to protect both the phlebotomist and the patient. The use of universal precautions, which is the use of gloves, masks, and hand sanitation via washing or gels, is the first defense against contamination.
Needle sticks happen, and phlebotomy classes teach you what to do in the event of a needle stick. Such as, wash your hand immediately and then notify your direct manager. They will take it from there. You will often need a course of medication and some medical tests yourself. Blood borne pathogens are easily spread via needle stick as fresh blood is coming in contact with an open wound.
Phlebotomy programs and their classes teach you almost everything that you need to know to become a successful phlebotomist. Most of the experience of practicing venipuncture will come on the job, and as time passes you will become a more efficient, experienced phlebotomist.