How to Become a Qualified Phlebotomy Technician! 

Typically, phlebotomy skills can be learned right on the job under the instruction and supervision of a licensed healthcare practitioner, clinician, senior phlebotomist, or laboratory supervisor in those US states that lack specific legislature and regulations for educational and training requirements for phlebotomists in their state.

If no specific formal training programs for phlebotomists are offered in your area then formal training programs in medical assisting and nursing may be the perfect alternative, since they also include detailed phlebotomy instruction and will lead to desired diplomas and degrees in a relatively short time. Enrolling in a phlebotomy training program will get you on your way to your new career path fast.

One other alternative is direct on the job training.

Phlebotomy Training Options and Avenues

An experienced phlebotomist can make the job look easy, however, the venipuncture procedure remains a skillful art and requires instruction, supervision and training to master the skill. However, phlebotomy training programs are not just for newbies in the field; they are also sought by those with an expecting working background in health care.

Many who enroll into a phlebotomy training course are motivated by either the need for a refresher course, or to specialize to start a new career path; these may be health care professionals such as certified home health aides, nurse aides (CNA), medical assistants (MA), patient care technicians (PCT/PCA), Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN, LVN), even Registered Nurses (RN), or students in Natural Science Majors (Biology, Chemistry), because of the benefits this discipline offers.

There are no specific laws that govern the practice of phlebotomy in most US states; therefore formal training is not the only training option available. Aspiring phlebotomists can chose from workshops, phlebotomy courses on the Internet, or a formal training program in a community college, or trade school to achieve the desired certificate, diplomas and degrees. 

Doctors are allowed to train their medical office staff right on the job to draw blood. The minimum requirement to become a phlebotomy technician is a high school diploma, or GED, except phlebotomists in California. In addition, consideration is given for work experience and/or schooling that meets certain criteria. One exception, however, is California. Those wishing to practice this skill in California specifically need California certified and approved phlebotomy training.

A New Approach - Cardio-Phlebotomy Technician Training

An increasing number of career training schools now offer combination programs that lead to cardio-phlebotomy technician diplomas. Through instructor led classroom instruction cardio-phlebotomy students become proficient in anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, heart monitoring via electrocardiogram (ECG) and phlebotomy skills, which is a step up from earning "just" a phlebotomist certificate, which involved drawing, preserving and transporting blood samples alone. Cardio-phlebotomy students are instructed in the inner and outer workings of the heart and blood vessels and practice heart rhythm monitoring via electrocardiogram and venipuncture skills (blood collection) from infants, children, adults and the elderly, and often are introduced to basic central line flushing techniques. Typically, such programs also include CPR and 1st aid training to teach students how to respond to emergency situations. Graduating from one of these programs at community college or vocational training institutions opens doors to rewarding job opportunities in the medical field. We highly recommend that anyone interested in becoming a phlebotomist also considers the cardio-phlebotomy option when researching schools and available career training programs.