Phlebotomy

Overview

Phlebotomy programs prepare people to draw blood from patients' veins.

Phlebotomy programs prepare people to draw blood. Students learn about blood flow and bodily structures. They learn to puncture skin and veins to collect samples. They also learn safety procedures and record keeping.

Phlebotomy programs include topics such as:

Vascular anatomy and physiology
Blood physiology
Skin puncture techniques
Venipuncture
Specimen collection and handling
Safety and sanitation procedures
Professional standards and ethics

Schools

Many career and technical schools offer certificate programs in phlebotomy. A few community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in phlebotomy. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Phlebotomists

Careers to Consider

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.

Program admissions vary. Some programs require you to take courses in human anatomy, medical terminology, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation before applying. Other programs include those courses in the curriculum.

Additional admission requirements may include:

American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
Placement tests in English, math, and reading

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Algebra
Anatomy and Physiology
Basic Computer
Community Health
Healthcare Occupations
Healthcare Sciences Work Experience
Life and Physical Sciences Lab Assistant
Pre-Algebra
Safety and First Aid

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following areas:

Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Infection Control
Interpersonal Communication
Legal Aspects of Phlebotomy
Medical Terminology
Phlebotomy Techniques
Practical Phlebotomy
Quality Assurance and Safety Techniques

Most programs usually teach the above courses with classroom and lab instruction. You then have the opportunity to intern at a health care facility. This allows you to further apply your knowledge and practice your phlebotomy skills. You also have the benefit of working under the direct supervision of an experienced phlebotomist.

Things to Know

Some schools require you to have malpractice insurance during your training period. This insurance may be automatic when you enroll or you may be required to purchase your own.

After graduating from an accredited phlebotomy program, you are eligible to take the national certification exam.