Phlebotomy course requirements vary from state to state, and there are no federal regulations to govern the classes as there are in other healthcare disciplines. There are 10 phlebotomy certifying organizations that have requirements to meet their particular certification eligibility criteria. All test with both a written exam and a clinical hands-on demonstration of skills. The basic classes that any exam candidate should take as part of their curriculum are:
Anatomy and Physiology (A&P)
This class teaches the different organ functions, how each system works and creates homeostasis (balance) throughout the body during optimum health. You will learn the names of organs and their parts, bones, veins and arteries, and cellular structure. This class will include a lab in which you will learn to use a microscope, learn to type blood, recognize the types of blood cells, and grow and differentiate bacteria.
Microbiology
In microbiology you will learn the structure of microorganisms and how they function. Disease causing viruses and bacteria will be your focus. You will learn how they cause illness, spread, replicate, and mutate. You will learn how to prepare slides, how to identify different organisms or cells, and how to document your findings.
Phlebotomy and Lab Practicum
A phlebotomist must learn to safely and appropriately draw blood from arteries, veins, and capillaries. This takes classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Some of the things you will focus on for this class are sterile fields, when alcohol is not appropriate for prepping the skin, finding the best site for the blood draw, and techniques for needle insertion. You will also become very familiar with types of equipment, its purpose, and how to use it.
During this class you will also become aware of potential errors in technique that can affect the outcome of a blood test.
Psychology and Human Interaction
Though your time with a patient may seem short, your bedside manner and your attitude are very important. You must learn how to respond to a stressed and sick patient and their family. Professionalism coupled with warmth and sincerity is a combination any healthcare worker needs to learn and nurture within their self. A class in psychology and human interaction will give you the knowledge needed to handle any patient’s emotional situation.
Math for Health Sciences
This type of math class will focus on converting ounces to drams, ml to drops (gtt), and other math knowledge needed when working in the medical field. You will need to have a good grasp of basic math to successfully complete this section.
Legal Aspects and Ethics
The legal aspects of phlebotomy are very important, and medical ethics require special consideration. Malpractice insurance is a must for healthcare professionals, and most employers will require you to have it. This class should give you a good grasp of legal issues, including the Patients’ Bill of Rights. Unethical or illegal acts not only can cause you to lose your job and license or certificate, they can also land you in jail, and get both you and your employer sued.
Which Phlebotomy Course?
This rundown of classes is by no means all inclusive, but it covers the basics that you should expect. Some schools in some states give you all the instruction under just one class of 170 hours or so. Others present the phlebotomy course in various classes for each subject area. Either way, all of the subject areas must be covered for you to be able to pass the certification exam.
One thing to check before you enroll in phlebotomy courses is that the organization that you want your certification from accepts the hours of credit that your particular school provides. Each certifying entity has its own standards that must be met before the exam will be administered.
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