Phlebotomy is a highly in-demand healthcare skill. According to the Bureau Labor of Statistics, about 19,500 phlebotomist job openings are available annually, and they may increase by 2032. Most employers prefer hiring candidates with post-secondary phlebotomy certification from phlebotomy classes online or in-person training courses. Students with hands-on training also have a competitive edge over applicants competing for similar roles in the job market. In this detailed guide, our online class experts educate prospective phlebotomists on what to expect from the phlebotomy class, including the duration and certification awarded. In case you need help resourcing or handling your phlebotomy online classes, Best Exam Help Online has the experts to handle it.
Introduction to Phlebotomy
The introductory online phlebotomy class explains the work a phlebotomist does. It previews the medical areas their skills are best suited for and the risks phlebotomists face, such as the potential to get infected by pathogens or be sued by unsatisfied clients.
Students also learn the medical terminologies used in phlebotomy, such as order of draw, venipuncture, fibrin, nosocomial infection, anticoagulation, and more. A firm understanding of the different terminologies helps them grasp phlebotomy concepts better and faster.
Human Anatomy and Physiology of Viens
In the second module of phlebotomy classes online, students learn about the cardiovascular system, human blood, and connective tissues. More importantly, this lesson teaches about the venipuncture process, including how to penetrate the skin and veins. Learners get a solid understanding of the veins under the skin to draw blood, like the median antebrachial vein or the median cubital vein, and how to inject different veins. They also learn about the different blood types in patients.
Techniques for Effective and Safe Venipuncture
This course section describes the standard precautions for venipuncture for both patients and workers. It teaches the basics of hand hygiene, antiseptic usage, and skin disinfection measures when dealing with all patients, including confused patients and children. Vital concepts on patient and health worker protection covered in this section include:
- Cleaning and disinfecting materials used on multiple patients, such as tourniquets, scissors, and specimen carriers
- Correct equipment disposal methods, especially sharps
- Knowledge of high-risk devices and practices
- When to halt and seek help after a defined number of unsuccessful draws;
- When to contact for support in the event of exposure to blood and body fluids
- Where to place blood drawing instruments, such as sharps container
- Removing venipuncture devices from packages and assembling them for use
- The benefits of testing patients for HIV within hours of contact
- The need to avoid two-handed needles
- How to manage patients before drawing blood, including asking for their consent
- The correct ways to don PPEs, like gloves and masks when drawing blood from patients
- Where to avoid drawing blood, like places with devices inserted into the body or scarred tissues
Equipment Used in Venipuncture
All phlebotomy classes online have sections discussing the equipment used to draw blood. During this class, students learn about various personal protective equipment, including bandages, gloves, and masks. They also discover the devices used in venipuncture, like tourniquets, needles types, tubes, sharps containers, and holders.
Appropriate Waste Disposal Techniques
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), hospitals and their workers must correctly dispose of blood drawing apparatus or face legal action. This section teaches students where and how to dispose of blood collection needles, sharps containers, capillary tubes, and other venipuncture devices. The main disposal methods students learn in this class include burning or incineration. For reusable objects like tourniquets, students learn how to sterilize them to minimize the risk of spreading pathogens.
Blood Assessment and Documentation
Phlebotomists can perform varying blood tests, depending on the objective for conducting the test. Most phlebotomy classes online teach students how to do various tests, such as complete blood tests, basic metabolic tests, comprehensive metabolic tests, and electrolyte blood tests. This lesson also covers analyzing tested blood and communicating the results to doctors and patients.
The Duration of Phlebotomy Classes Online
The length of the class varies depending on the program. Some programs can take several weeks (3 to 12 weeks), while others can go for months. The following is a summary of the different sections covered and their timings:
- Phlebotomy theory (takes 40 hours)
- Laboratory training (takes 20 hours)
- Clinical training (takes 40 hours)
Phlebotomy Class Certifications
Phlebotomy online classes have three certification levels. The certification type students get depends on their qualifications and area of specialization in training. The following are the certificates learners can earn after completing phlebotomy classes online:
- Limited phlebotomy certificate (LPT) – learners can perform only skin puncture procedures
- Certified Phlebotomy certificate (CPT I) – Students can conduct skin puncture and venipuncture procedures
- Certified phlebotomy technician II (CPT II) – Technicians can complete skin puncture, venipuncture, and arterial draws processes
The higher the certification, the greater the training requirements and clinical experience.
Schedule Phlebotomy Classes Online Today
Aspiring phlebotomists can schedule phlebotomy classes online and earn certification without interfering with their daily programs. After each training, students were assessed to gauge their understanding of the concepts. Our medical exam experts can take the tests for students and earn them the certification to become licensed phlebotomists and perform the venipuncture process.
