If you’re considering a career as a phlebotomy technician, one of the best places to learn more about the vocation is by reading through one of the available books dedicated to this exciting profession. There are currently many different guides and manuals to begin with if you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician. These range from study guides for certification exams to handbook manuals for practicing phlebotomists. Many of these texts can give you a great insight into what the field involves and the types of tasks which you may encounter whether working in a private lab, hospital, blood bank, or community health clinic. In this article, we’ll share a few of our recommended books for the aspiring phlebotomy technician to help you get a feel for this rewarding vocation.

Phlebotomy Handbook by Diana Garza and Kathleen Becan-McBride

The Phlebotomy Handbook is currently in it’s 8th edition which was released in 2009 and is a comprehensive manual which illustrates current techniques in blood specimen collection and the rules and regulations which the phlebotomy technician will be required to understand in practice. It also covers safety and disease prevention techniques, equipment usage, and specimen quality control and assurance. Whether your just interested in learning more about the field or are preparing to begin phlebotomy training or certification, this manual is an excellent resource for understanding the current landscape of the profession

Phlebotomy Simplified by Diana Garza and Kathleen Becan-McBride

Phlebotomy Simplified, another manual produced by the authoritative duo of Diana Garza and Kathleen Becan-McBride, offers many of the topics covered in the more comprehensive Phlebotomy Handbook, however the topics are covered in a much more straightforward manner. This text is a great starting point for those who might be interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician, however have not yet started any formal training on the field. It’s current edition also includes a CD which covers many of the topics presented in the book in a format which can be used on the go.

Phlebotomy Essentials by Ruth E. McCall and Cathee M. Tankersley

Phlebotomy Essentials makes a great resource for anyone interested in learning the fundamental techniques required of the phlebotomy technician and currently includes a fantastic CD-ROM with many great multi-media resources such as videos, flash cards, animations, as well as a comprehensive glossary. The current edition has been completely updated with the latest techniques and procedures which are presented in a full-color format.

Whether your interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician, or are already on your way, these three resources are some of the best in the field in presenting comprehensive information relating to the practice of phlebotomy.

One of the questions we often hear from individuals interested in beginning a career as a phlebotomy technician is “How much will all of this training cost?” This is a valid concern for anyone who is about to set out on the journey to becoming a certified phlebotomy technician. Prior to making an investment in your future, you want to know just how much you can expect to have to pay to determine if the rewards and benefits of the career are worth the time, effort, and cost of obtaining training and certification. In this article, we’re going to take a look at what you can expect phlebotomy training and certification to cost.

Ultimately, the type of phlebotomy technician training program which you enroll in will have the most significant effect on cost. There are quite a few options available and many aspiring phlebotomists will choose to attend a 2-years associate’s degree program through a local community college. These programs begin with general education requirements and then progress on to specific course work in phlebotomy training. Due to the fact that you can very often qualify for government grants, loans, and public and private scholarships for attending accredited associate’s degree programs, the cost of this option can end up being relatively inexpensive or in a few cases, free for the student.

Even without financial assistance, the cost of the associate’s degree program can be relatively inexpensive. Typically, the cost of tuition at local community colleges is only a few hundred dollars per semester (excluding the cost of materials and books). And while this option may require more time than a certificate-type program, it is generally a more sound educational foundation and hence, more attractive to prospective employers.

If you don’t have the time or desire to attend an associate’s degree program, you may choose a phlebotomy certificate program. A certificate program allows the aspiring phlebotomy technician to complete a specialized training course in under a year. These programs exclude the general education requirements associated with 2-years college degree programs and thus are able to be completed much more quickly. The downside of this option can be cost. Many phlebotomy technician certificate programs can cost upwards of $2,000 for less than a year of training.

If you are interested in a career as a phlebotomist, you will have several educational options available to you at varying costs of attendance. By choosing one that suits your budget, time constraints, and learning style, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career as a phlebotomy technician on no time.

If you are planning to set out on a career as a phlebotomy technician, you know that the first step will likely be beginning your education. With the number of online courses for phlebotomy technician training and phlebotomy certification expanding in the last few years, there are many options now available for you to study online. However, prior to enrolling in a distance learning course for phlebotomy certification, you need to take a look at the various modules included in the course to find out if the program has the necessary technological components to meet your unique needs and learning style. Listed here are a few electronic tools to look for when choosing an online training program to study to become a phlebotomy technician.

Video Classrooms
Video classrooms use video conferencing technology to allow students and instructors to meet in a “virtual” live classroom environment. Through the use of simple web cams and online meeting technology, students and instructors may interact both verbally and visually. While this may not be available in all phlebotomy technician training programs online, it can go a long way in replicating a real world physical classroom environment.

Email Accessibility
While email is the standard of communication in the online world, its role in distance learning programs can be quite varied. While you will find that in many online phlebotomy certification programs instructors openly encourage you to contact them via email with questions, some do not offer this unrestricted access. This can result in frustrating delays in having important questions answered and as such, you should consult with the admissions staff of the programs you’re looking into the ensure that you will be able to reach out to instructors as needed.

Discussion Groups and Forums
Many online training programs for the aspiring phlebotomy technician will include discussion groups and/or forums where students can openly and publicly communicate with one another regarding assignments or exams. These can go a long way not only in having your questions answered, but in developing contacts with your fellow classmates. Be sure that your prospective program provides assigned discussions groups or forums.

Course Resource Sites
The hub of any online phlebotomy certification program, the central resource site is a vital component to success in distance learning. This will be the primary meeting location as well as access point for course assignment details, exams, and course news and updates. If you are evaluating a particular program, ask the admissions representative to see a sample live course site so that you can get a feel for what the day-to-day interaction might be like within your course.

While online phlebotomy certification and training programs make the journey to becoming a phlebotomy technician much more flexible, you need to take the time to thoroughly evaluate how the program can meet your individual needs and learning style.

Here at Phlebotomy Technician Training and Career Headquarters we have a simple mission: to best prepare you for an exciting career as a phlebotomy technician. Our goal is to provide you with all of the resources you need to successfully navigate phlebotomy training, phlebotomy certification, and find a job opportunity that you will find rewarding for many years to come.

The field of phlebotomy is very diverse. If you choose to embark on a career as a phlebotomy technician, you will have the opportunity to find employment in a vast variety of work settings. You may choose to work in a private or community hospital. Perhaps you would prefer employment in a private lab. You could also consider working in a blood bank, where you’ll be helping to make a direct difference in the lives of those who need blood transfusions for one of many different medically necessary reasons.

Wherever you decide to find employment, one thing is certain: a career as a phlebotomy technician can provide you with a very challenging and diverse working environment day to day. If you’ve spoken with anyone who works as a phlebotomist, you’ll very often hear that each and every day can be different. This can provide a stimulating work environment in which you actually look forward to going to work each and every day.

Jobs as a phlebotomy technician tend to provide stable employment, a rewarding salary, and excellent benefits such as health care, retirement plans, and often even tuition reimbursement should you choose to further your career by accepting increased responsibilities.

On this site you will find articles which can assist you in learning more about phlebotomy training courses in your area, how to attain proper certification in the field, and even resources to assist you in finding a job in your specific area. We hope you find this site to be an informative resource to help get you on your way to beginning a career in this exciting field. If you want to know more about becoming a phlebotomy technician, you’ve come to the right place!

If you’re considering becoming a phlebotomy technician, one of the major advantages is that you will have the opportunity to complete the majority of your training online if you choose through online phlebotomy certification programs. There are many options available for online phlebotomy technician training and in this guide, we’ll walk you through a few of the key considerations to be aware of when you start looking at these programs.

Finding the Right School

Currently, there are dozens of online course available from a variety of institutions and at first glance, they might all appear to be high quality. However, the truth is that although they appear to be reputable, not all of these are equal when it comes to the quality of education they provide to you as an aspiring phlebotomy technician. Your best bet is to fully evaluate each of these programs to determine whether or not it will be your unique learning style.

For instance, a lot of the online phlebotomy certification programs will require that you’re online at specific times during the course testing. If you have responsibilities that cause your free time to be variable or restricted, this may not be the best option for you. You might want to find a program that allows more flexibility in the times that you complete course work and exams. Furthermore, once you’re looking for a job, you will likely find that not all employers will accept online phlebotomy certification from some institutions. It is critical that you make sure that the program which you’re evaluating will allow you to be certified in the state in which you plan to work.

Finding Course Schedules That Work For You

Again, when you’re evaluating programs to prepare you as a phlebotomy technician, take a look at a typical course schedule or syllabus. You want to ensure that you’re able to find an online phlebotomy certification program that fits your unique schedule and lifestyle. By doing this, you’ll ensure your success in the course as you’re much more likely to be able to complete assignments and exams on time without undue stress.

Properly Preparing for Your Courses and Exams

Online phlebotomy certification is something that you will need to take seriously. This is an investment in your future. Many programs will require that you take ongoing tests and exams throughout the course to ensure that you’re progressing properly toward your certification. Although many of these exams won’t provide you with a letter grade at the end like your schools did in the past, these tests are designed to maximize the effectiveness of the subject matter and to make sure that you’re keeping up along the way. Take these exams seriously and prepare properly, and you’ll be on your way to success with your online phlebotomy certification.

Again, research is critical to finding a program that suits your needs. If you take the time to thoroughly evaluate the online phlebotomy certification programs available to you, you’ll be sure to find one that fits your lifestyle and prepares you effectively for your career as a phlebotomy technician.

If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician and have started looking into options for enrolling in a phlebotomy certification program, you’ll probably already have realized that there are many choices out there. Programs for becoming a certified phlebotomy technician can be found at local hospitals, vocational schools, technical colleges, and community colleges. You may also enroll in online universities that will permit you to complete a great deal of your coursework in your own time from home. In this article, we’re going to look at a few of the factors to consider when choosing a phlebotomy technician certification program.

Local or Online

Perhaps the first question you should ask yourself is whether you are more likely to succeed in a physical classroom environment or in a virtual setting. Each person has a different style of learning and while online courses provide a great deal of flexibility, they aren’t for everyone. If you think you’ll perform better with hands on instruction, you’ll want to consider enrolling in a program locally. This option can also be terrific for developing local contacts within the field.

If you prefer to study and complete assignments in your own time or have responsibilities that limit your free time, an online course of study may work better for you.

Prerequisites

While prerequisites vary among institutions, generally you are expected to have a high school degree prior to being accepted into a phlebotomy technician training program. Some institutions require basic anatomy and physiology, however, all will expect you to be attentive to the subject matter and be comfortable handling all types of bodily fluids. If you’re interested in a particular program, be sure to investigate any prerequisites necessary prior to applying.

Length of Study

Phlebotomy technician training courses generally range from four months to one year in length. Again, this varies by institution, however, you’ll need to ask yourself how much time you’re willing to commit to a particular program.

Course Outline

At the end of the day, you’re only going to succeed in a program in which you enjoy the subject matter. Take a look at a course outline for any programs that you’re interested in applying to so that you can determine whether or not they will meet your unique needs and learning style. A typical course outline might include the following areas of study:

*Interpersonal skills training
*Human anatomy and physiology
*Lab quality control and best practices
*Medical terminology
*Blood collection equipment
*Infection control
*Safety
*Anatomical site selection
*Venipuncture procedures
*Post-puncture care

By evaluating each course completely and assessing how it will meet your professional needs, you’ll be sure to select a phlebotomy technician training program that will work best for you.

If you are looking for a new career, you may wish to become a phlebotomy technician. Not only is rapid job growth in this field expected, but the job opportunities are excellent. Most jobs are found in hospitals, but jobs will open up in other areas also. Phlebotomy technicians who work in the Federal Executive Branch can make a median income of $59,800 while those who work in medical and diagnostic laboratories can expect a median income of $31,320. As you can see, this is a great field to be getting into now.

In order to become a phlebotomy technician, you must have an associate degree  or certificate in most cases. Those who wish to become a clinic laboratory technician must possess a bachelor’s degree in either life sciences or medical technology. Some will allow you to obtain employment if you have a combination of education and specialized or on-the-job training. If you are looking for a program to become trained in this area, start your search at local hospitals and universities. Plenty of training opportunities abound.

When you choose to obtain a bachelor’s degree to seek work as a phlebotomy technician, you can expect to take classes in biology, mathematics, statistics and chemistry. Specialized courses will be a part of your studies. Your school or program may require that you also take management, computer applications and business. If you will be performing complex tests, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act requires that you have a minimum of an associate degree. Look for a program that has been accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. You may also choose to attend a program that offers accreditation in a particular area such as the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Licensing requirements vary from state to state and will also depend on the specialty you are pursuing. Ask your state department of health or the state board of occupational licensing to see what is required in your state. Many employers will require that you have certification and some will ask for other skills such as the ability to work under pressure. With hard work and additional education, one can easily move up in this field.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work in health care in a field that is expected to have a much higher growth than average, you may want to consider working as a phlebotomy technician.  A phlebotomy technician collects, examines and analyzes, body fluids and tissues to help to detect, diagnosis, and treat diseases.

Training for this job is usually obtained through a certificate type of program at a local community college, or through a hospital training program.  There are also associate degree programs for phlebotomy technicians.  Most states require some type of certification or even licensure, which may involve a practicum as well as a written test. If you choose to continue your education to become a clinical laboratory technologist, you will have to receive a four year degree in medical technology or one of the life sciences.  A phlebotomy technician can advance to become Clinical Laboratory Technologists with additional education and training.

Many of the phlebotomy technician positions are located in a hospital, laboratory, or doctor’s office. Working conditions vary depending on the setting that the position is in.  The jobs can require a lot of standing, exposure to some infectious diseases, and shift and weekend work.  As technology change and more and more of the complex testing is able to be done outside of a laboratory, there will be more and more demand for technicians as well as technologists in the private sector.

The average salary for a phlebotomy technician is $35,000 – $38,000 dollars depending upon the location of the position and whether it is located in a private or public sector.  The average salary for a technologist is approximately $15,000 higher than a technician.

Health care is always a sure bet when looking for a job in a tight job market.  The need for these types of positions continues to grow, even when there are cut backs in other areas.  The jobs are secure for the most part, and there is plenty of room for advancement in the public and the private sector.  If you are looking for a rewarding career, you will want to look into the training programs available in your area for phlebotomy technicians.

Here is a great video regarding how to become a phlebotmoy technician.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nat2fUwpL78