Featured Nurse

My name is Katie, and I have been a nurse for 10 years. My healthcare journey began in 2013 when I started as a CNA, eventually progressing through school to achieve my BSN. I specialize in Emergency Medicine and have worked as a Travel ER RN since the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing has been life-changing for me. I strive to be the good in difficult situations and provide the best care possible to my patients.

What to Expect in a Phlebotomy Class: Skills and Curriculum Breakdown

January 29, 2025

Classes in phlebotomy are meant to equip you for the demands of working in a hospital. These classes offer a thorough knowledge of the skills, techniques, and knowledge you will need to achieve, therefore transcending mere learning how to draw. The following describes your expected outcomes.

Classroom Instruction: Building Your Knowledge Base

First covering the fundamental facts you will need, phlebotomy training starts in a classroom. Topics typically include:

Anatomy and Physiology: Learn about the circulatory system, veins, and arteries to understand how and where to draw blood.
Infection Control: Research best practices for stopping the spread of infections including safety procedures and sterilizing methods.
Medical Terminology: Familiarize yourself with terms you’ll encounter when working in healthcare settings.
Patient Interaction: Develop communication skills to put patients at ease, especially those who may be anxious about blood draws.

These theoretical lessons give you the confidence and knowledge to perform your duties effectively.

Hands-On Training: Putting Skills into Practice

Phlebotomy is a highly practical field, so hands-on training is a core part of the curriculum. During this phase, you’ll:

Practice Venipuncture Techniques: Learn how to insert needles smoothly and take blood samples while keeping patients as comfortable as possible.
Use Phlebotomy Equipment: Learn about instruments like syringes, needles, blood collecting tubes, and tourniquets.
Simulate Real-Life Scenarios: Under supervised conditions, practice extracting blood from fellow students, volunteers, or dummies.

Before working with patients in practical environments, this training helps you develop your technique and confidence.

Externship Opportunities: Real-World Experience

Many phlebotomy programs offer externships, giving you the chance to put your skills to use in a real healthcare setting. During an externship, you’ll:

Work at clinics, diagnostic labs, or hospitals.
Perform supervised blood draws on actual patients.
Gain experience handling different patient needs and situations.

Externships are invaluable for transitioning from the classroom to the workplace and often help you build professional connections.

Certification Preparation

Classes in phlebotomy sometimes cover getting ready for certifications. To be ready to pass the test, you will go over subjects including anatomy, safety procedures, and venipuncture best practices. Certification demonstrates your field-specific commitment and could win you a job.

Additional Skills You’ll Develop

Beyond technical training, phlebotomy courses stress soft skills that are critical for success like:

Attention to Detail: Ensuring accurate labeling and handling of blood samples.
Empathy and Patience: Comforting nervous patients and maintaining professionalism.
Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks and working efficiently in busy environments.

What You’ll Gain from Phlebotomy Training

By the end of the training, you will be able to follow safety procedures, interact with patients, and perform blood draws with confidence. You will also be ready to begin your work in the medical industry and sit for certification tests.

Training in phlebotomy is quick-paced, hands-on, fulfilling. These seminars offer the groundwork for success regardless of your level of experience with healthcare or desire to grow in that field.

Start Your CNA Journey with CNA Class Guide

Ready to kickstart your healthcare journey?
Fill out the form above, and let CNA Class Guide match you with the best CNA training programs in your area!