Top 5 Best Phlebotomy Training Program for Beginners

Top 5 Phlebotomy Training Programs for Beginners

Phlebotomists are one of the many essential workers in the healthcare sector. As medical services expand, diagnostics and research on blood samples are only increasing. In the past two decades, employment opportunities for phlebotomists have increased significantly. If you are interested in phlebotomy and want to know more about getting training in the UK you are in the right place. But before we get to the best phlebotomy training program, let’s see who are phlebotomists and what to expect.

Who are phlebotomists

Phlebotomists are medical technicians who collect blood samples directly from patients. The process is one of the most straightforward procedures in the medical realm. Which is why many medical professionals also find it handy to be able to draw blood from patients. In the next section we’ll look at what you should expect working as a phlebotomist.  

What to expect

Being a phlebotomist entails a lot of responsibilities. There are various aspects to the job you need to master to function efficiently. Here’s what you should be prepared for,

1) Technical Details

The technical aspect phlebotomy can be summed up into, preparing and arranging blood drawing trays, verifying patient identity, specimen labeling, preparing and transporting samples for processing etc. Apart from this phlebotomists need to maintain safety and hygiene of the phlebotomy equipment, and dispose waste products according to the national guidelines.

2) Work Environment

Phlebotomy is a full time responsibility in medical and diagnostic laboratories, private clinics, blood donation centers and medical facilities. 55% of phlebotomists in the UK were employed full time in 2017. Work environments in critical and emergency care units are hectic. So, being efficient and accurate is a must even under pressure.

In large hospitals or in independent laboratories that operate continuously, phlebotomists are needed in shifts and may even work on weekends or holidays. Phlebotomists are required to have certain immunisations and comply with strict sample handling guidelines.  

Why get certified for Phlebotomy Training

The benefits of having authentic certification in any field deserves a blog of it’s own. To state briefly there are 3 major benefits to having certification for your skills. 

1. Competence

Having certification resolves any doubt about your competence. If you’ve put in the effort to earn certification it means you are serious about taking up the profession. It also implies that you are dedicated as well.

2. Training 

When you provide certification employers are assured that you will maintain the relevant safety protocols. This is especially important in the health care sector. 

3. Salary Negotiation

Your certification gives you a solid basis for negotiating salary and responsibilities. Reducing the chances of you getting into an arrangement that under values your service.

Career Prospects for Phlebotomists

The prime place with the most number of phlebotomy positions is NHS hospitals. Other prominent work places include clinical diagnostic laboratories and research centres. Apart from these you may find work at old age homes, blood banks and private clinics although these organisations employ a fraction of phlebotomists compared to hospitals. 

Average annual salary for beginner phlebotomists is around £18000, provided on UKTaxCalculator. PayScale reports the annual average between £15000-£21000 depending on skill and experience. Indeed puts the average at £18800. 

Top 5 Phlebotomy Training Programs

1. One Education: Phlebotomy Technician Training

This practical training course covers in-depth information on topics such as the composition and circulation of blood and the three main veins for drawing blood. It also covers best practice procedures, infection prevention measures and blood withdrawal equipment. Find the course here. It is the highest rated Phlebotomy training program on Reed, UK’s largest job and recruitment market.

Highlights 

• Gain an in-depth understanding of a phlebotomist’s duties and responsibilities.
• Deep understanding of blood circulation and composition.
• Information on ideal veins for blood collection.
• Understand the equipment and the procedures for collecting blood samples.
• Step-by-step protocol on how to perform a routine venipuncture. 
• Health and safety guidelines in place to prevent infection.
• Provides formal qualification in Phlebotomy for a career boost.

2. One Education: Phlebotomist Training

The Phlebotomist training course aims to provide a comprehensive review of the venipuncture procedure, including equipment and supplies. It also includes safety and infection control, and specimen handling and processing. 

You will learn about anatomy and physiology of the veins for safe and effective venipuncture for the process of blood sampling. The course will develop all the necessary skills to perform basic and advanced venipuncture safely, while minimizing the risk of pre-analytical errors.

Venepuncture is a procedure that is performed by nursing and medical staff in a wide variety of clinical areas as a clinical and diagnostic aid in patient management. This course is designed for health care professionals who would like to learn the skill of venipuncture. Find the course here.

Highlights

• Covers primary job responsibilities of a certified phlebotomist 
• Comprehensive knowledge of Medical Terminology that involves blood collection and laboratory testing.
• Use of blood collection equipment and perform hand hygiene.
• Discover infection control and safety standards of working as a phlebotomist and how to prevent hematomas and nerve damage.
• Learn about modern diagnostic methods and the latest lab technology.
• Grasp more about precautions required to take for patients with special needs and appropriate ways to communicate with patients.

3. National Health Service: Offline training

You receive two certificates for this phlebotomy training program. The certificate of attendance after completing the online training and the certificate of competence after successfully completing the practical training delivered at a clinic. Find the course here.

Highlights

• Appropriate infection control protocols when performing phlebotomy.
• Understand the competencies set out in CHS132 (National Occupational Standard for Obtaining Venous Blood Samples).
• Legal aspects of phlebotomy.
• Use of the vacutainer system to collect and store blood samples.
• Address the potential complications during and after blood collection.

4. Alpha Academy: Phlebotomy Training 

The Phlebotomy Training course is designed to cover venipuncture procedures along with tracking, identifying, and labelling blood samples. You’ll learn the role and responsibilities of a phlebotomist, human anatomy and physiology of the veins. 

Besides, learn more about equipment and supplies, and how to keep instruments sterilised in order to avoid complications or the spread of infections. Find the course here.

Highlights

• The price is including the final exam – no hidden fees.
• Accredited Certificate upon successful completion.
• Efficient exam system with instant results.
• Realtime progress tracking within a personal learning portal.
• 24/7 customer support via live chat.

5. Coursegate: Phlebotomy Technician Training

This course initially focuses on the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology and covers the entire phlebotomy procedure. The training includes use of essential equipment and supplies, handle specimens, and take blood samples safely. Find the course here

Highlights

• Learn how to prevent complications and detect which veins are suitable for blood tests.  
• Introductory training on collecting blood samples from patients to diagnose illnesses.
• No special entry requirements

Ending Notes

All of the above phlebotomy training programs provide quality training for a reasonable investment. The modules are designed with industry standards in mind. If you have a certification from one of these training providers you are bound to be successful. CPD accreditation means your certificates are valid anywhere in the UK. So what are you waiting for? These programs are your solution to becoming a phlebotomist.