You can choose the best venipuncture course by evaluating cost, material covered, and the type of institution offering the class. Training is offered at community colleges, professional organizations, trade schools, and through online courses. Many regions have a standardized professional organization that offers venipuncture certification. After the completion of a venipuncture course, you should be able to pass the regional certification exam and begin looking for a job in the field.
The process of venipuncture, also called phlebotomy, is a medical procedure that involves the drawing of blood from a vein, collecting blood samples using a specially configured vacuum tube, or a traditional needle and syringe. A venipuncture course is designed to teach you how to successfully and painlessly use medical tools to draw fluid out of a vein. Courses also typically extensively cover safe procedure practices, such as proper needle disposal, use of protective gear, and techniques to prevent pain and bruising. When choosing the best venipuncture course, you should ensure that the class material places emphasis on teaching personal and patient safety when completing procedures.
Courses in this discipline are ultimately designed to provide you with adequate preparation to pass a phlebotomy certification exam. The exam may cover written material only, or it could also have a procedure based component. It is possible to take an online venipuncture course, but it probably should not be considered a substitute for practical procedure experience. Online courses are also available for continuing education and certification renewal. In these situations, online courses may be the most practical choice as you should already have many hours of procedural experience.
Community colleges usually offer a phlebotomy and venipuncture course. Before taking the course, the college typically requires you to submit proof of immunizations and a background check. This is necessary as you will be working with needles and there is a possibility of blood borne pathogen exposure to yourself, patients, and other staff members. Background checks are generally necessary to begin any health care related position as you will be directly responsible for patient safety. Community colleges may also have their own entry requirements, such as completion of regional standardized testing.
Venipuncture is an entry level medical job that can be used to gain experience in the field prior to applying for advanced positions in medical laboratory work. Most employers will require that you have some type of training and certification before you will be eligible for hire. Formal courses typically last about the length of a typical college semester.