You can find the best venipuncture course by weighing the price, the content covered, and the type of institution that offers the course. Community colleges, professional organizations, trade schools, and online courses all offer training. Venipuncture certification is available in many areas through a standardized professional organization. You should be able to pass the regional certification exam and begin looking for work in the field after completing a venipuncture course.
Venipuncture, also known as phlebotomy, is a medical procedure that entails drawing blood from a vein and collecting blood samples with either a specially configured vacuum tube or a traditional needle and syringe. A venipuncture course will teach you how to use medical tools to draw fluid from a vein safely and painlessly. Safe procedure practices, such as proper needle disposal, the use of protective gear, and techniques to prevent pain and bruising, are typically covered in depth in courses. When looking for the best venipuncture course, make sure the course material emphasizes personal and patient safety while performing procedures.
Ultimately, phlebotomy certification courses are designed to provide you with sufficient preparation to pass an exam. The exam could consist entirely of written material or include a procedure component. Although an online venipuncture course is available, it is unlikely to be a substitute for hands-on experience with the procedure. For continuing education and certification renewal, online courses are also available. Online courses may be the most practical option in these situations because you should already have a lot of procedural experience.
A phlebotomy and venipuncture course is usually available at community colleges. The college will usually require proof of immunizations and a background check before you can enroll in the course. This is necessary because you will be working with needles, and you, your patients, and other staff members may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens. Background checks are usually required before starting any health-care job because you will be directly responsible for patient safety. Community colleges may have their own admissions standards, such as passing regional standardized tests.
Venipuncture is an entry-level medical position that can be used to gain experience in the field before applying for more advanced positions in medical laboratories. Before you can be hired, most employers will require that you have some type of training and certification. Formal classes are usually about the length of a college semester.