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Red Cross Phlebotomy Training

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Phlebotomy, the practice of drawing blood for diagnostic testing and transfusion, is a popular health-care field and a required responsibility of nurses and nurse aides. In addition to CPR and first aid training, the American Red Cross offers phlebotomy training to students to develop the skills of those desiring to enter the health-care field and advance their career. Check the website of the American Red Cross to find out whether there is training available in your area. Classes can only be offered when there are qualified instructors. If training is not currently available at your desired location, see if there is a way to be notified if classes are scheduled in the future.

Entrance Requirements

Before taking the course, prospective students must submit forms and background information. An application form must be submitted along with the approved physical form as well as a criminal background check. A drug test also must be submitted. The background check must be submitted and cleared through the Red Cross staff before students can be considered for the program.

Red Cross phlebotomy training is divided into 80 hours of classwork and 40 hours of lab training. The lab training must be completed by students on their own time. To qualify for the course, students must be 18 years of age, pass an entrance interview with the class instructor and pass a physical exam. The exam must include a tuberculosis test and administration of the Hepatitis B vaccine. As of 2018, cost for the tuition and fees is $965. Class sizes are between eight and 16 students.

Description

The phlebotomy course teaches students about a variety of theory and practical applications. This includes collecting, processing and transporting blood for clinical labs. Students will also learn about medical terminology, physiology and anatomy. Safety guidelines and precautions will be discussed. Students will be trained in butterfly and syringe venipuncture in collecting blood. To learn and develop blood-drawing skills, they will draw blood from a training arm.

Safety Training

In phlebotomy classes at the Red Cross, students will learn and apply and apply the standard precautions of safety developed by the federal government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, blood is the most important source of HIV and blood-borne disease transmission. Students will learn how to use protective wear, including gloves, masks and eye wear. The use of these items reduces the risk of exposure to infectious materials. Hand washing with antibacterial soap is vital in killing bacteria and avoiding disease.

Certification

Students completing the phlebotomy training will receive a certification of completion. Following training, students are eligible to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam to receive national certification. This allows students to become entry-level phlebotomists (PBT).

American Red Cross Phlebotomy Jobs

The American Red Cross frequently has phlebotomy jobs for entry-level and experienced workers. Opportunities vary by location, so check with your local Red Cross branch or visit an employment website for current listings. According to the jobs website Glass Door, American Red Cross phlebotomy jobs pay between $10 and $23 per hour.

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Writer

Tim Bodamer is a freelance writer based in Seminole, Florida. He attended Edinboro Univerity of Pennsylvania where he studied journalism. He has 15 years of writing experience and specializes in sports, business and general interest topics.

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