Phlebotomy Training in Seattle: The Need for Phlebotomists Continues to Rise

Unlike California and Louisiana, phlebotomy training in Seattle, and the entire state of Washington for that matter, is unregulated by state guidelines. But there are still plenty of quality, trustworthy programs available for those who seek a career as a phlebotomist. And because the need for phlebotomists continue to rise, these programs have become exceedingly popular.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

Derived from the Greek word for “vein cutting,” Phlebotomy is the action of withdrawing blood from a vein. Phlebotomists, however, have many responsibilities. Since they come in direct contact with blood, they must be able to perform their job while upholding the strictest safety guidelines and regulations so that infection and contamination are avoided. Contact with another person’s blood should be avoided at all costs due to the high risks of infection, and contaminating a blood specimen can be dangerous to the patient, who may not receive the proper care due to inaccurate test results. Phlebotomists are also trained to perform diagnostic procedures and interpret the results of those procedures and other blood tests in order to make recommendations.

Accredited Phlebotomist Training in Seattle

North Seattle Community College provides phlebotomy certification  that follows the state’s Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) model. One instructor and one instruction assistant are present in each class to provide students with the utmost attention while studying medical terminology; specimen collection and handling; safety guidelines; blood collection skills; and patient interaction. The two-semester course is 12 credits and includes 120 clinical hours of externship experience at an area hospital or clinic laboratory. A phlebotomy short course is offered during five Saturday sessions for healthcare professionals who want to receive basic phlebotomy training. The two-credit program does not include an externship, and it is designed for professionals who are able to study independently.

Students who want to complete their phlebotomy classes in one semester, rather than two, can rely on Seattle Vocational Institute’s eight-credit, 135-hour course. Offered in the fall, winter, and spring quarters, the program prepares students to work as a phlebotomist in a professional setting. Classroom study includes biohazard safety precautions; circulatory anatomy; medical terminology; licensing and certification; and sanitation and disposal of specimens, among other topics.

In as little as three months, students can complete a phlebotomy program at Pima Medical Institute. The certification program covers study skills, medical terminology, CPR, first aid, and an introduction to communication and laboratory, as well as phlebotomy training. With 70 hours of theory, and 70 hours of laboratory sessions, the program also includes 160 clinical externship hours, for a total of 10 credits. Additional phlebotomy certification locations are available through Pima Medical Institute.