Phlebotomy Training in Virginia

The term phlebotomy (from two Greek words meaning “to cut veins”) refers to a medical procedure— that of drawing blood from a patient so that it can be tested or used for a transfusion. Some states require a certification or a license for this job, but others do not; and details of their requirements vary. In this article, we will discuss only those that apply to phlebotomists in Virginia.

Requirements for Phlebotomy Certification in Virginia

In Virginia, a citizen of Virginia wishing to receive a phlebotomist’s certificate can study at an institute of higher education or at a private clinic. They must pass all the courses that form the phlebotomy certification curriculum at their schoool (for descriptions of different institutions and the phlebotomy courses they offer, see below). Some colleges also allow their students to take the American Society of Clinical Pathology exam. Also, candidates must undergo medical testing and a criminal background check.

Skills Needed to Be a Certified Phlebotomist in Virginia

Some of the skills that a certified phlebotomist in Virginia must have include the following technical ones:

• knowledge of different types of veins, and of venipuncturing technique
• knowledge of human anatomy
• tools used for the job
• how to apply a tourniquet
• computer operation and data security

A phlebotomist must also possess personal characteristics, the most important of which include patience (babies and children tend to be less cooperative); the ability to adjust to a variety of personality types; and the ability to work well under pressure and not go into a panic.

Phlebotomy Job Expectations for Phlebotomists:

Collect blood samples, secure them in test tubes, label the tubes, and prepare the blood for transportation. They also make sure their instruments are properly cleaned and disposable objects such as gloves are disposed of in the right manner. They must remain on their feet for long periods. The average annual phlebootomy salary in Virginia is $30,000.

Phlebotomy Courses in Virginia

Following is a description of the phlebotomy courses that may be taken at various institutes throughout Virginia:

Featured Phlebotomy Schools in Virginia:

National College has several campuses in Virginia and three other states, of which those at Danville and Harrisonburg offer classes in phlebotomy. These classes form a program called Career Opportunities as a Phlebotomist, in which techniques, directed practice, and methods of transport are taught.

Norfolk State University holds its Phlebotomy Technicians class three days a week from January to June. A week- long externship is also offered.

Northern Virginia Community College gives its phlebotomy course in both fall and spring. It is a CSC type course that results in eleven credits.

Phlebotomy is one of the most excellent career choices a person can make today. Not only are the job opportunities expect to grow at a rate above the average, but many phlebotomists training in Virginia will eventually go on to work in a diverse number of areas within the  medical industry.

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