online phlebotomy courses
Do you want to become a phlebotomist or learn more about the field by studying this topic? Find out where you can take a free online phlebotomist course. Phlebotomists are medical professionals who draw, collect and prepare blood for tests.
Individuals trained as phlebotomists are trained to collect blood from adults and children through venipuncture (puncturing a vein), finger pricks, and heel pricks.
If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist or learning more about the profession, keep reading to find free training courses and resources.
The Top Free Online Phlebotomist Courses and Resources
While there are no free online phlebotomy courses that lead to certification, several free resources and online classes provide valuable insight into the field. These courses can help you build a solid foundation in phlebotomy techniques, procedures, and career expectations, providing a quality introduction to this healthcare profession.
1. Mayo Clinic Laboratories
Mayo Clinic Laboratories offers three free online phlebotomy modules presented as free online videos, drag-and-drop puzzles, and interactive texts and quizzes.
- Module 1 explores phlebotomy terminology, tubes, consumables, and instruments.
- Module 2 covers pathogens and infection control.
- Module 3 reviews arm structure, tourniquet placement, and venipuncture.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories is accredited by the ASCLS P.A.C.E. Program as a provider of continuing education programs for clinical laboratory sciences in Florida and California and is accredited by the ASCLS P.A.C.E. Program
Modules are accredited for a maximum of 1.0 P.A.C.E. Contact time, 1.0 contact hour in California, and 1.0 contact hour by Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel.
To earn credit, students must watch modules, participate in activities, complete a post-test and assessment in the final slide, and generate/print a certificate.
2. The unified potential
Unified Potential is a nonprofit organization that creates and delivers programs and platforms focused on child health, transportation, engineering and more.
One of its free offerings is an online phlebotomy course designed for high school graduates who want to work in laboratory medicine.
The Phlebotomy Training Course details the role of a phlebotomist and what it takes to work in a hospital setting.
This 44-page course is available for review or as a downloadable PDF on the Unified Potentials website. It covers topics such as lab medicine, safety, venipuncture, metabolism, hematology, and more.
While the free online course does not lead to certification, it provides a quality overview of phlebotomy for students interested in better understanding the profession.
3. University of Utah
The University of Utah offers several free online tutorials on pathology topics such as aging, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.
The web-based phlebotomy tutorial details the venipuncture process from specimen labeling to vein selection and explores the limitations and challenges that phlebotomists may face.
The blood collection process is detailed in the text with supplemental images.
In addition to the free tutorial, the university’s Department of Pathology offers an online phlebotomy video lecture: Phlebotomy Ps and Qs: Issues and Questions in Specimen Collection.
This one-hour lecture is eligible for 1.0 P.A.C.E. credit or Florida credit. In order to receive credit, students must watch the entire video lecture and pass the quiz with 80% or higher.
4. The Center for Phlebotomy Education
The Center for Phlebotomy Education provides free resources like podcasts, PDFs, and videos for anyone interested in phlebotomy.
The PDF explores the issues of venipuncture versus skin puncture, heel sticks, hemolysis, and underfilling tubes.
The podcast features interviews with professionals in the field and explores clinical lab safety and pain management in phlebotomy.
The videos explain the importance of proper phlebotomy training and the critical role of the phlebotomist in patient care and laboratory testing.
All materials are easily accessible on the Center for Phlebotomy Education website.
Phlebotomist Training (Free Online Course with Certificate)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 up to 3 Hours |
| Languages | English |
| Pace | Full time, Part time |
| Study Format | Distance Learning |
| Course Fee | Free |
Introduction
Phlebotomy is the surgical insertion of a needle to take or introduce fluid into the body, whether it be blood or medication. With this course, you will learn the responsibilities of being involved in such an important task. It is important to know what blood is made of, along with the equipment, safety measures and procedures. Complications can arise in any role so we will equip you with the techniques to overcome these difficulties.
Included in this free online course:
- 1.5-3 learning hours
- CPD accreditation
- Final evaluation
Alison certificate
All Allison courses are free to enroll in and complete study. To successfully complete this diploma course and become an Allison graduate, you need to achieve 80% or above in each course assessment. Once you complete this diploma course, you have the option to receive an official diploma, which is a great way to share your achievements with the world.
Your Allison diploma is:
- Ideal for sharing with potential employers.
- Include it on your CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.
- A sign of your commitment to continuous learning, upskilling and achieving superior results.
- An inspiration to you to continue empowering yourself through lifelong learning.
Allison offers three types of diplomas for completed courses.
- Digital Diploma: A downloadable diploma in PDF format available to you immediately when you complete your purchase.
- Diploma: A physical version of your officially branded and security-marked diploma, posted to you with free shipping.
- Framed Diploma: A physical version of your officially branded and security-marked diploma in a stylish frame, mailed to you with free shipping.
In this free course, you will learn how to
- Summarize the knowledge, skills, and guidelines needed to master phlebotomy.
- Identify the basic responsibilities of a phlebotomist and discuss venipuncture techniques
- Recall medical terms that involve drawing blood for lab testing.
- Discuss infection control, safety standards, and ways to prevent hematomas and nerve damage.
- Recognize advanced diagnostic methods and the latest lab technology.
- Describe precautions for patients with special needs and appropriate ways to communicate with patients.
How to Become a Phlebotomist
How to Become a Phlebotomist.
The process of becoming a phlebotomist typically begins with earning a high school diploma or equivalent and then earning a certificate from a postsecondary phlebotomy program.
These programs typically take less than a year to complete with clinical experience and are often offered through technical schools, community colleges, or vocational schools.
It is best to look for programs that are accredited by organizations such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Depending on state requirements, students may be required to obtain a license or certification after completing a phlebotomist training program.
Basic life support certification and a driver’s license may also be required to practice as a phlebotomist to draw blood samples.
How Long Does Phlebotomist Certification Take?
The time it takes to secure phlebotomist certification depends on the type of certification sought.
The National Phlebotomy Association offers the Certified Phlebotomist Technologist certification for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), medical assistants (MAs), registered nurses (RNs), and more.
To take the certification exam, candidates must have at least 160 contact hours of classroom time and 200 hours of practical experience.
The American Medical Technicians also offers the Phlebotomist certification.
The Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) exam is available to technicians with a phlebotomy education or six months of full-time experience. A minimum of 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures are also required.
Is it hard to become a phlebotomist?
Working as a phlebotomist can be very rewarding. But like all professions, this career can present challenges. The key is to be well-trained for the role so that inexperience is not a barrier.
Phlebotomists’ responsibilities include:
- Drawing blood from adult and pediatric patients and donors.
- Confirming patient identity and accurately labeling collected blood for processing.
- Explaining the process of blood collection and helping patients and donors to relax.
- Entering blood sample details into a database.
- Collecting and disposing of equipment and supplies such as blood vials, needles, and tubes.
- Maintaining a sanitary work area.
Some of the challenges of working as a phlebotomist may include standing for long periods of time, working nights and weekends, and traveling to transport samples or set up mobile donation centers.
Injuries can occur if phlebotomists are not careful with equipment and supplies.
Start taking free online phlebotomist courses today.
Taking free online phlebotomist classes can open doors to wonderful opportunities in the phlebotomy field. Discover free training courses today and start taking the steps needed to start a successful career as a phlebotomist.
