This course is designed for the person who is interested in learning more about phlebotomy. If you are an experienced nurse or other healthcare professional looking to add to your resume, or a beginner, just considering a career in the healthcare field then, this course is for you. Many specialties in the healthcare setting use and need the skills of phlebotomy such as Medical Technicians and Technologist, Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians, Nursing Assistants, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Paramedics are just a few professions whose job encompasses drawing blood. The most current information available is provided to introduce the beginner to the world of phlebotomy and at the same time answer some of the questions that the seasoned professional may have. Phlebotomy Made Easy provides information to help you with the challenge of collecting blood from patients with hard to find veins. So whether you'd like to polish a current skill or learn a new one, this course is for you.
Note: For those students wishing to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, this course is an excellent study tool and additional informational resource. Completion of this course is informational and will not provide certification.
Students must be interested in learning more about phlebotomy. This is a self-paced course with no formal meeting times. To successfully complete this course the student must read all materials provided, complete all assignments and quizzes and participate in any class forum that may be attached to the lesson by simply submitting a reply to any question posed. The class forums are designed to promote discussion on topics with other students. Since there is no special meeting time, the class forum is an easy way for class interaction to occur and learning to be enhanced. It is also a good way to meet fellow students. The single most important goal of this course is to educate the student from any starting point he or she may be at to become more knowledgeable and skillful in phlebotomy. Certifcates, that are earned, can be purchased at the end of the course.
The goal of this course is to advance the knowledge of the student through the information offered in the 10 lessons.
The topics are:
1.) Introduction to phlebotomy
This lesson introduces the student to the actual definition of phlebotomy. You will learn what a phlebotomist does and the qualities needed to be a good phlebotomist. Learn the importance of customer service skills and medical terminology commonly used in the field of collecting blood specimens.
2.) Adult venipuncture
Learn the procedures required to perform an adult venipuncture. Learn the importance of properly identifying a patient, how to verifying test requirements, how to choose a good venipuncture site, tricks of the trade in locating hard to find veins, sites to avoid when performing a venipuncture, order of draw and much more.
3.) Venipuncture and children
Learn the importance of good communication, proper holding and venipuncture techniques, the criteria for blood sample rejection and how to avoid it,what hemoconctration is and much more.
4.) Skin punctures on babies
Learn the age under which a venipuncture should be avoided, where to perform a heel stick and the danger of choosing the wrong spot, composition of skin puncture blood, things that can go wrong with a specimen how to avoid hemolysis and much more.
5.) The finger stick
This lesson discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a finger skin puncture, why hemolysis is more likely, who are good candidates for a finger stick, how to collect an optimal sample, order of draw for micro collection and much more.
6.) Arterial blood gasses
This lesson discusses who should perform an arterial puncture, compositon of arterial blood, hazards in collection, arteries available to draw from, the Allen test, procedures and much more.
7.) Special tests on babies
You will learn about capillary blood gasses, bilirubin, newborn screening and much more.
8.) Special tests on adults and children
This lesson discusses blood cultures, the two-hour postprandial, the glucose tolerance test and point of care testing.
9.) Types of isolation
You will learn about infection control, types of isolation, standard precautions, transmission based precautions, protective or reverse isolation, proper hand washing procedures and blood collection procedures in isolation rooms.
10.) Legal issues, safety precautions and OSHA.
This lesson discusses possible patient reactions, procedure for accidental needle sticks or exposure, OSHA standards, Material Data Safety Sheets, hazard identification, chemical and radiation exposure, waste disposal, safety guidelines and much more.
It is not a requirement to purchase the text book. All lessons can be completed without it. For further knowledge and enrichment, it is highly recommended the text Phlebotomy Essentials third edition by Ruth E McCall and Cathee M. Tankersley be purchased.
No other materials are necessary.
All tests, assignments and projects will receive a numerical grade. The final grade will be determined by the combination of grades which will be equally weighted.
There are 1000 points possible. Final grades will be given as follows:
Overall Score Letter Grade
90-100% 900-1000 pts. A - Excellent
80-89% 800-899 B - Above Average
70-79% 700-799 C - Average
60-69% 600-699 D - Below Average
0-59% below 600 F - Fail
Certificates may be purchased if the following criteria is fulfilled.
- Certificate of Attendance
A letter grade of C or higher must be achieved
- Certificate of Class Participation
The student must participate in at least three
forums.
- Certificate of Appreciation
The student must finish the course
- Certificate of Merrit
The student must complete the course with a
letter grade of C or higher.
- Certificate of Outstanding Achievement
The student must complete the course with a
letter grade of B or higher.
- Certificate of Excellence
The student must complete the course with a
letter grade of A.
This course in not an official course for becoming certified as a phlebotomy technician.
