What to Expect with EKG and Phlebotomy Programs
If you plan to advance your career from phlebotomy technician to something else, might as well start with learning two different skill sets at the same time. Yes, it is possible with EKG and phlebotomy programs, which will prepare you to work as a phlebotomy technician end electrocardiography technician.
Different schools and training institutions offer different programs, but most course curriculum will train you to:
- Properly take vital signs
- Perform stress tests, EKGs, and properly use Holter monitors
- Properly perform venipuncture, skin puncture, body fluid collection, specimen processing, and laboratory testing using appropriate techniques and protocols
- Learn more and understand basic anatomy, medical terminology, and physiology
- Learn how to uphold the patient’s Bill of Rights and observe proper work ethics
EKG and Phlebotomy Technician Course Info
What a curriculum consists will vary from one school to another, but is likely to include the following:
Introduction to Health and Wellness
This part of the course tackles the basics in healthcare, particularly the concepts used to deliver a variety of services. It also covers wellness issues that you might encounter in the workplace, including body mechanics and infection control. This is also the course where you learn about:
- Professional conduct and medical ethics
- Teamwork principles
- Effective patient communication
- Proper time and stress management
- Principles of fitness and proper eating habits
- Promote patient awareness of healthy lifestyle choices
Phlebotomy Technician Training
This is where all you need to know and learn about phlebotomy will be provided in a classroom and clinical setting. You will gain instruction and laboratory experience related to routine phlebotomy practices. You will also review proper techniques essential to basic venipunctures and in preparing lab specimens.
EKG Technician Training
In this program, you will learn the various responsibilities that an EKG Technician faces in the workplace, and will be trained accordingly. You will receive hands-on training in basic heart physiology, cardiac problems identification, 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG), normal heart rhythm and arrhythmia, and ECG/EKG troubleshooting. You will also learn how to place Holter Monitors on patients and monitor it.
Some EKG and Phlebotomy programs may include Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid or Telemetry Technician (Cardiac Monitor Technician Certification).
Whichever is the case, you will graduate as both a Phlebotomy and EKG Technician upon successful completion of the course.
Course Requirements
Before admission, however, you need to meet certain requirements, which would vary from one school to another. Some would require you to take a pre-application assessment and get a score of at least 70%. If you do pass the assessment, you will then have an interview with the admissions representative.
You also need to have a high school diploma or GED, which document you need to submit to the school. If you acquire your diploma outside of the US and with a different language, an official English translation must be provided with it.
You may also need to complete and sign a proof that you are in perfectly good health. Get a Statement of General Health after a recent physical examination.
Career Outlook
As a Phlebotomy and EKG Technician, you can choose to work as either a phlebotomy technician, EKG Technician, or both. You can start a promising career in clinics, hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient care centers.
Because you have two skill sets, finding employment would be easier. This is truer if you excel in your Phlebotomy and EKG program.
