Venepuncture, Phlebotomy & Cannulation Training
Phlebotomy training courses are aimed at those working in a clinical or healthcare setting such as registered nurses, phlebotomists, medical practitioners and healthcare professionals. This could include those responsible for obtaining blood from patients such as babies, adults and older people with duties including monitoring medication levels, treatments, screening and interventions. These courses are suitable for a range of organisations such as the NHS, GP practices, universities, blood banks, research facilities, public and private healthcare.
Phlebotomy training courses will usually explore the anatomy, preventing infections, physiology, veins, blood collections devices and procedures including Health and Safety awareness. These courses are most effective delivered face-to-face due to the practical elements and hands on approach.
Some of the training providers listed on the Skills Platform offer a combined venepuncture, cannulation and phlebotomy training course. Phlebotomy courses on this page can be found at venues across the UK including London, Leeds, Manchester and Bristol.
There’s a range of accredited phlebotomy courses available ensuring that the training meets a certain standard and has been externally quality assured. Annual refresher phlebotomy courses are also available for experienced workers that want to update their current knowledge and skills. A certificate of attendance will usually be awarded on completion of these courses.
We highly recommend using a qualified phlebotomist trainer that has extensive experience and relevant trainer qualifications.
Training can be delivered through e-Learning which might be more cost effective and suitable for those with existing practical skills and experienced practitioners that want to refresh their knowledge on venepuncture.
If you are looking for employment opportunities in the healthcare sector and want to know how to become a phlebotomist then the NHS Health Careers website provides an overview of what skills and training is required to do the job. The NHS Blood and Transplant service provides a range of career options for those interested working in the healthcare sector.
If you are a phlebotomy student and want to gain hands-on experience then you can contact local healthcare organisations to see if they offer work placements.
Guidelines and Resources
The National Occupational Standard CHS132 developed by Skills for Health provides guidance on knowledge and understanding with performance criteria for those assessing competence of learners.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has produced an education and training competence framework for blood sampling and venepuncture in children and young people. The 4 domains cover practical and theoretical competences, the framework can be used by hospitals and healthcare when planning or reviewing existing training courses.
The Nursing Times recommends that nurses that practise venepuncture should receive approved training and ensure it is documented, supervised practice. Individuals are responsible for ensuring that their theory knowledge and practical skills on the subject is up to date to meet latest compliances, guidelines and organisational requirements.
The Joint United Kingdom (UK) Blood Transfusion and Tissue Transplantation Services Professional Advisory Committee (JPAC) have published guidelines for the performance of the venepuncture.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) provided guidelines in 2010 on drawing blood and best practices in phlebotomy.
