Already trained? Add supervised live patient venepuncture sessions at our partner NHS GP surgery to build speed, confidence and a stronger CV. Previous phlebotomy certification required.
Duration: Full Session of up to 15 bleeds • East London • Previous certification required
Live Patient Bleed sessions are for practitioners who already hold a phlebotomy qualification but want more hands-on experience with real patients. Whether you trained elsewhere and feel you need more practice, are returning to phlebotomy after a break, or simply want to build your confidence and speed before applying for NHS roles — these sessions give you exactly that.
Each session takes place at our active NHS GP practice in East London. You will perform venepuncture on real patients under the direct supervision of your trainer. You will practise with both 21G standard needles and butterfly needles.
Read genuine reviews from our graduates on our Testimonials page, including stories from students who secured NHS phlebotomy jobs after training.
“I honestly couldn’t recommend Aishah at The Phlebotomy Trainer highly enough. I travelled over from Northern Ireland specifically to complete my practical training and live blood draws, and I’m so glad I did. The training available to me at home was carried out on dummy arms and, having now experienced real blood draws, I can honestly say there is such a difference. Nothing really compares to working with real people, different veins and all the little variations you simply can’t experience on a training arm. Aishah was absolutely brilliant from start to finish. She was so welcoming, patient and knowledgeable, and explained everything in a way that was really easy to understand. What I appreciated most was how comfortable she made the whole experience. There was never any pressure or feeling of being rushed. She took the time to guide me through each blood draw, answer all my questions and build my confidence as the day went on. The amount of genuine hands on experience I got was invaluable. I came away feeling so much more confident in my ability and genuinely excited to put everything I’ve learned into practice. It was 100% worth the trip from Northern Ireland. Thank you so much Aishah for such a positive experience — I would absolutely recommend The Phlebotomy Trainer to anyone who has learned on dummy arms and wants proper hands on experience with real blood draws.”
Yes. You practise on real patients at our partner NHS GP surgery in East London, not on mannequin arms or fellow students. Your trainer supervises every bleed.
That is expected, and it is exactly why the session exists. Your trainer is beside you throughout, will talk you through what happened, and patient safety is never compromised — nobody is left to struggle alone.
You need existing phlebotomy training or experience, because this session is practice rather than teaching. If you are unsure whether you qualify, message us on WhatsApp and we will check with you before you book.
Typically 10 to 15 bleeds in a session, on real patients, with your trainer supervising throughout. That is enough repetition to build genuine confidence rather than a token attempt. Exact numbers vary a little with clinic flow on the day.
Complete the Standard, Live Patient Bleeds or Enhanced package and you'll be offered a volunteering day at our private NHS GP surgery in East London — drawing blood from real patients, alongside the practice team. It's the experience employers ask for and the hardest thing to arrange on your own.