Becoming A Phlebotomist – Phlebotomy Certification Tips

The collection of blood and other bodily fluids is performed by those with a phlebotomy certification. A phlebotomy technician, or phlebotomist, is a skilled healthcare worker trained to safely collect blood and other samples for analysis. Phlebotomists work alongside nurses and doctors in hospitals, private healthcare clinics, laboratories, and blood banks.

Phlebotomists undergo extensive training to be able to safely and efficiently perform blood collections. Phlebotomists attend phlebotomy training sessions in traditional classroom settings or online. Phlebotomists complete hours of hands-on clinical training. Phlebotomists are taught human anatomy and physiology, blood collection and storage techniques, interpersonal skills, administrative activities, first aid and CPR. Certification for phlebotomists exists but is only required of practicing technicians in Louisiana and California. Still, many employers will not hire uncertified phlebotomists; therefore it is a strong asset for a phlebotomist to hold certification. Associate and bachelor’s degrees are available to those interested in phlebotomy. These programs can take two to four years to complete and cost five to ten times more. Not surprisingly, certification programs are the most popular for phlebotomists.

There are many different agencies and organizations which maintain high standards for phlebotomy certification and education, as well as set safety standards and procedures. Phlebotomy schools and training programs should use materials and meet the standards set by the Clinical and Laboratory Sciences Institute (CLSI), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), as well as the United States Department of Education or other state agencies. Phlebotomists have the option of being certified through ten nationally recognized certifying agencies. These include the American Certifying Agency (ACA) for Healthcare Professionals, the American Phlebotomy Association (ACA), and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

There is more than one technique used to collect blood, which are taught to phlebotomy certification students. The most common is called a venipuncture. Certified phlebotomists require tourniquets, disinfectants, needles, syringes, collection tubes, bandaging materials, and labeling materials to perform a venipuncture. Another type of blood collection, capillary blood collection, is performed most commonly in infants. This type of collection is also used in repeat collections, such as blood glucose monitoring. Capillary blood collection requires a puncture device, called a lancet, and collection tubes. In infants, a warming device is sometimes used to increase the blood flow to the collection site.

Obtaining your phlebotomy certification is an excellent career choice. The United States Bureau of Labor predicts a 14 percent increase in employment opportunity from 2006 to 2016. Phlebotomists earn $26,710 per annum on average, and work a standard 9 to 5 work week. They are employed in hospitals may be asked to work shifts. Working as a part time phlebotomist is also an option. Working for a laboratory or blood donation clinic as a mobile phlebotomist is another career opportunity for in the field. Mobile phlebotomists travel to different locations to collect blood, and provide services to people who may have had limited access to such services before. Many phlebotomists find their work to be mentally and financially satisfying.