Phlebotomist

What Is Phlebotomy Certification and How Do I Get It?

Before we explain exactly what phlebotomy certification involves, it’s important to understand the definition of “certification” alone. Simply put, it is the process in which a national organization recognizes the competence of someone in a specific field or discipline. There are currently 10 different organizations that can issue certifications for phlebotomy.

As job positions in the healthcare field become more competitive, recognition through certification is becoming much more common because employers (ranging from hospitals to blood laboratories) rarely hire those who do not hold a phlebotomy certification. This is still true even though only two states in the USA legally require one to be certified in order to practice phlebotomy.

Why? It makes perfect sense really. Without proof of competency, you could put the employer at risk for a lawsuit if you make an error. Hiring someone without a certification could become a liability for them especially in the field of phlebotomy since most lab errors occur in the “preanalytical phase”.

Phlebotomy certification is rewarded only to those students that have met the requirements of one of the 10 different phlebotomy certification organizations, and an examination has been written. Some organizations require re-certification through future exams and continuing education credits in order to maintain one’s phlebotomy certification.
(more…)

Benefits Of Phlebotomy Certification Training

You might be the perfect candidate for phlebotomy if you’re not panic-stricken by blood. Phlebotomists work in a wide array of health facilities where they assist doctors and nurses with their duties. There are plenty of job options available for phlebotomists, both presently and in the future.

Phlebotomy training is extremely important for those interested in becoming a phlebotomist. The school programs for a phlebotomists can start as early as high school, and in order to attend phlebotomy school you will need a high school diploma or equivalent.

If you’re looking at phlebotomy training programs, there are a few factors to consider. Along with other organizations, accredited phlebotomy colleges and programs stick to the guidance and tools that are approved by the Clinical & Laboratory Sciences Institute. There are particular training courses and schools that some employers prefer their employees to attend, so it is important that you discuss this with them before choosing a school. In certain cases, you’ll find that employers actually have an affiliate program for their trainees.

There are a wide variety of training courses available across different schools. Although all courses differ slightly, all of include intense training in the areas of human physiology and anatomy. Specific techniques for storing and collecting blood will also be learned.
(more…)

Writing The Phlebotomy Certification Exam – Are You Ready?

If you are considering taking the phlebotomy certification exam but are not sure whether you are fully prepared for it, there are plenty of online resources that can provide you with useful information. the internet can provide you useful information in the field of phlebotomy. This information will help you determine whether you are ready to pas the exam, or need further training.

Is Phlebotomy The Right Career Choice?

Before enlisting in a phlebotomy certification course, it’s important that you determine that phlebotomy is the right career choice for you. Simply put, can you see yourself being a phlebotomist years down the road?

To help you make this decision, contact your local Bureau of Labor Statistics. This organization can provide you with the following helpful information that will help you decide if phlebotomy is right for you:

- Available Phlebotomy courses
- Admission requirements
- Phlebotomy job requirements
- Average salary

Determining this information before you write your phlebotomy certification will make it much easier for you to decide whether you have the skills that will ensure you thrive at this profession.
(more…)

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).
(more…)

How To Get Your Phlebotomy Certification

Are you considering becoming a phlebotomist? Although not a legal requirement in all jurisdictions, you will find that a phlebotomy certification is almost considered a “mandatory” prerequisite by employers recruiting for phlebotomist jobs. This holds true for hospitals, private blood clinics and laboratories. Simply put, those that hire you want you to be able to prove to them that you are knowledgeable in the field of phlebotomy, and will not pose any liability risks to them-and a certificate will suffice for this.

Certain states have different rules and regulations when it comes to phlebotomy certification. California for example has a three tier certification system:

1. Phlebotomy Technician
2. Phlebotomy Technician I
3. Phlebotomy Technician II

Each level requires specific training, and once it is completed one can then apply for their certificate. Those who obtain higher levels of training can perform more advanced and therefore can not only demand a higher salary, but often find more employment opportunities than those with less training.

Although the curriculum of a phlebotomy training program will vary depending on location, most programs combine an in-class and hands-on training. It is this out of class training that is so important, since it allows students to work directly with in laboratories and help them better understand the phlebotomy procedures. Courses typically takes between 8-24 months to complete depending on the school. Those that last 2 years normally offer an associates degree upon completion.

Those with time constraints may want to consider online phlebotomy certification courses, which essentially allows you to study online in the comfort of your own home as opposed to attending classes. Even with these online programs however, there are normally a certain number of on-hand training hours required in order to graduate.
(more…)

« Older Entries