Phlebotomy Certification

How To Get Your Phlebotomy Certification

The main responsibility of a phlebotomist is to draw blood. In order to be hired, most institutions require a certification in phlebotomy. that can be obtained from one of many colleges or universities across the United States. Although most states don’t legally require a certification in order to work as a phlebotomist, we suggest that you obtain your certification in order to increase employment opportunities.

There are many different types of institutions that hire phlebotomists, like local hospitals, blood labs, research facilities, private health clinics and doctor’s offices (just to name a few). Those whom are considering becoming a phlebotomist must know how to communicate and interact well with others, and also have well-rounded knowledge of human anatomy. If you do not have good people skills, then this might not be the job for you since you will likely have to deal with difficult patients form time to time.

Now that we have explained a little about what a phlebotomist is, it’s time to outline the steps that need to be taken to get your phlebotomy certification.
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Getting Your Phlebotomy Certification Online

Those with busy schedules should consider getting their phlebotomy certification online. Online certification is a convenient alternative for those that do not have the time to attend training in the classroom. Although even online phlebotomy certification courses will require some hands-on training, they require much less classroom time than those courses that have no web-based component.

The online courses are quite extensive, and include anatomy, venipuncture, physiology and laboratory practices. Some of the material can easily be learned by textbook and online video, while other material is best to be learned in the classroom with hands-on training. Most certification programs will require a minimum number of hands-on or classroom hours in order to graduate.

Enrollment in phlebotomy training programs requires a high school diploma. Programs may also look take volunteer work in to account when selecting applicants. Most employers require a diploma from an accredited phlebotomy college, or school, although this isn’t the case 100% of the time. Online certification programs offer basic courses that will help you prepare for required internships. Online phlebotomy certificate and diploma programs can be finished in as little as 90 days; associate degrees in phlebotomy may take up to 18 months months, while bachelor degrees from phlebotomy universities normally take 2 years.

Once you have received your online phlebotomy certification, you will have many different job opportunities. Some of the most common types of organizations that will hire phlebotomists include:
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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).
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3 Benefits Of Phlebotomy Certification

Phlebotomy jobs are in high demand throughout North America-especially for those whom hold a phlebotomy certification. Interestingly enough, only two states in the USA legally require you to be certified in order to practice phlebotomy, however, most employers are hesitant to hire those without it.

Simply put, if you are serious about starting a career in the field of phlebotomy, getting certified should be considered a top priority.

Here are 3 reasons why you should consider obtaining a phlebotomy certification:

1. Increased Salary – those who hold a certificate in the field of phelbotomy will typically earn a higher starting wage than those who don’t. By having a phlebotomy certification, you will be able to make more money right out of the gates-a big bonus no matter how you look at it.

2. Better Experience – In order to become certified, you typically have to attend an 8-12 month course that teaches you the ropes of the phlebotomy field. You will learn anatomy, venipuncture techniques, medical laboratory administration practices and more. This will truly put you ahead of those who have not been educated in phlebotomy.

3. More Job Opportunities – Those with a phlebotomy certification will find employment much more easily than those without it. Although only Florida and Louisiana are the only two states that legally require a certificate in order to practice phlebotomy, very few hospitals, clinics or laboratories will take the risk of hiring those who do not hold one. Having your certification will make your resume stand out, because your potential employer knows that you have been trained in the field, and have passed the government mandated testing that is required.
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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.
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