Phlebotomy Training

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.
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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.
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The Different Phlebotomy Certification Training Agencies

There are many different organizations which offer phlebotomy certification programs and courses. However, not all are reputable or teach according to standards set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).

When deciding on a suitable phlebotomy certification training program, look for an organization that is accredited or approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), uses materials and examinations that reflect CLSI standards, and qualifies graduates for an examination through an external certification agency.

There are ten nationally recognized certifying agencies in the United States. Some of these agencies include the American Certification Agency, the American Medical Technologists, and the National Center for Competency Testing, the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the National Phlebotomy Association. The requirements to become a certified phlebotomist vary by agency and are outlined below.

The American Certification Agency (ACA) for Healthcare Professionals offers two types of certification for phlebotomists; phlebotomy technicians and phlebotomy instructors. To be eligible for the phlebotomy technician exam, applicants must have completed 100 clinical hours, 100 successful venipunctures and 10 successful dermal punctures (although 25 are required in Louisiana). The exam is written online in combination with a practical component. Phlebotomy instructor applicants must be phlebotomy certified or a registered RN or LPN. No written exam is required; however applicants must provide documented proof of three years phlebotomy experience and one year teaching experience.
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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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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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