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.
Step 1
The first step to phlebotomy certification is to search online for the closest college or university in your area that has phlebotomy courses. Keep in mind that many courses offer an online component to them, so the location of the school may not play a deciding role in choosing the school. Make sure you visit each school and learn exactly what is taught in their program. Although most school will teach a similar curriculum, you may find that certain institutions tailor more towards your learning style.
Step 2
Find out what prerequisites are required for your phlebotomy course. Most courses require a high school diploma. If you do not have a high school diploma, you may be expected to write an acceptance examination. Before applying to the phlebotomy course, consider taking a volunteer job at a blood clinic to help further your knowledge in the field and improve your chances of acceptance in to school.
Step 3
Once you have confirmed that you meet all of the prerequisites for your phlebotomy training program, it’s time to start attending classes and completing your course. One of the benefits of taking these courses is that they often include a job placement program making employment almost a guarantee after graduation.
Many people wonder if it is possible to obtain a phlebotomy certification without attending a training program. In most cases it is possible if you have previous experience in the field. For specific information about obtaining your phlebotomy certification, be sure to contact your local regulatory agency.