Posts Tagged 'Phlebotomy Certification'

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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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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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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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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Helpful Phlebotomy Certification Tips

If you are considering becoming a phlebotomist, getting your phlebotomy certification is a smart move. It will vastly increase the number of job opportunities available, and will help you earn more money the day you are hired.

Not to be confused with a nursing assistant, those with a phlebotomy certification are solely responsible for drawing blood from a patients veins. The job pays well, is in high demand across the country, and requires a relatively short period of training in order to become certified (8-24 months).

Before explaining the phlebotomy certification process and the required qualifications and training, let’s learn more about the phlebotomy profession.

Simply put, phlebotomy (pronounced “flebotomy”)is the process of extracting blood from a patient’s body for further diagnosis and analysis. Drawing blood and transporting it to the clinic may appear relatively simple, but it is actually a rather complex process that requires skill and practice.

Phlebotomists must learn multiple blood drawing techniques, including:

- Venipuncture
- Capiliary puncture
- Arterial puncture
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