Phlebotomy Certification Guide

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.
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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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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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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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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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