This article covers:
- How to get the best phlebotomy training.
- Phlebotomy training
- Best phlebotomy certification
- Phlebotomy courses in the USA
Article Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Phlebotomy?
- 2 What Does It Take to Be a Phlebotomist?
- 3 Training
- 4 Certification
- 4.1 Phlebotomy Technician Certification by the National Health Association.
- 4.2 Phlebotomy Technician by American Society of Clinical Pathology.
- 4.3 Registered Phlebotomy Technician by American Medical Technologists.
- 4.4 National Certified Phlebotomy Technician by National Center for Competency Testing.
- 4.5 Certified Phlebotomy Certification by American Certification Agency.
- 5 What to Expect from Phlebotomy Training
- 6 Is Phlebotomy a Rewarding Career?
What Is Phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy is a part of the health and medical field that involves drawing blood samples from the veins through a process called venipuncture.
Students have to undergo training of six to ten weeks involving classwork and practical skills before starting an entry-level job.
A phlebotomist is trained to work in hospitals, blood banks and all types of laboratories.
See Also – Understanding Vocational Training – What Is Vocational Training
What Does It Take to Be a Phlebotomist?
Entry requirements.
Students who wish to start phlebotomy training must have completed high school education or its equivalent to gain admission in any school, college or university.
A background check is also important for students enrolling for a phlebotomy course.
This is where students are checked for physical and health fitness.
Students are also checked for the necessary current immunization.
Good communication skills are also another factor considered for potential students.
All the information in one place:
How to Become a Phlebotomist: The Definitive Guide
A phlebotomist should have good communication skills keeping in mind that they directly deal with patients.
Dedication and the right attitude are important in any medical field including phlebotomy.
Phlebotomists draw blood from patients every day so the right candidate should not have any phobia for blood.
People with a phobia for blood are definitely not ideal for this job.
See Also – Vocational Training Programs/Courses list (TRADE COURSE) -Key Benefits
Training
The first step towards becoming a phlebotomist is getting the best phlebotomy training.
To train as a phlebotomist, you must enroll for classes in a training school.
There are many schools and training schools to choose from but a good school must be accredited by the necessary professional bodies.
Training with an accredited school ensures that you have wide access to jobs because employers only accept candidates from accredited schools.
Training In Phlebotomy
Training in phlebotomy involves a combination of 42 hours of classwork and an additional 120 hours of fieldwork learning and gaining experience from a clinical setting.
Just like any other medical field, phlebotomy students learn different medical areas like anatomy, resuscitation, cardiopulmonary, healthcare law, medical terminology, and other areas.
In a clinical setting, students get a real feel of the field and work directly with their supervisors.
During training, students prepare themselves for a certification exam that is done at the end of the formal training in school.
The certification exam is done to add a professional aspect to a candidate.
Candidates who have undergone certification by the various professional bodies get access to many job opportunities and in addition to this, they get better remuneration.
Certification
Students who have completed formal education are considered for certification as well as those with experience of at least six months in the field of phlebotomy.
Certification has been delegated to different agencies who have been given the mandate to give examination as well as oversee the giving of certification and licenses.
The following are certification a phlebotomist can acquire:
Phlebotomy Technician Certification by the National Health Association.
This gives certification gives you the qualification to become a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT).
This is a common certification that is required by many employers.
To gain this certification, a candidate must be a high school graduate, at least 20 hours of phlebotomy classes and completion of the phlebotomy training program.
A certified phlebotomy technician performs activities like drawing blood samples from patients, performing basic tests like blood glucose, preparing a specimen for test and also answering patients’ questions regarding the procedure.
These technicians can work in hospitals, laboratories, and other medical institutions.
Phlebotomy Technician by American Society of Clinical Pathology.
For a candidate to qualify for this certification, he/she must have successfully completed a NAACLS program.
Other requirements include candidates who have had at least 100 successful venipuncture after completing formal education with 40 hours of classwork and 100 hours of clinical practice.
Ideal candidates should also have at least one year of experience within the last five years as phlebotomy technicians.
Registered Phlebotomy Technician by American Medical Technologists.
To gain this certification, a candidate does not necessarily have to take an examination.
The candidate can gain this certification by paying a fee as long as they have completed the necessary formal training and they have the necessary experience.
To gain this certification, a candidate can take three routes; experience in the field of experience of up to 1040 hours, formal education within the last 4 years and also taking a written examination for this certification.
This is the highest paid form of certification among all other phlebotomy certifications.
National Certified Phlebotomy Technician by National Center for Competency Testing.
There are two routes to getting this certification. The first is through formal education and the second route is through working experience.
Obtaining certification through formal education requires a high school diploma as well as the successful completion of an approved NCAA training program.
Obtaining this certification through experience requires one year experience in phlebotomy work or at least 2080 hours working in the field of phlebotomy.
Both experience and education should have been obtained within the 10 last years of obtaining the certification.
Certified Phlebotomy Certification by American Certification Agency.
Candidates who wish to obtain this certification must fulfill the following requirements; the candidate must have a high school diploma, must have completed the formal phlebotomy training program or must have worked in the field of phlebotomy for at least one year.
The candidate must have performed at least 100 successful venipuncture procedures and at least 10 dermal punctures to qualify for this certification.
What to Expect from Phlebotomy Training
5 Minute video you’ll want to see if you’re interested in phlebotomy training.
Is Phlebotomy a Rewarding Career?
Phlebotomy is a rewarding career but the level of rewards depend on many factors.
Some of the factors involve the type of certification acquired and the level of experience acquired by the candidate.
Different institutions also reward their employees differently and this may also determine the level of reward.
The demand for phlebotomy jobs is also high and getting a job in the field of phlebotomy may not be a problem.
A phlebotomist may work in hospitals, medical laboratories, and other related medical laboratories.
For candidates who would like to join the wider medical field, phlebotomy becomes a stepping ground and a good place to start from.
Many medical professionals started as a phlebotomist and later moved to other medical professionals in the due course of time.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Phlebotomist
I’d love to sign up for the free phlebotomy course, thank you…
How do I take the free training for phlebotomy course at PIMA Renton, WA?
Thanks for your guide on how to get the best phlebotomy training. Since my sister plans to take up medicine in college, she wants to gain experience through training. I had no idea that students must undergo training of six to ten weeks involving classwork and practical skills before they land their first job in the medical industry. With that being said, I will help her find a training school here in Birmingham.
I would like to enroll in this free phlebotomy classes. Where and how do I get started?
I would like information on becoming a phlebotomist. I would like to take the free course if possible.
I’d love to sign up for this free phlebotomy course.
I would like to sign up for this free phlebotomy class please
Yes I would like to know where are they doing free classes or classes I can pay fir and where and I can talk to about signing up please…
I have been a phlebotomy tech for 5 years and I absolutely love it. Working with people is great. Good luck everyone.
Hi Judy
I’m planning on signing up to do the phlebotomy course,
Did you do the clinical foundation course 1st?
Thank you in advance