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So What Exactly is Phlebotomy

So What Exactly is Phlebotomy?

It’s not a word we hear often. In fact, in doing your online research, some of you may have done a search in Google asking for the name of the career that takes blood samples. We’ve heard of doctors, nurses, surgeons, dentists, but phlebotomists? Not so much. For those interested in this field, here is a brief overview.

Phlebotomy is a field in health services that is responsible for the drawing and collection of blood from patients. Blood is drawn for the purposes of tests, transfusions, research, and donations. Because of the sensitive nature of the procedure and the possible adverse side-effects that could develop, phlebotomists talk with the patient. They inform the patient of what is being done and answer any questions the patient may have. Many patients are quite nervous about the procedure, and it is the responsibility of the phlebotomist to make the patient feel at ease.

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Phlebotomy Associations

Who is Eligible to be a Certified Phlebotomist?

Students who have met the requirements of one of the 10 possible organizations that certify them capable Phlebotomist have better outlooks on their careers then those who are not certified. They have better opportunities at finding employment at better institutions by being amongst the top of the resumes to be handed in and are likely to gain better pay and opportunities from the employer.

These institutions have their own standards as well before you can apply to be certified by them. They require things such as having to be re-certified at a later date and the need to continue your education to maintain being certified.

The Organizations that oversee Certification

There are many organizations that offer phlebotomy certification, but they all have their own set standards. Some are more reputable then others for different things in the field. For example, some of them set their standards to other institutions such as the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). When you go to pick which organization and program you are going to follow to gain certification, be sure to find one that is approved by Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Be sure that they follow the standards set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. That they use the materials and give the proper exams that are representative of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standards and qualifies students for a test through the external certification or phlebotomy certification industry.

They have the highest set of standards in the field, and are of a higher degree of recognition then others. Some institutions require this level of certification; it would be easier just to get the difficult part out of the way, then to have to worry about it later.

Standards Required to be Certified

There are ten agencies in the United States that are nationally recognized. These include but are not limited to 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.

They all have a standard set of requirements to become a certified and recognized phlebotomy technician. They require things such as certain amounts of successful procedures such as a certain amount of time of work in a clinic setting, in the range of 100 to 120 hours or have completed at least 1,040 hours in a three year time frame.

They also require a certain amount of successful venipunctures, in the range of about 100 successful procedures as well as about 10 successful dermal punctures. Some states do vary in the amount of procedures before being able to have an opportunity to be certified. Some of the certifying institutions will provide an applicant with a guide book before attempting to become certified. They have other requirements that include having a high school diploma or G.E.D, and have graduated from an approved and recognized school or program that has educated them in the field of phlebotomy.

Benefits of being Certified

The process of becoming a certified phlebotomist may appear intimidating and out of hand when thinking about the process, but when it’s all laid out, it appears to be quite easier and less intimidating then it once was. Being a certified phlebotomist presents a person with more opportunities in the field for gaining a job and for advancement. Some states even require it, so it’s best to have it because you never know where you may end up, or when the laws of the state you occupy may change.

Online Phlebotomy Certification

Online Phlebotomy Certification – Is it worth It?

If you plan to work as phlebotomist then there is a high possibility that you may have considered the suitability of online phlebotomy certification. There are so many online phlebotomy training programs which have been designed to assist interested persons obtain certification without walking into a classroom. Such programs are suitable for people who cannot balance between work and study or those who cannot access land based classes with ease.

Enrolling for Training Online

Before you start thinking of obtaining the online phlebotomy certification from a training institute, you should ideally take time to determine whether the trainer or facilitator is fully accredited to offer phlebotomy training. Some of the top agencies which provide accreditation for training and examinations include American Certification Agency and American Medical Technologists Board.

Remember, the quality of phlebotomy training and examination is a major determinant in accreditation. You may not really like the ideal of enrolling in a training program that leads you nowhere. Once you are sure that the institution is fully accredited, proceed and enroll for training.

Why You Should Enroll for an Online Phlebotomy Training Program

It goes without saying that online phlebotomy training is in every way beneficial to individuals who have tight work schedules. Enrolling for online phlebotomy training overcomes the constraints of time and space. In addition, students can also pursue training at the time of their convenience and this allows them to continue with their routine tasks without interruptions.

Besides that, online students also have access to a wide range of learning and training materials which puts them on the same footing with the class going students. And, the beauty of it all is that it is easier to obtain online phlebotomy certification than to obtain one from a college or training center near you.

Areas Covered in Training for Phlebotomy Certification

Online phlebotomy certification tries to cover most of the areas taught in land-based phlebotomy programs. The good thing is that majority of trainers provide a course outline for the training programs. Anyway, you should be keen to know the areas covered in theory and practice before you enroll for phlebotomy training. Some of the common areas covered in online training programs include:Basic medical terms Tricks/tips in phlebotomy, Preventing per-analytical errors, Phlebotomy procedures Guidelines on safety and control Laboratory and Tests Special procedure Legal issues in phlebotomy

Examination and Issuance of Phlebotomy Certificates

As you go through training, you should also be aware of the required number of phlebotomy exams that candidate should sit in the training program. Majority of institutions consider 80% score as the ideal pass mark though this varies from one place to another. Upon successful completion of training and examinations, you will be issued with a printable certificate.

The bottom line is the online phlebotomy certification builds your credibility and determines your career growth. You should research extensively in accredited institutions before submitting your application for phlebotomy training. Employers attach so much importance to phlebotomy certification, so you should only enroll in colleges or training centers that have been fully accredited to offer training.

Requirements for Phlebotomy Certification

What are the Requirements for Phlebotomy Certification?

The requirements to earn phlebotomy certification depend on the type of certification you wish to obtain. Not all states are the what are the requirements to be a phlebotomist are the same, but if you live in a state where there is more than 1 type of phlebotomy certification, then you need to be aware of the requirements for each type. For the purpose of this article, we are using California as our example.

 

In California we have the following types of phlebotomists:

  • Limited Phlebotomy Technician – Skin puncture blood collection only
  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician I – Venipuncture and skin punctures
  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician II – Arterial puncture, venipuncture, and skin punctures

Each type of phlebotomist has its own requirements. Remember, the following requirements are for California. Each state has its own levels of phlebotomy certification with their respective requirements. These are the current requirements for California. Additionally, all of these types require that you have high school diploma or its equivalent like a GED.

Limited Phlebotomy Technician

To receive certification for Limited Phlebotomy Technician, you will need to complete 20 hours of a basic training course. The training course must be one that is approved by the state. So before you sign up, verify that it is state-approved. You must also perform 25 successful skin punctures on real patients. These procedures must be done either as part of the training course or on the job.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician I

There are three types that California recognizes for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician I: Those with no experience, those with less than 1040 hours of experience, and those with 1040 hours or more with experience. Let’s examine the differences for requirements:

Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (without experience)

If you have no job experience, you are required to complete 20 hours of basic classes, 20 hours of advanced classes, 40 hours of practical training (this must be done in a clinical setting), and you must successfully perform 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (less than 1040 hours of experience)

If you have less than 1040 hours of experience, your requirements are similar to those with no experience, with the exception that you are not required to have 40 hours of training in a clinical setting. You will need to attend 20 hours of basic classes and 20 hours of advanced ones. And you must perform 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (1040 hours of experience or more)

Your requirements if you have 1040 hours of experience or more are lighter than the other types of Certified Phlebotomy Technician I . It’s easy to see why. Because you have so much on the job training, it is assumed you know what you are doing. You don’t need to take any basic classes, but you will need to take 20 hours of advanced classes and you must complete 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician II

This is the top level phlebotomist. To earn certification you must complete 20 hours of advanced classes during your training. And under the guidance of a licensed MD, PA, RN, CLB, CLS, or RCP, you must successfully complete 20 arterial punctures, in addition to the 50 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures.

Where to Get Phlebotomy Certification

Where to Get Phlebotomy Certification?

Where to get your phlebotomy certification depends on the state. Each state has its own governing agency that regulates thewhere to get phlebotomy certification phlebotomy profession. This agency likely regulates other health professions that are similar. It is this agency that approves of training programs and exams. Therefore, before signing up for a class, make sure it is on the approved list.

If you want to be certified, you need to take care of any requirements that are expected of you to be completed. The process is multi-tiered, and it usually looks like this:

  • Prerequisites
  • Training
  • Exam
  • Application
  • Prerequisites

Prerequisites are anything that must be completed before you can begin your training program. This includes having a high school diploma. If you don’t have a high school diploma, you will need its equivalent, such as a GED. If you received your education outside of the United States you will need to submit your diploma or a document at least equivalent to a high school diploma to AACRAO for evaluation, or submit an official translation of the foreign transcript. The training class may not request the prerequisite, but the state agency certainly will if it’s required.

Training

With your prerequisites in order, you should start look for a phlebotomy course to enroll in. But do not sign up for just any class. You need to check if the class you are interested in singing up for is approved by the state. Each state provides an up-to-date list of programs that are approved. Make sure the class is on the list.

Training varies from state to state. There is no national regulation of the profession, so each state determines its own requirements for students to complete. Some programs are longer than others, and some will be more comprehensive.

To give you an example, California’s phlebotomy training program is multi-tiered. Each type of technician has its own class and practical training requirements

  • Limited Phlebotomy Technician
  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician I
  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician II

Students in the Limited Phlebotomy Technician program must complete 20 hours of basic classes and 25 successful skin punctures.

Those in the Certified Phlebotomy Technician I program are required to do, not only 20 hours of basic classes, but 20 also hours of advanced classes. They are only required to do 10 successful skin punctures, but they must also do 50 venipunctures.

If you are in the Certified Phlebotomy Technician II program, you do not have to take basic classes, but you must do the 20 hours of advanced classes. Like Technician I, you must do 10 skin punctures and 50 venipunctures, and additionally you must complete 20 arterial punctures.

Exam

At the end of your training course, you are eligible to sit down and take the exam. Just as states regulate which classes are approved, they also approve of the certifying organizations to give exams. Although the states approve of the organizations, your potential employer may favor one over the others.

Application

After you have passed the exam, you may not apply for your certification with your state. Each state has a particular department or agency in charge. You are expected to apply through them. The application process consists of furnishing the following:

  • Submitting copy of high school diploma (or its equivalent)
  • Certificate of completion of training program
  • Certificate of completion of exam
  • Documentation of punctures (skin, venipunctures, arterial) if applicable
  • Application fee

Once everything has been submitted, including the fee, your application will be processed. If everything is successful, you can expect to receive your certificate certifying your position as a phlebotomist.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do

A phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood from patients. That’s the simple answer to the question of ‘What does a Phlebotomist Do.’ But there is more to it than that.

Besides drawing blood from patients and blood donors, it is the responsibility of the phlebotomist to talk with those patients and keep them calm during a procedure. Not surprisingly, having your blood drawn is not a pleasant experience. For those who are anxious, the phlebotomist will talk with them so that they are less nervous.

To keep things in order, it is also a responsibility to verify the patient’s information so that collections are properly labeled. The blood drawn must be labeled for the purposes of testing and processing. The phlebotomist will enter pertinent information into a database and is responsible for assembling and maintaining medical instruments.

Phlebotomy Certification Online

Phlebotomy Certification Online: What to Expect from Web-based Courses

Online phlebotomy certification is the answer for busybodies who want to start a career as phlebotomists but are too busy to go to traditional school.

A certification course online spells convenience for individuals who cannot attend a classroom set-up. Online courses have a hands-on training for practical component of the course because the field of phlebotomy requires both theory and skills. Although classroom time is less in online courses, the programs offered online are extensive and as comprehensive as those offered in college. Online programs include modules in anatomy, physiology and laboratory methods such as venipuncture. Reading materials are usually provided as well as media-instructions via video clips or live chats for interactive learning. Minimum hands-on hours are still required for students who are enrolled in a certification program online before they can graduate.

Most schools and online training programs require a high school diploma before enrollment in any course. Applicants are also encouraged to do volunteer work in a blood clinic or any form of laboratory work to increase their chances of acceptance in a phlebotomy program. It is also important to choose a program that is accredited since most employers hire graduates from recognized institutions over programs that do not meet the standards of any national certifying organization. Online phlebotomy certification programs and diploma courses can be finished in 3 months while associate programs in phlebotomy can take up to 18 months. If you are serious about a career in phlebotomy then a college degree can take generally 2 years to finish.

After you obtain a phlebotomy certification online, there are many job opportunities for phlebotomists in a variety of settings which include hospitals, blood banks, private clinics and research laboratories.

If you think you are too busy to go back to school then it is best to consider an online phlebotomy certification course. Whatever schedule you have, you can view materials in your own time and convenience. Studying online while keeping a full-time job is possible with web-based courses. Get your phlebotomy certification online now – it’s convenient, comprehensive and extensive.

Phlebotomy Jobs

Phlebotomy Jobs – A Fast Growing Career in Clinical Laboratory Field

With a great requirement for phlebotomists and training for phlebotomy being relatively short, there is a high demand for careers in phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is a vital part of today’s extremely modern and vast medical field. In a medical team, phlebotomist is important as a doctor. To become a phlebotomy, you have to pass phlebotomy certification exam. Basically, phlebotomists are specialized member of medical unit, whose focus in the section of collection and preservation of blood specimens for diagnostic uses. They sanitize all the required equipments like syringe before used to collect blood and safely dispose all the items after the entire procedure.

In the current market, there is a great demand for phlebotomy jobs because of the contribution from healthcare and early medical testing services. Blood banks, hospitals, laboratories constantly look for and hire skilled phlebotomist.

The phlebotomist carries out all the tasks related to collecting blood specimens, preserving, labeling and proper storing. In addition to clinical technician work, phlebotomist can work as blood bank manager. Also with extra training, he/she can pursue career as medical assistants where he/she can perform additional duties like checking patient vitals.
To pursue the career in phlebotomy, you must complete a formalized training by receiving either an associate’s degree or a certificate. The training may include a study in human anatomy, techniques in blood collection and procedures about storing and labeling of samples as well as safety precautionary measures.

Depending upon the type, the training period may vary from six months to twenty four months. Once you complete training, you must become certified to start working with the patients in your state. There are many training schools available to offer training in phlebotomy. Most of the employers only hire phlebotomist who has passed the phlebotomy certification exam. In order to take this exam, you should have completed the training program from a certified training school. Also you should demonstrate hundred vein-punctures and twenty five skin-punctures successfully.

Along with a Phlebotomy certification, as a phlebotomist, you need some specialized skills. It includes excellent hand-eye movements, attention to details, good organization skills, passionate and caring towards the patients and you should not be shy and fainthearted when it comes to blood and urine. Most of the patients are afraid of needles. Therefore, the first thing you should do is to make the patient at ease. Also you should be able to treat emotional and angry patients with love and care.
The benefits of choosing careers in phlebotomy are numerous.

According to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, during the current decade, from 2008 to 2018, the growth of jobs in clinical laboratory field will be faster than the average of any other occupations. Job opportunities in this field, especially phlebotomy jobs will be tremendous; because of the number of job openings will remain to go past the number of job searchers.

So, if you are for dynamic career in clinical laboratory field, then phlebotomy is the right choice for you. The average salary for a phlebotomist is $29,040. Matched with pay scale, is the flexible work hours that make careers in phlebotomy even more exciting.

Phlebotomy Certification Exam

How to Get Ready for the Phlebotomy Certification Exam

If you are all set to take the phlebotomy certification exam, then it simply means that you are finished with the training course and you are one step closer to getting certified.

How you were trained and how well you performed in the certification course determines much how you are going to fare in the certifying exams. Enrollment in an accredited program that meets the quality and standards of the Clinical and Laboratory Sciences Institute (CLSI) is an advantage because such programs are designed to prepare students well for the certification process after graduation.

How to study for the exam? Do not be too confident even if you just finished your training program, questions are randomly selected from a pool of questions; you never know what items will be asked. It is helpful though to review basic subjects such as anatomy, physiology and laboratory procedures. Practice tests may also be used to simulate the real exam and to be familiar with items that may come out. Books such as “Essentials of Phlebotomy” is a good read since it covers knowledge that an examinee needs to know to pass the exam.

Since phlebotomy is primarily about venipuncture, be sure to get a good grasp of anatomy and the circulatory system particularly the venous system. Common puncture sites may be asked as well as proper techniques in doing venipuncture and skin puncture since a whole section of the certification exam is primarily about these topics.

Previous experience in the field can qualify one to take the examination for phlebotomy certification but those who took an 8-month long certification course are at an advantage because of the hours they spent on extensive lectures and skills training on the subjects that are covered in the written and practical component of the examination. If you did well in the training course and was diligent as a student then you should be confident in your competence to pass the tests. Phlebotomists who have been working in the field and want to get certified should study the right materials to ensure success as well.

A phlebotomy certification can easily land you a job in the health care area. A certified phlebotomist is an essential part of any laboratory, clinic or hospital. If you want a bright future in phlebotomy then consider getting certified; It will make a big difference in your career.

Phlebotomy License

In order to obtain your Phlebotomy certification which then results in the candidate being issued with their Phlebotomy License, an examination has to be written and passed. Whoever conducts this examination, the state you live in or the US government, it is proof that a qualified Phlebotomist will be allowed to practice as a certified Phlebotomist. Not all US states insist in this certification, but in California – they are very strict – no license, no practice, no work.

The Importance of being a Licensed Phlebotomist

Whether the Phlebotomy study course took a year or 6 months to complete, or maybe even a 4 year long and involved degree, a license is required to show that you have reached the required standard to become a practicing Phlebotomist. Skill and experience are not enough – understand that very clearly. An uncertified Phlebotomist will not progress very well in her career as there will be this continual doubt in the employers mind about just how she qualified…

If medical science is your favorite subject, and a lot of interest is shown over the last year or so in the Phlebotomy career, then perhaps that is the path for you to follow. There are plenty of ‘on-the-job’ training courses with the emphasis on the practical nature of the job itself. And at the end of the course, find out about the certification examination and make sure the exam is taken and passed.

Without a license, mistakes can be made and they can turn into a very big issue for you if you are not protected by your license and you have no recourse to any backup from the accreditation agency. By not having a license, a person leaves himself wide open to be sued for malpractice suits and that is something really worth avoiding so early in a career.

How to Get a Phlebotomy License?

What is the procedure to follow to get a Phlebotomy license? Well, whatever school you are studying at, you have to complete the minimum number of courses they require for Phlebotomy certification. The study course must have met the Health Department guidelines set out in that State. A year or so of experience helps expand the knowledge base. States all differ in their expectations of students qualifications, but the norm is around 1 000 hours of work as a Phlebotomist in the laboratory. This counts very well towards one’s license requirements.

There are many certification schools around and agencies online who offer certification courses. At the end of it, a written examination takes place, as well as a demonstration of skills of what has been learnt and whether it has been put into practice successfully or not.

These practical skills are listed here for ease of referral:

  • preparing the patient before blood extraction / bedside manner
  • both techniques have to be demonstrated – i.e venipuncture and arterial puncture
  • quality of care shown to the patient during and after the procedure
  • methods of safety while delivering the samples to the lab, and processing the blood samples or bodily fluids specimen
  • preventative procedures used against infectious diseases
  • discuss the ethics and legalities involved in phlebotomy
  • show the quality assurance techniques used in the labs
  • show how to use the materials and reagents in the lab

If all of these points are carried out 100% correctly, the candidate is extremely deserving of his or her Phlebotomy license.

Phlebotomy Licensing Institutions

As we know by now, only 2 states require licensed Phlebotomists, but it certainly gives you a better start in the job market. The person employing a Phlebotomist with a license can be assured that they are getting a very competent member of staff – and that’s the whole point. The candidate is rated by an international or national organization and that puts employer’s minds at rest. That is why these institutions exist – to implement and carry out regulatory checks and to have an acceptable norm in the industry with which to compare applicants.

Places such as The American Society for Clinical Pathology, the National Phlebotomy Association and the Association of Phlebotomy Technicians all adhere to these standard norms and principles.