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Advantages of Earning a Phlebotomy Certification

Healthcare Jobs Are On The Rise And This Includes Career Opportunities For Phlebotomists.

A phlebotomist is primarily tasked in drawing blood as specimen for laboratory examinations or for donation in blood banks. A phlebotomist is trained in the technique of collecting and handling specimens properly in the laboratory. Phlebotomy certification is not required in all institutions but is a deciding factor for employees when hiring phlebotomy staff for hospitals, laboratories, blood banks and clinics. If you are a certified phlebotomist, your chance of getting the job is greater versus applicants who do not hold a certification in the field.

Here are some benefits or advantages of getting a phlebotomy certification.

  • Greater Career Opportunities – Certification is not required in most states except in California and Louisiana but most employers will hire those who are certified because they are more confident and trusting of applicants whose competence are recognized. Being a certified phlebotomist ensures employers that the skills and knowledge of the individuals are at par with the standards set by the national certifying agencies. Getting a job and getting hired is easier if you have a certification, it puts you steps ahead from other applicants.
  • Higher Salary – Phlebotomists usually work the usual 9 to 5 work week or in shifts if hired in a hospital setting. Certified phlebotomists have higher salaries than those who are not duly certified by any agency. An average per annum of $26,000 is usually earned by certified phlebotomists.
  • Better Skills and Training – Certified phlebotomists have a minimum training of 8-12 months which includes lectures in the basic sciences plus laboratory methods. A minimum 100 hours of clinical hands-on training is also required plus completion of practicum tasks such as venipunctures and dermal punctures is necessary. Training is extensive and applicants for certification need to pass a written exam and skills test before becoming fully certified.

Employers set high standards when hiring health staff especially in large institutions like hospitals and research laboratories. It is best to stand out with a phlebotomy certification from a national certifying organization like the ACA or AMT.

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What is Venipuncture for a Phlebotomist

Venipuncture, also spelled, venopuncture, or venepuncture, is a process to gain intravenous access to a particular vein for the purpose of blood sampling, or blood treatment. It is most likely performed by one of the following persons: EMT (emergency medical technicians), paramedics, phlebotomists, or dialysis technicians. Other members of the nursing staff can also perform venipunctue, as most have been trained or certified in phlebotomy prior to starting their nursing careers. Among procedures performed in doctors offices or hospitals, venipuncture is the most commonly performed. There are several main reasons for venipuncture to be performed:

  • Obtain a blood sample for diagnostics
  • Collect blood from patients to analyze and later use in blood transfusions
  • To administer intravenous treatments, such as chemotherapy, nutrition, and other medicines
  • Monitor levels of blood components
  • To Remove excess blood from the body due to high levels of red blood cells or iron

Methods for Venipuncture

Taking blood from a vein can be performed many ways. The most common way is by evacuated tube system. The two most common types of vacuum tubes are the Vacutainer, and the Vacuette. These two machines are made up of a plastic hub, a hypodermic needle, and a vacuum tube (obviously).

The best way to perform venipuncture varies from patient to patient and depends on their age, overall health, what tests need to be performed, and what equipment is available at the current facility. It should be noted that there are certain situations and conditions where only a needle and syringe can be used. When this is the case, usually a butterfly catheter attached to a long or short needle is used. This is typical method for performing venipuncture is less developed cultures than the US. With that said, it is still very common to use a needle and syringe, even in the US, under certain circumstances.

Top 5 Reasons to Become a Phlebotomist

Top 5 Reasons to Become a Phlebotomist

A phlebotomist’s main responsibility is to draw blood samples from patients for the purpose of medical testing. A phlebotomy technician is the actually person withdrawing the blood. This position has several advantages over other health-related and nursing careers. Here are the top 5 reasons to become a certified phlebotomy technician.

1. Becoming a phlebotomist is relatively quick and easy. Unlike most profession health degrees and certifications, phlebotomists do not require extensive schooling to become certified. All that is usually required is to attend some training classes, usually at a community college, and then pass an exam. Some states do not even require this much! These courses and exam can be completed in under a year.

2. The return on investment is quite high for a phlebotomy technician. The amount of studying and training work that goes into becoming certified is minimal compared to other careers. You will be spending few hours in classes, and not very much money, but when you are finished you will emerge with a full certification in a health related field. This is enough to get you in the door of a doctor’s office or clinic and can pave the way for you to move up to your desired career path.

3. Currently, there are many open positions requiring the skills a trained phlebotomist possesses. Besides drawing blood samples, a phlebotomist is also good at organization, administrative work, and laboratory familiarity. This knowledge is enough to find a job in a related health field as well, not necessarily phlebotomy, if one chooses to deviate.

4. The services of a phlebotomy technician are required in numerous places. There is not a clinic, doctor’s office, hospital, or other health-related center that is not in need of an employee with the skills a phlebotomist possesses.

5. The pay rate for a certified phlebotomy technician is quite high compared to other jobs. Because phlebotomy is classified as a health-related field, the compensation is comparable to other beginning salaries in other health careers specializing in high responsibility and high level of detail.

These are just the top 5 reasons to become a certified phlebotomy technician. A phlebotomy technician certification is a great way to begin your employment and jump start your career. High pay and high rewards are some of the benefits you will receive when working in this field. You will be able to help those in need and provide for people who need your services. The amount of time you spend preparing yourself will pay itself back many times over. Keep these tips in mind when you are looking for your next position.

Phlebotomists Job Description

Phlebotomists perform more than 100 blood draws every day with different patients, from infants to the elderly. This type of position demands active interaction with laboratory supervisors, doctors, nurses, health workers, patients and donors since they typically work in laboratories, public and private hospitals, clinics and blood banks.

They are health care professionals who are assigned to draw blood specimens from people attending a blood donation or patients in hospital. This is done in a number of stages; first by applying tourniquet to the arm. After the phlebotomists locate the vein they need to use antiseptic to swab the puncture area. To draw blood they need to insert the needle into vein. They assemble tourniquets and needles as well as prepare other necessary equipment such as blood collection devices, disposable containers for needles, cotton, gauze, and alcohol in neat and clean blood working tray.

Phlebotomists Job

However, before anything else, explaining the entire procedure and accurate instructions to patient or donor are essential for them to be aware for the right method of blood specimen collection and also to put them as ease. There are many people who are afraid of blood and also needles for that matter. That’s why phlebotomists should ensure the patient or donor to kept calm and still during the entire process. Further, in order to prevent any risk of infection or disease, phlebotomists need to keep the cleanliness of the phlebotomy area.

Health care professionals such as phlebotomists should always wear head caps, facemasks, gloves and gowns to avoid any contamination and must pursue the strict guidelines when collecting samples of blood for the safety of patients and themselves. Awareness and being prepared practices of sterilization and infection control is also another important factor to consider.

In addition, phlebotomists should know how to identify the records of donors or patients, conduct interviews and screen blood donors’ acceptability by examining blood samples. Based on the findings, they can also make recommendations to the patient. Likewise, phlebotomists should have abilities in record management. This is because they usually label and document the specimens taken from patients and record the information in an alphabetical filing system for future reference and research.

They are also responsible to secure the medical record of the patient to avoid any problems with legal matters. Capabilities in data entry routines are an advantage since phlebotomists are often required to write test results and complete the laboratory accession record. Moreover, they should be aware in proper phone etiquette to answer phone calls from patients to set an appointment with doctor and also to route phone calls to the right member of the laboratory or medical office.

In order to become a phlebotomist, anyone wishing for this role should be a graduate of any degree related to medicine or health care. License or certification is required given that complete knowledge of human anatomy to locate veins is the fundamental of the job. It is also to reduce the impact of liability due to wrong practices; for example, miscalculation of inserting needles to the right vein resulted to severe pain and contamination. Good communication skills are also important and other qualities such as being patience, hard working, responsible and with presence of mind is an edge that you should have to give you the best chance.

How To Become a Phlebotomist

How To Become a Phlebotomist

A phlebotomist is one who conducts blood collection specimens for analysis and treatment. If you are on this page, you probably are wondering How to become a phlebotomist? An aspiring phlebotomist must get the required training in the field of blood extraction in the vein, artery and capillary. One needs to be exposed to, and not squeamish of blood in order to be one.

Even a high school graduate can find a way on how to become a phlebotomist provided that he obtains training in a phlebotomy school and was awarded a certificate. A phlebotomy training program is a good preparation for a medical career. One needs to study anatomy, physiology and psychology in order to acquaint himself with phlebotomy. Interpersonal skills should also be cultivated in order to deal with different kinds of patients. The job of a phlebotomist doesn’t begin and ends with blood collection. There is also the marking, the storage, the analysis and the recording of blood samples so office documentation is also a requirement of the program. Certified and eligible phlebotomists are preferred by employers because they can guarantee minimal or no errors in their medical practice because there is simply no room for mistakes in this field.

How to become a phlebotomist? – By passing an eligibility exam and completing the required number of venipuncture procedures. There are two ways on how to can become a phlebotomist: The first one is without formal training, you just practice phlebotomy for one year and you could already avail of certification eligibility exam. The requirement for this is a great number of blood collection procedures. The second way is by formal training in a phlebotomy school. After finishing the phlebotomy course and programs a certificate will be issued.

Nowadays, there are ways on how to become a phlebotomist available through online courses. However, these courses can provide you the knowledge of phlebotomy but will not provide you hands on training or the actual medical practice so you need to choose online courses that will give you actual training in blood collection because there is no alternative to the actual thing.

Phlebotomists should also practice safety precautions in blood collection, handling, marking and labeling of blood specimens. A phlebotomist is also expected to protect themselves by wearing a pair of gloves, surgical mask, lab gown and head cap. They must also be equipped with the safety standards in handling and storage of blood specimens. They must also possess a good interpersonal skill to put their patience at ease and relax them during blood collection. It is also important that they help the patient conquers fear of needles especially for kids. It will also help a phlebotomist to be organized in the marking, storage and analysis of the blood samples. This will facilitate the dissemination of the blood specimens.

So, how to become a phlebotomist? – By being certified or by undergoing extensive training in a medical surrounding. It might not be an easy task to do considering the job entails precision and details.

How to become a phlebotomist? – By simply being a person who can ease a patient’s fear and perform blood collection without pain and stress.

What Is Phlebotomy

What Is Phlebotomy?

What is phlebotomy? Phlebotomy comes from the Greek words phlebo which means vein and tom meaning to cut, so it means cutting through the vein to extract blood.

The practice of phlebotomy, which is also called venipuncture, is the drawing of blood from a patient using medical needles. The blood is utilized by a physician either to study the clinical background of the patient or use the blood for a patient’s blood transfusion. Registered nurses and clinic aides are usually trained as phlebotomists.

What is Phlebotomy

When performing what is phlebotomy, the personal background of the patient must first be identified and checked for verification purposes. The equipment and medical supplies to be used will then be prepared while the phlebotomist washes his hand then put on surgical gloves before the blood extraction. The patient’s arm will then be made to rest extended and relaxed on a flat surface. The phlebotomist will select the most accessible vein after putting pressure into the arms while the patient’s fist is clenched.

The selected vein site is then thoroughly sanitized with an alcohol and dried up before blood extraction. The needle is then inserted into the vein and the blood is allowed to flow freely into a small tube. Once the blood sample is enough, the needle is removed and a gauze pad will be placed over the cut. The patient will then be asked to relax for a while. The blood on the other hand will be kept in storage either for clinical studies for the patient’s medical record or could be used for blood donation for transfusion.

The blood extracted from the patient should be well-kept and stored properly to avoid contamination. It is very important that the blood should not be contaminated so that it can serve its purpose.

The practitioners of phlebotomy should be pleasant and accommodating in order to ease the tension and relax the patient during blood extraction. There is also a need to be comfortable around children and be able to calm down kids so there won’t be any problems while looking for a vein site that will cause the least amount of pain and stress.

What is phlebotomy? It is a very important medical procedure because it is the basic step in doing a medical analysis of a patient. This lab test is actually a prerequisite in the detection of certain diseases. Innovations in Science have allowed the detection of serious illnesses from blood samples thus progression of the disease has been put under control. Major diseases like leukemia, anemia and even diabetes can be detected through blood test.

Most medical practitioners are basically trained for this bloodletting procedure because it is a basic medical test given to patients. The training can be given to nurses, doctors and hospital aides.

What is phlebotomy? It is a great help to medical professionals in the efficient analysis and diagnosis of serious diseases that require prolong medical treatment or even surgery. Blood samples can really go a long, long way in informing physicians of how serious or deadly an illness might be for a certain patient.

Next time you visit the hospital, remember a phlebotomist is not out to hurt you with needles but a friend to help you discover your medical disorder.

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.

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.