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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.

What is Phlebotomy Certification

Phlebotomy certification is the process by which someone obtains a certificate to practice phlebotomy at a given level (if the statewhat is phlebotomy certification has multiple levels of certification). It is a multi-stage process.

The first stage is having your prerequisites in order. That is, make sure you have completed everything needed to begin a class. This is generally satisfied by earning your high school diploma or an equivalent to a high school diploma such as a GED. If everything is in order, you can register at a phlebotomy training program. The program must be state-approved. Be careful not to waste your money in a class that does not have the backing of your state. Once you complete the second stage it is on to the third, which is passing the exam. If you pass the test move to the final stage, which is the application stage. With valid proof of fulfilling the requirements, including finishing the training class, passing the exam and completing any required experience in punctures on real patients, you will submit your materials to the state’s governing body. If approved, you will receive your certificate.

States have their own requirements for what it takes to earn certification. Be sure understand what those requirements are so that time and money are not wasted. For example, in California, there are 3 main levels of a phlebotomist: Limited Phlebotomy Technician, Certified Phlebotomy Technician I, and Certified Phlebotomy Technician II. Each level has its own set of requirements. If your state has a multi-tiered system like California, know which one you are applying for to meet its respective requirements.

Limited Phlebotomy Technician

The requirements for this level includes the following:

  • 20 hours of basic classes
  • 25 skin punctures
  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician I

This level is broken down into 3 categories: No experience, experience less than 1040 hours, and experience of 1040 hours or more. We will examine the requirements for each.

No Experience

  • 20 hours of basic classes
  • 20 hours of advanced classes
  • 40 hours of practical training
  • 50 venipunctures
  • 10 skin punctures

Experience less than 1040 hours

  • 20 hours of basic classes
  • 20 hours of advanced classes
  • 50 venipunctures
  • 10 skin punctures

Experience of 1040 hours or more

  • 20 hours of advanced classes
  • 50 venipunctures
  • 10 skin punctures

Certified Phlebotomy Technician II

  • 20 hours of advanced classes
  • 50 venipunctures
  • 10 skin punctures

Completion of the training program and the required punctures does not give you automatic certification. You still must apply for the certification after you finish the requirements. Applications are generally available online. Submit the required materials along with the application fee (if there is one) and await for approval. If approved, you will receive your certificate.

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.

Phlebotomy Training Courses

What Things Are Covered In Phlebotomy Training Courses?

Health care workers who would like to improve their careers might want to consider taking up a phlebotomy training program in preparation for becoming certified professionals. What are the things usually covered in a training program?

In the past, phlebotomy certification was not a requisite for career advancement. It was only a process learned by medical workers on the job. However, as the health care industry began to grow, doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners had new responsibilities that took away the time they were supposed to allocate for blood testing. This particular procedure was left in the hands of allied health workers, the phlebotomists.

These days, allied health workers take up phlebotomy training in order to enhance their chances of being chosen by prospective employers in health care institutions. It cannot also be denied that those who possess the appropriate certification are usually better compensated as compared to their uncertified colleagues.

In the United States, phlebotomy certification can usually be obtained from any of three major certifying agencies, namely, the National Phlebotomy Association, the American Society for Clinical Pathology, and the Association of Phlebotomy Technicians.

These agencies help aspiring candidates obtain necessary certification. All entities provide specialized training and classroom lessons that help raise an individuals chance of passing the certifying examination for phlebotomy.

Even if these agencies have different training curricula, they all help boost a practitioners knowledge about anatomy and various venipuncture techniques. Furthermore, there are also lessons on people interaction, considering that phlebotomy is an invasive procedure that can make patients feel uncomfortable or even scared.

Undergoing training will require an individual to log in a prescribed number of hours for classroom lessons and for hands-on clinical internship. The number of hours required will vary among the three agencies. Furthermore, the individual working toward a certification will have to accumulate a specified number of unaided bloodletting in order to complete their coursework.

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.

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.