To become a certified phlebotomist in the US, one must complete post-secondary education, gain work experience, and pass a written exam. Certification requirements vary by state, and employers prefer certified candidates. Three associations issue certificates, and accredited training programs include clinical practice. Phlebotomists can expand their career with additional education, and the job requires working with people and precision.
There are three steps required to earn a phlebotomist certification: post-secondary education, work-related experience, and the successful completion of a written exam. A phlebotomist is someone who draws blood from people for blood tests or blood donations. Phlebotomists are also known as venipuncturists.
The level of phlebotomist certification required to gain a position in this field varies by state. While there are no specific legal requirements, most employers prefer candidates who have completed the certification process. This provides guarantees as to the level of skill, knowledge and experience.
There are three different associations responsible for certifying phlebotomists in the United States. All three have the same core requirements, but vary slightly in the level of detail. A phlebotomist certification program usually lasts four to eight months. There is a minimum of 40 hours of coursework, 100 clinical practice blood tests, and a written exam. Course work covers human anatomy, the circulatory system, sample processing, and laboratory procedures.
The American Society of Clinical Pathology, the Association of Phlebotomy Technicians, and the National Phlebotomy Association issue certificates that qualify you for employment opportunities as a phlebotomist. When selecting a training school, check which of these three associations has accredited the program before registering. If you are not accredited by an association, do not participate as your academic credentials will not be accepted when applying for certification.
All training programs include a clinical practice component. This experience is gained by working in a hospital, doctor’s office, or nursing home. During the practice component, a certified phlebotomist closely supervises the intern’s work. The supervisor is required to provide a written evaluation at the end of the employment period to the program consolidator. This assessment forms part of the student’s file.
Upon graduation, the three certifying associations require a written exam. The exam covers important concepts and procedures that are required to complete the tasks in this job. Upon successful completion of these requirements, a certificate is issued.
Phlebotomist is an entry-level position in the healthcare industry. After several years, many phlebotomists want to expand their professional responsibilities in other areas. To make this transition, additional education is needed. Some programs, such as the laboratory technician certificate, award credits toward courses taken toward phlebotomist certification.
People who get the most satisfaction from this job enjoy working with people, value precision, and want to make the uncomfortable process as easy as possible. Many people are very anxious about giving blood or seeing needles. A well-trained phlebotomist can put your mind at ease and obtain the required sample as quickly as possible.
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