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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.

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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.

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.

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 School

Guide for Choosing a Phlebotomy School

Regarding professional education, selecting your institution is just as important as selecting a route to the destination. One element of selecting an institution is the percentage of jobholders and credibility of your target position in its particular market. It is also important to consider professional recognition and value of the degree from that institution and the array of the courses available for enhancing your career path.

In the United States, there are many prestigious institutions that offer a vast range of academic programs for Nursing. If you are interested in choosing phlebotomy as your career path, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best school which offers a phlebotomy training program. At the same time, you should make every effort to find the best training program in your state. It is important to ensure that the training program is accredited because this makes it much easier to find jobs after graduation. Otherwise, it may be a waste of time and money.

Something, you should bear in mind is that when applying for an accredited phlebotomy training program, you have chances for federal financial aid programs. This can greatly lessen the burden of high cost in tuition. Students should conduct research about the phlebotomy training program that they are interested in. One way to research your program of choice is to read and review the testimonials from previous phlebotomy students. They often provide their assessment of the program, and give testimony of the success rate of school.

This way, you can evaluate whether the school is effective in placing its students in phlebotomy jobs. Potential students also should check the length of the program of interest. Phlebotomy programs vary from six months to one year. After the completion of phlebotomy training program, students also must perform no less than 100 successful documented blood draws and five documented skin punctures. Students also should consider the accessibility and the convenience of the school geographically. There are many available phlebotomy training program, but your choices may be limited by location.

Phlebotomy Programs

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredits phlebotomy programs. Some examples of accredited and approved phlebotomy training programs are:

  • Asheville – Buncombe Technical Community College (828- 254-1921 ext. 266)
  • Austin Community College (512- 223-5932)
  • Baker College Auburn Hills (248- 276-8785)
  • Baker College of Owosso (989- 729-3383)
  • Bismarck State College (701- 323-5482)
  • Bossier Parish Community College (318- 678-6355). In addition, one can also consider getting enrolled in Bismarck State College (701- 323-5482)
  • Bossier Parish Community College (318- 678-6355)
  • Brunswick Community College (800- 754-1050 ext.350)
  • California State University (562- 985-4825)
  • California Institute of Medical Science, Inc. (559-490-3911)
  • Cape Fear Community College (910- 362-7492)
  • Carolinas College of Health Sciences (704- 355-3921)

The above options are great examples of schools with phlebotomy programs, but the best school is one that offers courses of interest to you on a schedule that is convenient, whether part time, full time, or online.