Phlebotomy training is readily available in all shapes and sizes. Students can enroll in phlebotomy programs that can range from several days to more than a year in duration. So why spend a year or more when you can enroll in a phlebotomy certification course that can be completed in just a few days or months?

The first obvious reason is of course the potential in finding a job. The work of a phlebotomy technician involves much more than simply knowing how to draw blood from patients. Professionals in the field must have a thorough knowledge of laboratory and labeling procedures, infection safety precautions, appropriate blood draw techniques for the elderly and for infants and more. Studying phlebotomy for a few days will not prepare you for all the duties that are required of all employees working in a medical facility where blood samples are taken or analyzed. Since quality control, safe specimen collection and processing are vital for accurate results; employers demand a high level of knowledge along with practical hands on experience in order to consider any applicant to be eligible for employment.

Once students have successfully passed their phlebotomy courses, they will be required to take their certification exams. These exams have both an oral and practical component and one must meet the eligibility requirements to take these exams. One of the specific prerequisites being a pre-determined number of hours of actual blood draws. In all likelihood, courses that last only a few days will not adequately prepare or entitle you to take the phlebotomy certification exams.

Phlebotomists are highly trained professionals in the health care field who must also have a good understanding in such areas as medical terminology, physiology, superior communication skills and so much more. A career as a phlebotomy technician is a rewarding one with potential for advancement for those who are properly trained. It is also a job that carries serious responsibilities where patients and physicians depend on accurate specimens for proper diagnosis. As well, it is a profession where continuous learning is essential in keeping up with new developments and technologies. Those that have completed their phlebotomy certification are also required to renew their license annually which again means taking re-certification exams.

The significance of maintaining the proper order of blood draws continues to be misunderstood by some phlebotomy technicians. Even though it has been more than thirty years since the required order of blood collection tubes was announced, misdiagnosis still occurs in laboratories throughout the country.

A change in order did take place with the advent of glass tubes being replaced by plastic tubes and because glass acted as a natural clot activator, no additive was necessary to aid in clotting. This revision in the proper order of draws was necessary to avoid contamination of the additives in the new plastic tubes.

Contamination occurs when the blood or additive makes contact with the needle that is filling the tube and then transfers even a minute amount of additive or blood to the next tube being filled. There are several factors that can cause this transfer or carryover in both vacuum and syringe draws. In tube holder draws, carryover will occur directly from the needle that is in the holder as tubes are being exchanged. In the case of syringe draws, the contamination happens through the needle of the safety transfer device.

Another factor that can cause carryover is when there is improper orientation of the tube while using a tube holder. If exact positioning were possible in all draws allowing the tubes to be filled from bottom to top every time, the specific order of draws would not be such a critical issue. In the course of your phlebotomy training, it should have been strongly emphasized that this is virtually impossible given that each patient is different and an endless variety of patient arm positions occur in the course of any draw.

When situations of carryover exist, test results can be significantly affected and can result in devastating and life-threatening medical errors. Technicians who take their careers seriously and have attained their phlebotomy certification understand the importance of always following accepted standard procedures in every blood draw. It is also recommended that all those involved in the field regularly update their skills either through accredited phlebotomy programs or if time is a factor, there are several online phlebotomy certification classes available for retraining. The safety of all patients depends on each phlebotomy technician understanding the importance of following proper procedures with every blood draw.

Accurate diagnosis of specimens is crucial in order for physicians to treat their patients. Errors in any phase of the blood collection process can result in incorrect treatment and can be devastating; even life-threatening for the patient. Infection control, proper order of blood draws and labeling would have been thoroughly covered in all accredited phlebotomy programs. The importance of best practices and patient/client communication should also have been discussed with the possible ramifications in failing to do so. Even with advanced and ongoing training as well as up-to-date phlebotomy certification of all employees within blood collection facilities, errors do occur.

In order to understand how best to diminish or eliminate the occurrence of such errors it is important to find out at which point in the process they generally take place. New advances in both automation and instrument technology have lead to simplifying lab diagnostic tasks greatly improving the accuracy of test results. Unfortunately the high majority of errors have been found to exist in the pre-analytical portion of the procedure.  More than 90% of errors occur between the time that a physician orders blood work and the time that it is ready for testing. It is not possible to get accurate results if the specimen has been compromised in some way before it arrives at the lab for testing. Slightly more than half of all pre-analytical errors are due to a lack of either quantity or quality of the specimen. Other causes can be attributed to such things as:

• Inadequate training of the phlebotomy technician
• Inappropriate container, collection devices and procedures
• Errors in patient identification
• Errors in patient preparation
• Transport, storage, separation and handling issues.

The right training and continual upgrading of skills is certainly an essential component in reducing pre-analytical errors. Budget constraints and staff shortages place an added level of stress on all phlebotomy technicians which can greatly distract from a technician’s focus on the job at hand. In spite of these challenges, it is important that all employees working in the field remember that errors can have fatal consequences and attention to detail and proper procedures are imperative.

While hospitals and other health care facilities have a mandate to be more fiscally responsible, there are areas that can pose risks in the effort to save money. One of these is having nurses and doctors drawing blood samples for testing rather than by trained professionals who hold a phlebotomy certification. Although eliminating a phlebotomy technician from regular staffing will in the short run save money, the repercussions do not outweigh the savings. It has been found that when medical staff, who have minimal phlebotomy training, routinely perform blood draws, there is a higher rate of specimen contamination. Incorrect labeling and turnaround time can also be adversely affected by the use of non laboratory trained personnel.

There are many vital areas that accredited phlebotomy courses teach including the color coding and patient identification procedures required for all blood draws. Both the laboratory and phlebotomy technician understands when to use, what to do with and how to differentiate between specimens containing, for example a bright yellow or white label. When specific procedures are either not understood or not followed properly delays in getting results for a patient in a hospital emergency room can be devastating.

More and more hospitals and health care facilities have come to understand the serious implications of not staffing trained phlebotomy technicians. Although not all facilities can staff a full time phlebotomist 24 hours a day many have come to realize the need to have them either on call or on staff during peak operating hours.

If you are interested in working in the medical field, enrolling in an accredited phlebotomy course is an excellent way to begin your career. For those looking to secure phlebotomy jobs but have limited time to attend school, an excellent choice is by enrolling in an online phlebotomy certification program. It is important to keep in mind that students must still conduct a predetermined number of actual blood draws in order to qualify for their final certification exams. Students who already work in a health care facility can often gain this hands-on experience through their employer alternatively; most phlebotomy schools do have practical training modules as part of their phlebotomy programs.

Unless you are currently working in the medical field and would have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in blood draws, it is best to attend one of the many dedicated phlebotomy schools. Since phlebotomy certification is granted through the state, your search for available phlebotomy programs should begin with schools within the state you plan to work in.

There are several factors that one must consider when trying to decide which phlebotomy training program is most suited to your needs. The first is to ensure that the phlebotomy schools as well as the phlebotomy courses are ones that are accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. This will ensure you that upon successful completion of the program you will be adequately prepared to write both your written and clinical phlebotomy certification exam. A few of these top agencies are:

• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• National Credentialing Agency
• National Center for Competency Testing
• National Health Care Association

Another area that is critical is to make certain that the phlebotomy programs you are considering provide ample time for hands-on training in drawing blood from real patients. All certification bodies will require a predetermined number of actual blood draws to be eligible for certification. It is important to note that the practical portion of your phlebotomy training take place in a facility that is approved by a recognized accrediting body. This is especially important should you be enrolled in an online phlebotomy certification program.

It is a good idea to contact a few of the accrediting agencies to find out what their specific certification requirements are. This will make researching phlebotomy schools more efficient since you will have all the necessary information to properly evaluate the pros and cons of all the schools that offer phlebotomy technician programs in your state.

Request as much information as you can or speak to a program advisor from each school that you are considering. Taking a little time to do some research will help you make a more informed decision and ultimately lead more opportunities when looking for phlebotomy jobs.

Phlebotomy is a branch of the health care field that consists mainly of drawing blood from veins, arteries and capillaries for various medical purposes. Professionals with the knowledge and skills to perform these sensitive tasks are called phlebotomists.

Although drawing blood samples is the primary responsibility of phlebotomists, they are sometimes called upon to perform other functions in the hospital or laboratory environment. These additional tasks include explaining sampling techniques to patients, entering patient and donor data into clinical computer systems, and ensuring the cleanliness or sterility of collection instruments, among other things.

List of Phlebotomy Training Courses In Massachusetts

Keiser University

Programs:

• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Kaplan University

Programs:

• BS in Health Science
• BS in Heath and Wellness
• BS in Health Care Administration
• And more...

New England Institute of Technology

Programs:

• Associate in Science in Clinical Medical Assistant Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management
• Associate in Science Degree in Respiratory Care Technology
• And more...

Locations: East Greenwich

Lincoln Technical Institute

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical Administration

Locations: Brockton

Walden University

Programs:

• B.S. in Health Studies - Health Communication
• B.S. in Health Studies
• B.S. in Health Studies - Health & Cultural Diversity
• And more...

Everest Institute

Programs:

• Medical General
• Medical Assistant (Diploma)
• Medical Administrative Assistant (Diploma)

Locations: Chelsea

Branford Hall Career Institute

Programs:

• Professional Medical Assistant

Locations: Springfield

The College Network

Programs:

• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• Paramedic to RN

Grand Canyon University

Programs:

• M.S. in Health Care Administration

Hesser College

Programs:

• Diploma: Medical Assistant
• Associate of Science: Medical Assistant

Locations: Nashua

Prospective students of phlebotomy in Massachusetts must have earned a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years of age before beginning a training program. Most programs also ask for documentation of a recent health screening and willingness to submit to a criminal background check before students can be permitted to practice in an on-campus or affiliated clinical training facility.

Where to find phlebotomy training in Massachusetts

Phlebotomy courses can be found at community colleges, vocational schools and career academies around the state. Although the overall body of information and technique is similar from one program to another, institutions may differ significantly in the number of classroom hours required, intensity of hands-on clinical training, program cost and overall program length.

Some phlebotomy programs in Massachusetts require standard college enrollment procedures and award course credit that can be transferred into a degree program in a related field, such as medical assisting or vocational nursing. Other, typically shorter programs offer no transferable credit but still provide you a professional certificate upon completion.

Phlebotomy certification in Massachusetts

The American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Certification lists no official state requirement for phlebotomy certification in Massachusetts, but completing a certified training program can be extremely helpful in your job search. Employers may prefer applicants with formal education or job experience to those without any training or practice in the field.

Job outlook for Massachusetts phlebotomists

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that phlebotomy jobs, which were grouped into a larger category of health care support workers, in Massachusetts paid a mean annual salary of $36,820 in 2010, around 20 percent more than the national earnings average. What’s more, job opportunities for phlebotomists are expected to grow faster than average between 2010 and 2020, working out to a 17.2 percent increase in overall employment nationwide, according to the BLS.

Even though phlebotomists might find themselves employed in a variety of industries, a large majority of phlebotomy careers are centered in these three areas:

• General medical and surgical hospitals
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories
• Ambulatory health care services

Phlebotomists in the above categories account for nearly 60 percent of all phlebotomy jobs. Other locations that employ smaller percentages of phlebotomists include physicians’ offices and mental health facilities.

Phlebotomy is a health care career that consists mainly of drawing blood for medical purposes. Individuals who draw and manage blood samples are called phlebotomists, and they work directly with patients in diverse clinical settings.

Phlebotomists do more than just draw blood, however. Other duties include ensuring the safety and sterility of instruments, explaining sampling procedures to donors and patients, conducting basic tests, and transporting samples from the collection site to other medical facilities for storage and analysis.

List of Phlebotomy Training Programs In Washington

Keiser University

Programs:

• Medical Assisting, AS
• Health Services Administration, AA (Online)

Kaplan University

Programs:

• BS in Health Science
• BS in Heath and Wellness
• BS in Health Care Administration
• And more...

DeVry University

Programs:

• Bachelor's - Clinical Laboratory Science (AZ only)

Locations: Lynnwood

Everest College

Programs:

• Medical General
• Diploma - Medical Assistant

Locations: Bremerton

Carrington College

Programs:

• Medical Assisting
• Nursing Bridge Program

Locations: Portland

Sanford-Brown College

Programs:

• Medical Assistant

Locations: Portland

Concorde

Programs:

• Medical Assistant
• Practical Nursing
• Medical Office Administration
• And more...

Locations: Portland

Pioneer Pacific College

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
• Diploma in Medical Assisting
• Diploma in Practical Nursing

Locations: Wilsonville

Walden University

Programs:

• B.S. in Health Studies - Health Communication
• B.S. in Health Studies
• B.S. in Health Studies - Health & Cultural Diversity
• And more...

Anthem College

Programs:

• Diploma - Medical Assistant

Locations: Beaverton

In order to get started on the path to phlebotomy certification in Washington, candidates must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma and pass a criminal background check. Some programs also require students to earn related health care certificates or submit current immunization records in order to attend laboratory sessions at off-site facilities.

Where can you find phlebotomy training in Washington?

Several different learning environments can provide phlebotomy training in Washington. Community colleges, vocational institutes and private medical career academies offer various types of phlebotomy training programs for students to choose from.

Programs vary in length and may require anywhere from 12 to more than 30 credit hours. At some schools in Washington, students with health care experience or meeting other qualifications may qualify for “fast-track” programs. Often, programs require both classroom work and laboratory training.

Phlebotomy programs in Washington often require applicants to have sufficient physical dexterity and be proficient in speaking, reading and writing English. Interpersonal communication skills are also a plus.

Is it necessary to earn phlebotomy certification in Washington?

There are no formal certification or licensing requirements for phlebotomists in Washington, but graduates of an accredited phlebotomy certificate program are likely to be more desirable to employers than candidates without formal training.

Students may earn national phlebotomy certification in Washington if they choose. Dates and locations of certification exams offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology should be available from college advising staff.

What’s the job outlook for Washington phlebotomists?

Employment opportunities for health care support workers, including phlebotomists, are expected to increase by more than 17 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reported a mean annual wage of $33,320 for phlebotomy professionals and other health care support workers in Washington in 2010, which was higher than the national average of $31,670.

Medical and surgical hospitals and diagnostic and medical laboratory environments combine to employ nearly 50 percent of health care support workers nationwide. Phlebotomists might also find work in offices of physicians, ambulatory health care services and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Obtaining your phlebotomy certification is essential for anyone who is serious about a career in the medical field. Attending an accredited phlebotomy training program is your first step in qualifying for this exciting career. There are several factors that one must consider when choosing which program to enroll in. The most important criteria to look for is that the program adequately prepares you to take your phlebotomy certification exam. Although there are many phlebotomy schools to choose from, the three organizations that provide phlebotomy certification are:

• The National Phlebotomy Association
• The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians
• The American Society for Clinical Pathology

There are also three separate certification levels that a trained phlebotomist can apply for with each level requiring further training. These certification levels are:

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

Although not all States require phlebotomy certification and some do not designate specific levels of certification, the reality is that most employers will not consider an applicant without proper certification. Ongoing training in the field is also highly recommended in order to keep up with changes in technology as well as adapting to new methods of operating existing equipment.

Before making any final decision on which phlebotomy training course is best for you, it is a good idea to review the specific requirements of each phlebotomy certification body as they do differ from one to another. One critical aspect that they all have in common is that each student must complete a predetermined number of hours in practical, hands-on training in order to meet the eligibility requirements to take their certification exam.

There is a high demand for trained professionals in the medical field and being trained and certified as a phlebotomy technician is an ideal way to begin your career. Remember to make sure that the phlebotomy schools you are considering will prepare you for your certification exam and that you fully understand the requirements of each of the three phlebotomy certification bodies.

Receive training from qualified phlebotomist training programs and obtain your Phlebotomy Certification.

Phlebotomy Certification is currently in high demand and requires minimal education expense. Careers in the health care industry continue to grow throughout the united states and trained professionals are increasingly in short supply. The field of phlebotomy (drawing blood for medical purposes) has proven to be an excellent choice for those who wish to enter the health care industry. Phlebotomy Certification by an accredited college or phlebotomy association is vital for those who are serious about advancing their career options. Since phlebotomy certification requirements vary from state to state, it is important to research regulations in whatever region you wish to work.

Online Phlebotomy Certification Courses

The first step in becoming a certified phlebotomist is to ensure that you have a valid high school diploma, your GED or have extensive hands on experience in the field of phlebotomy as these will be the minimum requirements in this field. In the United States phlebotomy certification can be obtained through The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) by way of a comprehensive test to determine ones knowledge in the field.

Some of the areas included in the test for phlebotomy certification are quite comprehensive but not entirely difficult.

When going after your phlebotomy certification it is highly recommended that students obtain hands-on training once they have passed their phlebotomy certification test. This can be done through internship programs at clinics, a doctor’s office, hospital, etc. When researching phlebotomy certification options it is important to note that most blood banks, hospitals and blood collection centers require online phlebotomy certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists by way of the phlebotomy certification exam. This exam can be taken by those who have either attended an accredited phlebotomy training program in phlebotomy or who have hands-on experience.

Professionals working in the field of phlebotomy are required to renew their phlebotomy license annually to ensure that they are knowledgeable in all the latest developments, procedures and equipment being used.

For those interested in working in the field of phlebotomy that do not already have hands-on experience, it is important to choose a course of study that will adequately prepare you to pass the phlebotomy certification exam. Some of the top phlebotomy schools that offer programs in the study of phlebotomy are:

• Ultimate Medical Academy – Clearwater, FL
• Alexandria Technical College – Alexandria, MN
• Angley College – Deland, FL
• Apollo College – Spokane, WA
• Southwestern College – Franklin, OH
• National Career Education – Citrus Heights, CA
• Arkansas State University – Mountain Home, AR
• Miller-Motte Technical College – Lynchburg, VA
• The Academy of Health Care Professions – Houston, TX
• First Coast Technical Institute – St Augustine, FL
• Career Academy – Anchorage, AK
• Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas – Helena, AR
• University of Arkansas Community College – Hope, AR
• National Career Education – Citrus Heights, CA
• Simi Valley Adult School and Career Institute – Simi Valley, CA
• Pikes Peak Community College – Colorado Springs, CO
• Pueblo Community College – Pueblo, CO
• Dixie State College of Utah – Boca Raton, FL
• Lee County High Tech Center Central – Ft Myers, FL
• Atlanta Technical College – Atlanta, GA
• Lanier Technical College – Oakwood, GA
• Des Moines Area Community College – Ankeny, IA
• Bossier Parish Community College – Bossier city, LA
• Cameron College – New Orleans, LA
• Southern University At Shreveport – Shreveport, LA
• Bunker Hill Community College – Boston, JA
• Mount Wachusett Community College – Gardner, MA
• Baker College of Auburn Hills – Auburn Hills, MI
• Davenport University – Grand Rapids, MI
• Baker College of Owosso – Owosso, MI

For those wishing to obtain their phlebotomist certification in the united states, not all states require phlebotomy certification. However, it is highly recommended as the practice of venipuncture and the duties of a phlebotomy technician comes with a high level of responsibility. For phlebotomy technicians without any prior knowledge or training must complete their phlebotomy certification and also must have performed successfully venipunctures. If you are interested in obtaining your phlebotomy certification and are unsure where or what you would need to do it is recommended to do your research prior to getting engaged in a phlebotomy certification program. Becoming a certified phlebotomist will greatly increase your chances of employment in this growing industry.

Books on Phlebotomy Certification

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