Phlebotomy Technician Certification
Becoming a phlebotomy technician can set you up for a very exciting field of work.
Phlebotomy Technician Training Programs
A phlebotomy technician is someone who has been professionally trained to draw blood from patients as requested by their doctor. There are many accredited community colleges that offer either phlebotomy degrees or certificates. Students learn not only how to draw blood but also specific techniques for collection as well as correct laboratory procedures. Some of the basic phlebotomy technician courses in accredited phlebotomy schools include:
- Physiology
- Anatomy
- The circulator system
- Phlebotomy techniques
- The lymphatic system
- The respiratory system
- The urinary system
- The muscular system
- CPR
- Blood sampling procedures
- Vein puncture
- Laboratory safety
Phlebotomy Technician Internships
Once students have completed their phlebotomy training, the next important step is to receive your online phlebotomy certification as well as valuable hands-on training which can be done through internship programs at various medical facilities, hospitals, clinics, etc. The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) offers an all-inclusive exam which covers all aspects of a student’s knowledge of phlebotomy. Although phlebotomy certification is not required in all states, most employers demand that future employees do have both hands-on experience as well as their certification.
- Hospitals
- Physician’s offices
- Community clinics
- Laboratories
There are many health care professionals who are required to have their phlebotomist certification including:
- Medical Assistants
- Medical Technologists
- EMT Personnel
- Medical Researchers
- Nurses
- Radiology Technologists
- Disease Intervention Specialists
- Military Medics
- Physician Assistants
When looking for phlebotomy certification schools and courses it is important that you verify the accreditation standing of the school or vocational institution you are planning to attend. It is recommended that you conduct a few information interviews of medical facilities in your area to find out which programs they look for when hiring a phlebotomy technician. Even if your particular state does not require specific phlebotomy certification it is highly advisable to obtain certification as it will provide you with more career opportunities and advancement in your field. Having your phlebotomy certification will also give you the flexibility of gaining employment in your field should you move to another state where certification is mandatory.
Take some time to visit the websites of several community colleges and vocational schools that offer phlebotomy technician programs and request more detailed information as well as verifying their accreditation standing.
Some of the top phlebotomy technician colleges in the United States are:
- Ultimate Medical Academy; Florida
- National Career Education; California
- The Academy of Health Care Professions; Texas
- Pikes Peak community College; Colorado
- Wake Technical Community College; North Carolina
- Dixie State College of Utah; Utah
- Bunker Hill Community College; Massachusetts
- Central Georgia Technical College; Georgia
- Kaplan College; Maryland
- Winter Park Tech; Florida
Another important area students will want to verify before enrolling in any phlebotomy program is to make sure the school offers clinical modules allowing for practical hands-on training in a real-time environment. Phlebotomy is a rapidly growing field in health care and those with the right professional training and phlebotomy certification can find personally and financially rewarding life-time careers.
