In order to become a certified phlebotomy technician one must first have a high school diploma or G.E.D. from this point you can move onto vocational training or certification courses which are offered at many accredited colleges and career schools, however additional nursing skills are desirable.
Licensing is not required in all states at this time but most employers do prefer individuals who have passed a nation examination, it is important however, to check with individual state requirements before applying for positions in that state.
Because phlebotomy is a technical occupation online learning may be limited as it requires hands on training and many potential employers prefer some experience when hiring.
Phlebotomy Job Description
The job of drawing blood samples through venipuntcure, or surgical puncture of a vein is called phlebotomy. This is done using surgical needles; the drawn blood then can be studied by a physician or used as donor blood. Phlebotomists may also responsible for the collection of the samples, and or labeling the blood samples, and taking them to the lab for analysis.
Attention to detail and a calm presence with the patients as many patients especially children can be nervous with this type of procedure and the technician may often be one of the only contacts that the patient has with medical staff before talking with the physician. Phlebotomy technicians may also be responsible for data entry, and many nurses and other medical staff are also trained in phlebotomy and have used it as an entry point into the medical field.
Where to Get Your Phlebotomy Certification
There are several ways in which one can acquire certification to become a phlebotomy technician although it is not necessary to become certified in order to become a phlebotomist.
Not all states require certification, it will however, go a long way to becoming a preferred hire in a job search. Schools that provide certification all have the requirement for hands on training, internships, and/or classroom time. These are some of the better known programs in the country but there are also many technical institutes and accredited colleges that have programs in phlebotomy.
There are currently no pre-requisites for phlebotomy certification courses other than having graduated from high school or obtained a G.E.D.
Is Certification a Requirement for Employment
It isn’t required to become certified to start a career as a phlebotomy technician, but it can be nearly impossible to get a job if one isn’t certified. The Red Cross offers a good program that can give individuals a feel for what becoming a phlebotomist would be like and offer externships as part of the training.
As is common with most professions the more training one can acquire the higher the pay scale, and phlebotomy can be an excellent doorway into other jobs within the medical profession. With this being said however, phlebotomy is also an important part of the medical machine as many tests presently are performed first with blood samples and with progress in technology the jobs outlook remains strong into the future.
Top Phlebotomy Schools
Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) offers industry-relevant knowledge and training for in demand careers in healthcare.
Jobs in healthcare and social assistance are projected to have the fastest job growth between 2010-2020 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.* In order to address the rapidly growing need for career-ready professionals in many exciting fields, UMA offers associate degrees that can be earned in as few as 15 months.
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As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has locations nationwide, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal and sooner than you might think.
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Explore a new career with Concorde Career College. We offer short-term programs in the fields of allied health, massage therapy, and nursing, including medical assisting, medical office administration, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, pharmacy technician, physical therapy assisting, occupational therapy assisting, practical nursing, vocational nursing, nursing bridge, dental assisting, and dental hygiene. Our focus is on hands-on skill-building, so you get real-life training and experience. We have 15 campuses located in and around major metro areas throughout California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas.
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- Diploma in Culinary Arts: Baking and Restaurant Management
