Certified Phlebotomist
Become a Certified Phlebotomist to Edge Your Way into the Competition
When it comes to building a career in the field of phlebotomy, becoming a certified phlebotomist is indeed optional. Trained and experienced phlebotomists are always in demand seeing as the job asks mainly for aptitude in handling patients and blood samples, skills you can gain through repetitive exposure to hands-on situations.
The Advantages of Certification
Nevertheless, as a certified phlebotomist, you have an edge when you apply for a job, compared to other phlebotomists who are trained but lack certification. Certification, after all, tells your potential employer that you have underwent appropriate programs as well as sitting examinations required by accomplished certifying organizations in the field of phlebotomy. These bodies make sure that the education and experience of a certified phlebotomist are held to a standard. When you have all of these under your belt, what is left to do is passing an exam to prove your mastery of the basic knowledge of phlebotomy. Certification makes things easier in the event you need to change your place of employment as you will be able to present proof of your capability and knowledge without having to undergo additional tests.
Accredited Certification Organizations
When you have made the decision to become a certified phlebotomist, the three certifying bodies which come highly recommended are the American Society for Clinical Pathology, Association of Phlebotomy Technicians and National Phlebotomy Association.
American Society for Clinical Pathology requires inexperienced phlebotomists to have high school graduation or an equivalent, the completion of 40 classroom hours, 120 hands-on training hours as well as 100 successful, independent blood collections.
Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (APT) asks inexperienced phlebotomists to complete a phlebotomy training program with accreditation. An individual wishing to be a certified phlebotomist also needs to successfully perform 100 documented venipunctures and 5 successful skin punctures, as well as being in possession of current membership of APT.
National Phlebotomy Association also asks for more than a year experience before certification is granted. Otherwise, to be a certified phlebotomist you need to master the venipuncture techniques. You also need to have a thoroughly hands-on clinical practical internship plus 160 classroom hours.
Certification in California
The state of California provides three levels of certification based on the techniques a certified phlebotomist is allowed to perform. As a Limited Phlebotomy Technician, you are only allowed to do skin puncture. If you have the title Certified Phlebotomy Technician I, you can perform both skin puncture and venipuncture. With Certified Phlebotomy Technician II, you are allowed to perform venipuncture, arterial puncture and skin puncture.
Choosing Suitable Programs to Become Certified
It is important that you choose a phlebotomy training program which meets the requirement of any of these associations. Internship which includes clinical practical experience is also an essential factor in your consideration.
Some programs focus on training you to be a phlebotomist instead of preparing you to sit the certification exam. Keep in mind that you need 200 hours of clinical practical internship and if your training program does not offer as many hours of internship, it is possible for you to fill in the gap by volunteering or applying for a job at hospitals, doctors' offices or nursing homes. Career phlebotomists need six months full time on the job or one year part time experience to be able to qualify for a certification in phlebotomy.
Hilary LaPorte is a medical biller with over 16 years experience in the field of medical billing and coding.