Phlebotomy Accreditation -Your Passport to an Exciting Career

November 26, 2010 | Posted by Lisa Wakefield

A phlebotomist is somebody who has the proper education and training in the techniques and steps in drawing blood, including laboratory procedures and tests. The job requires a high level of responsibility because majority of the errors committed on laboratory studies occur at the specimen collection or pre analysis stage. Hospitals, laboratories, blood banks and other blood collection clinics rarely hire a phlebotomist without the proper certification. A phlebotomy certification is a prima facie proof that the phlebotomist is competent and has the necessary education and training to practice in the field. Most employers do not want to take the risk of medical malpractice suit and hiring someone without the proper phlebotomy certification would make it harder to prove the competency of the employee.

That is the primary reason why most medical facilities requiring the services of a phlebotomist now require a phlebotomy certification. Only two states currently require a phlebotomy certification but a majority of employers are making it a mandatory before hiring. A certification is proof that a national professional body recognizes the competence of someone in that field of work. There are currently ten professional groups that issue certification in phlebotomy. Phlebotomy Certification is necessary for those who want to advance their career in phlebotomy.

Taking a phlebotomy course and training is needed in order to gain certification. These courses focus on human anatomy, laboratory process, and blood drawing methods and how to interact with patients. Classroom attendance online classes and actual laboratory training is the norm regardless of the program you choose. A course can be completed in as short as four months in vocational schools to twenty four months in colleges where a degree can be earned. Longer courses will initially cost more but it will in the end carry more weight and boost your credentials, allowing you to demand a higher pay. You should inquire on your local health department before starting on a phlebotomy course as each state have their own specific requirements.

The Phlebotomy certification examination gives standardized questions. This may seem difficult for some but it is assumed by the certifying organization that the examinee has ample knowledge in phlebotomy and laboratory procedures. Mock tests examinations can be obtained to familiarize yourself with the actual examination.

Vocational school classes can be finished in about 4 months while college degree courses in phlebotomy usually take two years to finish. The college degree course might seem costly at first glance but it carries more weight and will give you better job opportunities. The course incorporates formal instruction in human anatomy, phlebotomy techniques, CPR, and blood sampling procedure. Instructions are done through a combination of physical class attendance, online instructions and actual laboratory work. A high school diploma or a General Educational Development certification is required to gain acceptance in phlebotomy Schools.

The American Certification Agency (ACA) issues two kinds of certifications for health professionals. These are phlebotomy technicians and phlebotomy instructors. Completion of the required number of clinical hours, venipunctures and dermal punctures is a requisite for admission to the phlebotomy technician certification examination. The examination can be taken online but a practical component must also be passed. A Registered Nurse (RN), Licenses Practical Nurse, and those with a phlebotomy certification can be issued a Phlebotomy Instructor Certificate without taking a written examination. Applicants however are required to provide documented proof of at least three years of actual experience phlebotomy and one year of teaching to qualify.

Earn your Phlebotomist Certification and gain entry to the exciting and high paying career in phlebotomy.

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