How to Become a Certified Phlebotomist, guide by professional Sonographer

Working in the challenging field of phlebotomy offers a career that carries high employment opportunities, expertise, and the satisfaction of helping others. It is an integral part of the medical field inasmuch that drawing blood and preparing it for testing brings with it the responsibility of getting vital information back to the patient quickly, painlessly and most of all accurately. The field does not require a high degree of education however it does call for someone that is studious, meticulous, empathetic and able to express great compassion.

Although certification is not required by law in most states, obtaining one will most definitely advance your career and possibly your salary. Overall you will be in the ‘trenches’ of hands-on medical work communicating with a variety of patients, doctors, nurses and techs. Be sure that your personality is one that fits these requirements and enjoys dealing with a barrage of people, sick or healthy, kind or ascorbic and everything in-between.

Training

Phlebotomy training entails lecture classes, lab hours and making clinical rounds. You can enroll in many private programs offered through technical schools in your area or an associate’s degree obtained at a local college. The Phlebotomy Training website has more information on how you can find a good phlebotomy school. A technical school course can take a year or less to complete but may not be able to compete with a two year college program that is sure to be more desirable in the job market.

Experience

Before entering a certification course a certain number of hours are required in the field. After completing an accredited phlebotomy program of a minimum of eighty hours of training you will need to find a position as a phlebotomist. This position must enable you to perform and document all venipunctures (drawing blood from a vein) as well as skin punctures. There is a minimum requirement of fifty successful venipunctures and ten capillary collections to qualify for certification. In addition, you must provide written proof that you worked full time for six months or part time for one year along with your documented medical work. When these requirements are filled, you will then be eligible to take the certification exam.

Certification Exam

Once your initial experience and paperwork is complete you can take a certification exam offered by The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. It is a written as well as hands on exam to determine your skill. After you take the exam a six to eight week waiting period is required. Afterwards you will receive notification of your results and if you pass you will be sent certification documentation.

Job Search

With your certification in hand you can now search for jobs that require your experience and credentials. Your search can consist of hospitals, laboratories, clinics and doctor’s offices. Keep in mind that if you want to be around specific medical treatment such as dealing with children or geriatrics, you can narrow your search accordingly.