Many people think that in order to be hired as a phlebotomist a certification is required. In reality, only two states require a certification (California and Louisiana). Working as a phlebotomist in all other states is perfectly legal, even without a certification. Becoming certified is a very smart move however, since it will be much easier to find employment. You see, a phlebotomy certificate is a way of proving to your employer that you have been trained by an accredited college, and have experience in the field.

Phlembotomy is a career within the field of clinical technology. Phlembotomists are professionals trained to draw blood and collect medical samples in safe and sanitary manners for analysis. Phlembotomists often work in clinical laboratories, hospitals, and medical offices; it is a highly desired career with a bright, stable and profitable future.

In order to become a certified phlembotomist, one must attend a training facility approved by one of the three certifying bodies within phlembotomy. Certification within the field of phlebotomy offers a definite advantage above those without proper certification. Obtaining certification in phlembotomy demonstrates to possible employers that you have met the standards set by the regulating bodies within the field of phlembotomy. Certifying bodies govern and maintain the standards for the education of prospective phlebotomists.

There are currently only a handful of “certifying bodies” that overlook the standards required to obtain a phlebotomy certification. The most well know certifying bodies are ASCP, APT and NPA. Although similar, each organization has it’s own special requirements that school must abide by. Certifications from all three bodies are well recognized and employers don’t generally favor one more than the other. Some of the qualifications that differ from each organization include: – Number of hours of hands-on training required – Number of hours of classroom or online trainings required – High school course qualifications (ie. types of courses completed) – Completion of prerequisite courses Classroom and online training include anatomy, physiology, venipuncture, and lab lperations.

Before attending phlebotomy school, consider donating your time and becoming a volunteer at a hospital or blood clinic. This will not only help you get in to phlebotomy certification school, it will also look excellent on your resume when you are out job hunting and may give you the “edge” you need to get hired quickly. The other benefit of volunteer work is that it will help you become familiar with the job in advance. There is no better way of learning than real hands on experience. Working in these situations will allow you to see exactly what a phlebotmist job entails including accepted medical practices and procedures. Not sure that there is a future in the field of phlebotomy? Check this out: Government economists predicted an increase in number of phlebotomy jobs over the next 5 years. Studies published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics have also demonstrated earnings for an average individual working within the phlembotomist field to be making upwards of $45, 840 annually. Although it may take a number of years in the field to obtain that type of annual salary, that is a rather respectable figure.

You can become a phlebotomy technician by completing an online course. Learn how at the Phlebotomy Certification Guide website today!