A phlebotomist job offers flexible hours and above average salary, being at the same time recession proof. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, you will need to get a phlebotomy certification.
What Is Phlebotomy Certification?
‘Certification’ is the process via which a national organization recognizes somebody’s competence in a certain field. In this case specifically, there are ten different phlebotomy organizations where you can get your certification.
A phlebotomist is a medical technician responsible for drawing blood from the patients who need to send it for blood tests or transfusions. This is important, because based on the results of those tests, doctors will make critical decisions regarding the diagnostic and treatment for those patients.
Phlebotomy Certification Training
Are you wondering how to become a phlebotomist? In order to pass the exam, you will need to follow a phlebotomy training, to acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge at a satisfactory level. The information is pretty much the same, irrespective of the certification organization you choose.
There are many private training schools and colleges that offer classes and certification programs. Depending on the program you choose and on your state specific requirements, the classes usually take between three weeks and six months.
Some people don’t even attend a phlebotomy school to take phlebotomy certification classes, as they actually worked in the field sometimes for a long time. Still, they need the credentials to get a better job or to be able to keep their current one.
Phlebotomy Certification Requirements
- As part of the phlebotomy certification requirements, you need not only to follow the certification courses of an accredited vocational school, college or private training school, but also to successfully pass the certification exam.
- There are also a few other requirements, not related to the training and exam. You need to be at least eighteen years old and have a GED or high school diploma. You should also pass the criminal background check.
- You need to be medically fit, i.e. lift with ease at least fifty pounds, be able to walk and stand for long periods of time and be able to reach over the head.
- There are a few vaccination requirements you need to meet, as well as a set of health requirement guidelines designed by the Center of Disease Control. This is of course understandable, given the fact that phlebotomists come in close contact with sick people regularly.
- A health insurance is also needed, covering both injury and accidents. Additionally a nurse or a doctor will evaluate phlebotomists one year after joining the course, to make sure everything is OK.
The Phlebotomy Certification Exam
Whether you attend phlebotomy certification courses or you have prior practical experience, you need to study thoroughly the provided exam preparation materials. Most exams are computer based, using adaptive technology in which the next question is based on the level of your answers to the previous questions. You can even get your phlebotomy certification online.
To note, certain organizations require a re-certification via additional exams in the future.
Benefits Of Phlebotomy Certification
Simply put, if you are interested in getting hired as a phlebotomist, or even to keep your current job in the field, you need this certification. Employers don’t hire anymore the ones not holding a certification, as they expose themselves to high risks. For example, if you commit an error and you don’t have a certification, the employer risks being sued.
Getting a certified phlebotomist job will allow you to enjoy an above average pay with minimal education, while hours are flexible and the job is not affected by the economic recession. There are many certified phlebotomist jobs available.
What Is A Phlebotomist Job Like?
As a certified phlebotomist you will interact with patients on one hand and with doctors, nurses and clinical stuff on the other hand. Students need to behave professionally in such a setting, be polite, have some basic data entry and bookkeeping skills.
You need to become proficient up to the level of performing up to a hundred blood draws per day if needed. Moreover, you need to keep-up with the advancement of knowledge in your field and pass phlebotomy re-certification exams regularly, if needed.
Certified Phlebotomist Salary
There are a number of factors that influence pay level. Depending on location, work environment and work required, the entry-level annual salary can be up to $35,000 and. With time and experience, your income will increase, up to $74,000. For perspective, this is comparable to an LPN salary. If you would like to earn even more, it is definitely possible to advance your career in the medical field. You just need to acquire more advanced education and to build your expertise.
Go To Phlebotomy Certification
