subject: An Understanding Of The Phlebotomy Certification Process [print this page] An Understanding Of The Phlebotomy Certification Process
A training program is necessary to start the phlebotomy certification process. These programs can be found at a community college or a vocational school. This is not a program that lends itself to distance learning. Another possible way to begin is to train on the job. Certified nursing assistants or others working in the medical field can request on the job training or ask if there is a educational contribution program.
A phlebotomist has the job of drawing blood from patients. The purpose is to collect a sample that may be needed for testing or analysis. This type of profession requires a lot of patience because most people are simply uncomfortable around needles. This is especially true if that needle is being used to take blood from their body.
To be proficient with taking samples requires many hours of practice. The training program chosen should offer 50 to 100 hours in clinical practice. There is no other way to be comfortable and knowledgeable about best practices. The training will also provide the necessary information for knowing what are the best places to draw from and those the will offer the least discomfort to the patient.
Safety is very important. Lack of focus and safety procedures can mean harm to the patient and the phlebotomist. There are any number of diseases the practitioner can be exposed to, some contracted through blood and needles. Safety precautions can eliminate the possible exposure. The samples themselves must also be handled with care.
Becoming certified is not required in all states. This being said, if one hopes to be employed in this field they will have a better chance with being certified. Employers want someone who has demonstrated experience, skills and knowledge of proper procedure. The safety of the patient and the phlebotomist is of utmost concern.
A vocational school or community college may certify that their training program has been completed. This is not sufficient. There are several agencies that will certify a phlebotomist through a written examination. Find out if preparing for the testing is part of the program. The training can last for weeks or months. The more education and practice involved the longer the course work will be.
There are many settings that a phlebotomist can work in once they have completed their phlebotomy certification process. They may be in a hospital, travel from location to location, in a public health clinic, a physicians office, research institute, or a blood bank. Even insurance companies need to have them on hand to test potential clients.
