Phlebotomy Certification Schools: An Introduction

Phlebotomy schools form part of the medical branches of universities throughout the country. Phlebotomy— which, incidentally, was mispronounced "flea bottomry" (recorded in an 1850 medical text)— involves drawing blood from a live person or animal. The term comes from the Greek words for "vein" and "to cut." The blood samples taken by phlebotomists may be used for a donation or for a blood test.

Choosing a Phlebotomy School

There are many questions to ask and answer when making this decision, because the right school can determine whether you end up receiving a job in the field. For instance, should I go to this school of phlebotomy simply because I happen to live nearby, even though one farther off may offer higher quality training? Some institutions have greater prestige than others. You must also confirm that the school you are considering attending is accredited.

Tuition is another important factor to consider; however, even if you may not have the money, you might be able to qualify for scholarship, or for a grant or loan. (Some of these financial aid programs are aimed at persons with certain needs; for instance, there is a grant for single mothers.) Also be sure and visit the campuses of prospective schools for a tour, and ask current or former students what kind of experience they had. Phlebotomy courses may also be taken online, but again, you should check to make sure they have the proper accreditation. Phlebotek is one example of an online phlebotomy school.

What Phlebotomy Training Includes

Once you have gotten into the school of your choice, phlebotomy training begins. The student learns about the layouts of the various veins and arteries of the human body, how the blood circulates, and— above all— the proper procedure for venipuncture when operating on people of all ages. He is also taught how to interact with patients, to reassure them and help them to feel at ease while they are having their blood drawn from them. The training program may take as little as three months.

Passing the Phlebotomy Certification Exam

Unlike one in mainstream medicine, a career in phlebotomy usually does not require a license, but only a certification (though the particular requirements vary from state to state). In order to take the exam necessary to receive phlebotomy certification, the candidate should do a great deal of intensive study in advance, and maybe take practice tests, of which there are many. The person who has had training in the field, either through education or through hands- on practice, should pass the test. The phlebotomist may work in a variety of places— in hospitals; in the private offices of physicians; or in blood banks, pharmaceutical companies, research facilities, or elsewhere. Salary may be as high as $45,000.

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