Once you have decided to pursue a career in phlebotomy, getting a phlebotomy certification will help you secure a job. A phlebotomy certification is proof that you have had the required training, passed the qualifying exam and possess the proper knowledge and skill to be a certified phlebotomist.
Only accredited phlebotomy certification agencies have the authority to issue and administer exams, and evaluate and certify candidates who have successfully passed.
What are the Major Phlebotomy Certification Agencies?
Currently in the United States, there are 10 nationally recognized certifying agencies that have the authority to administer and evaluate phlebotomy certification exams, each with their own guidelines. These agencies include:
- The American Society for Clinical Pathology
- The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians
- The National Phlebotomy Association
- The American Certification Agency
- The American Medical Technologists
- The National Center for Competency Testing
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
American Society for Clinical Pathology was established in 1992 and is one of the largest societies of laboratory professionals. Based in Chicago,Illinois, ASCP’s education programs and the ASCP certification programs are legendary for their strict adherence to quality controls in the medical field and have provided the foundation for excellence in the profession.
Types of Certification
The American Society for Clinical Pathology offers a Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification through its institute. For an application fee of $125, a candidate shall be tested for theoretical knowledge as well as practical skill in order to be eligible for certification.
An applicant must satisfy at least one of the following routes, in order to be eligible for this exam:
Route 1:
- High school graduation or GED certificate.
- Completion of a phlebotomy program approved by either the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or the California Department of Public Health.
Route 2:
- High school graduation or GED certificate.
- Completion of a two-part formal structured phlebotomy program in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory within the last five years. The program must consist of 40 hours of classroom training, 100 hours of clinical training in an accredited laboratory and a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided venipunctures and skin punctures.
Route 3:
- High school graduation or GED certificate.
- Completion of one year full time (1680 documented hours) acceptable work experience as a phlebotomy technician in an accredited laboratory within the last five years.
Route 4:
- High school graduation or GED certificate.
- Successful completion of acceptable accredited allied health professional education which includes phlebotomy training in an accredited laboratory, with a minimum performance of 100 successful venipunctures and skin punctures.
Route 5:
- Medical Technician / Medical Laboratory Scientist (ASCP) or Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP) certification.
Route 6:
- Donor Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP) certification and a minimum performance of 100 successful venipunctures and skin punctures in an accredited laboratory.
The Association for Phlebotomy Technicians / American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
Founded in 1983, The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians is renowned for their Phlebotomy Certification programs. Much favored by employers, the ASPT’s certifying exams consists of both a written exam and a practice test. The society provides materials for continuing education, home study, develops and administers training programs.
Types of Certification
The ASPT offers a Phlebotomy Technician certification for a fee of $85, if applied 30 days prior to an exam and $110 if applied within 30 days of an exam. Students will be tested on both a written and a practical section.
Requirements
In order to qualify for the exam, a candidate must meet the following criteria:
- High school certificate or GED certificate.
- 1 year as a part-time phlebotomist, OR 6 months as a full-time phlebotomist OR
- Successful completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program, with at least 100 documented successful venipunctures and 5 skin punctures and a current ASPT membership.
- A letter from a health care supervisor attesting that part of the job is procuring blood specimens regularly; must be submitted with the membership application on facility letterhead
- Signature of supervisor/instructor on application attesting to the above.
The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) was established in 1978 in Washington, DC, for the purpose of establishing a professional standard and code of ethics for this important group of health care professionals. NPA provides a phlebotomy certification exam and provides prestige and benefits for phlebotomist’s and members in the organization. Phlebotomy certification by NPA will aid job placement for phlebotomists and the general level and quality of phlebotomy care will be enhanced.
Types of Certification
The National Phlebotomy Association provides applicants with a Phlebotomy Technician certification for a fee of $130. The qualifying exam is 3 hours long and students are tested on their theoretical knowledge and practical skill for 2 hours and 1 hour respectively.
Requirements
In order to enroll oneself into the qualifying exam, a candidate must meet the following criteria:
As a student:
- High school certificate or GED or equivalent.
- Documented evidence of attendance in an Allied Health Program that meets NPA curriculum requirements. The program should include venipuncture techniques and a clinical practical. The program must offer 160 hours of lecture time excluding the phlebotomy practical and at least 200 hours of practical experience.
- A transcript evaluation indicating completion of the required courses. A copy of your program should be in your student file. All documents must be in our office before you can be scheduled for the examination. You may include any certificate of achievement.
As a practicing phlebotomist:
- Applicant must be currently employed with phlebotomy duties included in their job description.
- Applicant must have 1 year or more of paid or volunteer working experience.
- A letter verifying the length of time of your experience from your employer or supervisor.
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