What is Phlebotomy Technician Certification?

In any professional field, regardless of your role or designation, it is imperative to have the proper level of education. In the medical field, this is especially the case. With phlebotomy, an individual who graduated from an accredited phlebotomy training program is not considered a certified phlebotomist until they successfully pass a phlebotomy certification exam. The exam is conducted by one of the several certified examination governing agencies. If you ask yourself  ‘how do I become a phlebotomist?’ and ‘what are the phlebotomist certification agencies?’, than keep reading because this article will explain everything you need to know in order to start building a successful career as a phlebotomist.

How to Become a Certified Phlebotomist?

There is a tremendous value to have phlebotomy certification for individuals who aim to have a career in the medical field. The easiest and  simplest route to being a certified phlebotomist is through the completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program. Successfully completing an approved phlebotomy program is a prerequisite that needs to be fulfilled before attempting a phlebotomy certification exam. Accredited phlebotomy training programs aim to prepare students for the phlebotomy certification exams whilst providing them the necessary theoretical knowledge, the social skills required for the job and the hands on experience.

In some cases, it is also possible for attending nurses and other healthcare workers to become certified phlebotomists without formal training. The certifying agencies will require proof of work experience in the field of phlebotomy from their employers and they will need to take the phlebotomy certification exam.

Phlebotomy Certification Agencies

In the United States, there are 10 nationally recognized certifying agencies that have the authority to administer, evaluate and certify phlebotomy certification exams. These agencies include:

• The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians
• The National Phlebotomy Association
• The American Society for Clinical Pathology
• The American Certification Agency
• The American Medical Technologists
• The National Center for Competency Testing

The American Society for Clinical Pathology

Based in Chicago Illinois, The American Society for Clinical Pathology was founded in 1992 and is one of the largest society of laboratory professionals. ASCP’s education programs and the ASCP Board of Certification’s programs are highly renowned for their strict adherence to quality controls in the medical field and have provided the foundation for excellence in the profession.

The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians

Founded in 1983, The Associations of Phlebotomy Technicians is renowned for their Phlebotomy Certification programs. The certification program of this society differs from others, as not only do they administer a written test  but also test students in their practical knowledge. Apart from testing and certifying examinations, the society also provides materials for continuing education and home study as well as develops and administers training programs. The National Phlebotomy Association The National Phlebotomy Association was founded in 1978 for the purpose of establishing a professional standard and code of ethics for this important group of health care specialists. The NPA has been firmly committed to excellence in developing educational curriculum, providing accreditation, offering continuing education programs, researching issues involving phlebotomy, and promoting professional and public awareness.

Online Phlebotomy Certification

If you have made the decision to get a Phlebotomy Certification you have won half the battle. The other half is to simply follow through the Phlebotomy Training Program and successfully pass the Phlebotomy Certification Exams, which when armed with the proper knowledge will not be a difficult task. However, if you are unable to physically attend a phlebotomy training program, than there are a number of online solutions. Online training for a phlebotomy certification exam is being offered by many institutes that offer a classroom option. Often, these online training programs will conduct practical training sessions to develop your practical skills along with your theoretical knowledge.

Benefits of Online Phlebotomy Certification

Many students are now opting to study for their phlebotomy certification exams online, as doing so saves them money and time. Also the flexibility in course schedules makes online phlebotomy training a godsend for individuals who have a family, a day job or frenetic schedule. Online training programs also use visual aids in the form of pictures and videos that can be an effective tools for absorbing the course materials.

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