Classes in the biological sciences will be useful for a phlebotomist. If possible, take anatomy classes to learn more about the workings of the human body. If you did not complete your high school diploma, you can get your GED. This is an accepted equivalency for schools and jobs. Some people are hired as a phlebotomist and trained on the job. Many offices employing phlebotomists will not hire you even for these positions without a high school diploma.
If you research local community or technical colleges near you, it’s likely that one will offer a phlebotomy program. Since you need hands-on experience taking blood, you will not find online only programs, though some may allow you to take non-lab hours online. Some programs offer night classes. This may be especially useful if you’re working at the same time.
Your program should be accredited. You will be able to learn the best practices for the field so you are prepared for your job as a phlebotomist when you start.
You will need to obtain transcripts from your high school or GED equivalent. It may also be a good idea to talk to high school teachers, career counselors, or former and current bosses for recommendation letters. You’ll also need to write a short essay about why you want to be a phlebotomist. When writing the essay, draw on any personal and professional experience you have working in the health care industry.
You will learn both biological and procedural knowledge in your courses about how to draw and store blood properly. This will help prepare you to work as a phlebotomist. Some programs can last significantly more or less time. Research each school to see how long their program is and which fits best into your time frame.
You will need work experience hours to qualify for additional certification. While certification is not always required, it does usually provide additional opportunities and salary. In addition to your work experience, you’ll also need to complete at least 100 successful venipunctures. This shows you are able to successfully draw blood from human subjects.
Requirements differ depending on the specific certification, but the basics usually include high school graduate or GED, 20 hours of phlebotomy courses, and certificate of completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program. Each certification is sponsored by a different agency. Make sure that agency is the best one for gaining licensing from your state.
You can obtain the follow certifications as a phlebotomist: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP), Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT), and National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT). A CPT is the industry standard and comes in five different grades, each of which requires additional punctures and hours of advanced classes. ASCAP may be most useful for those working in laboratories. The RPT certification requires an exam, and NCPT requires additional work experience. There are a variety of organizations that sponsor these certifications. These organizations include the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, American Association of Medical Personnel, American Medical Technologists, and the American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals.
At present, only California, Nevada, Louisiana, and Washington require all phlebotomists to be certified and licensed. However, being certified is always a good career move. [9] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Being certified and licensed allows you to offer better credentials, might allow you for great pay advances, and demonstrates that you’re willing to go above and beyond for your career.
You can start your job search online. Try looking for health care or medical offices in your area. It may also be a good idea to visit some local medical offices. Even if they don’t have any openings, they may be able to point you towards some at other locations.
Hospitals constantly need phlebotomists. The initial application process can usually be done entirely online. Clinics also need phlebotomists. They may need to test blood there or take blood to send for additional tests elsewhere.
Offices such as the Red Cross are a great place to start. They take blood for donations everywhere and can also be a good company to work with. Plasma donation centers also take a lot of blood. Depending on the center, you may need additional training or certification.
