Although only a very few States require a certification to be a phlebotomist, most employers expect candidates to be certified as a phlebotomy technician. With the advancement of medical technology and increased demands from patients, specialization in the medical field has become essential. With the aging population especially in the United States, the shortage of doctors and nurses require that less sophisticated medical practices to be performed by specialist technicians such as certified phlebotomists. Thus, the practice of drawing blood from patients and performing analysis on the samples entail professional phlebotomy training and certification.
How to Prepare for the Phlebotomy Certification Exam
Even before deciding to take the path as a phlebotomist, candidates need to realize that studying alone to take the certification exam will not suffice. Although the phlebotomy certification exam is standardized, the three major phlebotomy associations have qualifications to take the exam. The three major phlebotomy associations are the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, and the National Phlebotomy Association. The candidates must possess documented venipuncture experience, completion of phlebotomy training programs accredited by the associations, and other specific criteria.
What Do I need to Know for the Phlebotomy Certification Exam?
There are various multiple choice questions on the phlebotomy certification exam, which asks for the techniques and knowledge about drawing blood and performing tests on the samples. The associations typically offer a phlebotomy exam study guide, and most accredited phlebotomy schools have a set curriculum that thoroughly prepares the candidate for the exam. The materials that are covered in the exam range from specific techniques of performing vein, artery, and capillary blood collecting procedures to knowledge about the human anatomy (especially regarding the skin and blood system).
By taking several phlebotomy certification practice exams and familiarizing oneself with phlebotomy certification exam questions, candidates can generally pass the exam after memorizing specialized knowledge about phlebotomy. The candidate must know the precise procedures of collecting blood, how to effectively test the blood sample for diagnosis, and other theoretical knowledge about phlebotomy. Also, the candidates are expected to learn social skills as a medical practitioner. That is, a certified phlebotomist should have the capability to comfort and make patients feel less nervous about needles and collecting blood. The best phlebotomists draw blood with minimal pain, and also create a comfortable ambience during the procedure.
How Effective is the Online Phlebotomy Exam Study Guide?
Because of the low cost associated with online classes, many candidates decide to take online certification courses to prepare for the phlebotomy technician specialist certification exam. Reputable online training programs offer all the needed materials to prepare for the phlebotomy certification exam, with video lectures and course material that can be readily viewed by the students at anytime. With detailed descriptions and also an instructor always available through e-mail, candidates can benefit from online programs that cater to their needs. However, online programs alone cannot be sufficient for those who are just starting out, without any experience in skin puncturing. The certification exam qualifications clearly state that candidates must have direct hands on experience of venipunctures for a certain number of times, and this cannot be achieved solely online. Thus, it is best to accompany in-class lectures and practices with online courses to adequately prepare for the phlebotomy certification.
