Phlebotomy, or the practice of sampling blood from a patient, is an important practical medical discipline of today’s aging society in developed nations, namely the US. The high demands in the medical industry are in need of more medical professionals but only a handful of the population obtains a degree as a registered nurse or a physician. While nurses and doctors have the skills and knowledge to draw blood for testing, they have many other responsibilities that most hospitals have personnel with phlebotomy certification to collect blood samples from patients. Becoming a certified phlebotomist is one of the surest ways to enter the medical profession, without investing vast amounts of time and money to obtain a high education degree such as nursing.
How to Obtain a Phlebotomy Certification
In order to become a phlebotomy technician, you have to pass the phlebotomy certification exam written by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT). The organization was founded in 1983, and has been the most reputable entity to certify health care providers for the capabilities of obtaining patient’s blood samples for testing. Hospitals and medical institutions will typically only accept certified phlebotomists, who are members of the ASPT. However, with the completion of an established phlebotomy technician course, some people may start working as a phlebotomist in a smaller health care institution, while studying for ASPT’s certified program.
The Requirements for Phlebotomy Certification
The ASPT outlines having at least one of the following qualifications to be eligible for obtaining the phlebotomy technician certificate:
One full year as a part time phlebotomy specialist
OR
Six months as a full time phlebotomist
OR
A letter from the health care supervisor that the part of the current job is regularly procuring blood specimens; or a signature on the membership application by the supervisor attesting that the current job involves regular blood sampling.
OR
Successful completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program — must have a minimum of 100 documented successful venipunctures, 5 documented skin punctures, and a current ASPT membership (can become a member without certification)
If the aspiring candidate is qualified, the candidate may apply to take the phlebotomy exam to obtain the phlebotomy certification. The exam is offered in 14 states, although exam dates are sporadic. Candidates can find out about location and time on the ASPT website.
How to Prepare for the Phlebotomy Certification Exam
As mentioned above, the candidate first needs to be qualified to even apply for a phlebotomy certification. As most medical institutions will not hire phlebotomists without certification, the best way to approach the profession is by enrolling in an accredited phlebotomy training program. Phlebotomy training schools endorsed by reputable associations, and especially by ASPT, will be the primary institutions to look out for in preparing for the certification.
Also, candidates can prepare for phlebotomy certification online through web-based training programs. Several online programs offer detailed lectures and sample videos regarding all aspects of phlebotomy. However, because drawing blood requires hands on experience, the online training programs are recommended as a supplement to education in training schools.
