Phlebotomy Certification

Getting a phlebotomy certification involves several steps.

Receiving certification in a specific field like phlebotomy means finishing a phlebotomy certification course and getting due recognition of one’s competence in the discipline by a national organization. In the United States there are currently 10 organizations that issue certifications for aspiring phlebotomists.

Even though there are only two states in the US that strictly require certifications for phlebotomists to practice, specifically California and Louisiana, other areas would still preferentially hire health care practitioners who are certified in their specific disciplines over those with no recognized competences. Getting jobs in the healthcare arena has become more and more competitive among applicants and holding a phlebotomy certification can put you a step ahead among fellow job applicants.

If you decide on a career as a phlebotomy, the first step is enrolling in a reputable phlebotomy certification program that is approved or recognized by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The standards of the training program should also meet the requirements of teaching and training set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Overall the program should qualify every graduate for examination through an external certification agency.

There are ten certifying agencies in the US for phlebotomists that include the American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Certification Agency, American Society for Clinical Pathology and the National Phlebotomy Association. Each organization has their own specific requirements since certification processes vary by agency. Only candidates who meet the requirements of any of the ten recognized certifying agencies are given a phlebotomy certification. Renewal of certifications are done after a certain time period, some organizations require re-testing and accumulation of continuing education credits for individuals who wish to maintain their certification status.

Still, regardless of the certifying organization, the written exam contains similar items that test the theoretical and practical skills of phlebotomists. Individuals who enrolled in a phlebotomy training course should have enough expected knowledge to pass the certification exams.

Phlebotomy jobs are on the rise in the healthcare field. If you want to propel your way to a promising career in a hospital or laboratory as a phlebotomist, a phlebotomy certification is a great advantage. Getting certified is a smart choice.