An Understanding Of The Phlebotomy Certification Process

To begin the phlebotomy certification process requires attending an accredited educational program or being trained on the job. The educational programs can be found at community colleges and vocational schools. It is not possible to get a degree in this specific field but there are some diploma programs available. Those currently working in the medical field should contact their current employer and inquire about possible training on the job. This can save the expense of a training program. Some may even have a program to assist paying for it.

Phlebotomists are trained in drawing blood from a vein. They typically work under the supervision of a medical laboratory scientist. The blood is typically drawn as a sample to be used for testing and analysis in a laboratory. Drawing blood is for people who have an understanding of human nature and its basic discomfort with needles.

Along with training, experience is a must. Many hours of practice in a clinical setting, under supervision will get the person ready to handle live patients on their own. This is part of where the educational training comes in. A thorough knowledge of a bodies circulatory system and basic anatomy is needed to know the best points to draw from and those that offer the least discomfort.

Knowledge of lab procedure and safety training is needed as well. Each time blood is taken as a sample, care must be given to how this is done and how the equipment is disposed of. An accident with a needle or with the labeling of samples can have dire consequences. This can be either to the phlebotomist or the patient.

Although every state does not make becoming certified a necessity, most employers think it is. Given the choice between hiring someone with a proven skill and knowledge level, from a trusted agency and someone without it, most go with the person who is certified. How samples are handled can mean the life or death of a patient.

It is important to note what agency is offering to certify, sometimes it is simply the school offering a certificate stating their program was completed. A separate written examination is required. The training may take as little as four month to more than eight.

Once the phlebotomy certification process is done the possibilities of places to work are many. It may be done in one office daily or it could involve traveling from one home to another. Agencies offering home health services need a phlebotomist to visit those patient who are homebound but still require medical care.