Would you be interested in pursuing a career in a robust recession-proof field that does not require extensive and exhaustive education and training? Do you enjoy helping others and succeeding in high pressure situations? Do you possess sound dexterity and sharp mental focus? If you answered yes to these questions, you may want to consider a career in phlebotomy. This career field will give you the opportunity to provide direct medical care and assistance to patients, as you will draw blood samples that will be analyzed. While the education and training process for aspiring phlebotomists is not relatively time-consuming, significant time must be devoted toward preparing for your phlebotomy certification exam. Fortunately, practice tests can be utilized in your preparation.

The major benefit in using practice exams to prepare for phlebotomy certification is that it will allow you to gain familiarity with the structure of the exam and types of questions that will be asked on the exam. Another significant benefit of studying with practice exams is that they allow you to gain a feel for the timing aspect of the test. Even if you do know all the answers on the phlebotomy certification exam, it is important that you answer all the questions with speed. The preparation you will receive from practice tests will boost your confidence heading into the real phlebotomy certification exam. Some of the topics that you will see emphasized on practice exams and the real exam include the following: General concepts in phlebotomy, adult venipuncture, children and venipuncture, skin puncture on babies, finger skin puncture, conducting tests on children and adults, types of isolation and legal, ethical and safety issues in phlebotomy.

If you wish to pursue a career in the strong field of phlebotomy, you will eventually need to take the phlebotomy certification exam. While your classroom education and clinical training will be vital to your success on this exam, it is very important that you use practice exams to prepare. Completing practice exams will allow you to gain greater familiarity with the structure of the test and types of questions commonly asked. It will also allow you to improve in terms of speed and timing.

If you have chosen to pursue a career as a phlebotomist, there is some very important information you must know as far as earning your phlebotomy certification. By law, California and Louisiana require phlebotomists to become certified. However, it is in your best interest to ultimately become certified regardless of which state you live in. Most prospective employers will require that you are certified. In order to improve your job prospects as a phlebotomist, it is critical that you receive proper phlebotomy certification.

Why is it so important for a phlebotomist to become certified? It provides a strong indicator to prospective employers that you are well-trained, have the skills necessary to the job and that you will work as a professional. Additionally, prospective employers want to hire certified phlebotomists because it reduces the likelihood of costly errors, which would in turn minimize the chances of having to deal with costly malpractice litigation. Hospitals and independent diagnostic and medical laboratories want to hire the most qualified phlebotomists and receiving certification places you in that category.

Let’s take a close look at two of the most popular phlebotomy certification organizations. One of these is the American Medical Technologies (AMT), which requires 120 hours of classroom instruction, 120 hours of clinical instruction and documentation of 1,040 hours of experience within the past three years. All applicants must have completed 50 venipunctures and 25 skin punctures. AMT does provide a solid collection of resources, including study guides, to help prepare candidates for the examination. Another popular certification organization is the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). A high school diploma is required as well as graduation from a phlebotomy training program or 2,040 hours of experience in one year. Certification fees generally fall between $90 and $135.

If you want to pursue a career as a phlebotomist, it is vital that you receive phlebotomy certification. While only some states require certification, it is absolutely in your best interest to obtain certification regardless of where you live. Prospective employers will see that you are highly skilled and less likely to make mistakes as a result of certification. Certification feels generally fall between $90 and $135, which is not bad at all considering the benefits you can enjoy with becoming a certified phlebotomist.

If you’re considering a career as a phlebotomy technician, one of the best places to learn more about the vocation is by reading through one of the available books dedicated to this exciting profession. There are currently many different guides and manuals to begin with if you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician. These range from study guides for certification exams to handbook manuals for practicing phlebotomists. Many of these texts can give you a great insight into what the field involves and the types of tasks which you may encounter whether working in a private lab, hospital, blood bank, or community health clinic. In this article, we’ll share a few of our recommended books for the aspiring phlebotomy technician to help you get a feel for this rewarding vocation.

Phlebotomy Handbook by Diana Garza and Kathleen Becan-McBride

The Phlebotomy Handbook is currently in it’s 8th edition which was released in 2009 and is a comprehensive manual which illustrates current techniques in blood specimen collection and the rules and regulations which the phlebotomy technician will be required to understand in practice. It also covers safety and disease prevention techniques, equipment usage, and specimen quality control and assurance. Whether your just interested in learning more about the field or are preparing to begin phlebotomy training or certification, this manual is an excellent resource for understanding the current landscape of the profession

Phlebotomy Simplified by Diana Garza and Kathleen Becan-McBride

Phlebotomy Simplified, another manual produced by the authoritative duo of Diana Garza and Kathleen Becan-McBride, offers many of the topics covered in the more comprehensive Phlebotomy Handbook, however the topics are covered in a much more straightforward manner. This text is a great starting point for those who might be interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician, however have not yet started any formal training on the field. It’s current edition also includes a CD which covers many of the topics presented in the book in a format which can be used on the go.

Phlebotomy Essentials by Ruth E. McCall and Cathee M. Tankersley

Phlebotomy Essentials makes a great resource for anyone interested in learning the fundamental techniques required of the phlebotomy technician and currently includes a fantastic CD-ROM with many great multi-media resources such as videos, flash cards, animations, as well as a comprehensive glossary. The current edition has been completely updated with the latest techniques and procedures which are presented in a full-color format.

Whether your interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician, or are already on your way, these three resources are some of the best in the field in presenting comprehensive information relating to the practice of phlebotomy.

After you have successfully completed your phlebotomy training and certification, you may want to choose to become a member of a professional organization dedicated solely to the phlebotomy technician. Professional organizations can have many great benefits. They can help you to stay abreast of current trends and changes in the industry and additionally, can offer the phlebotomy technician a number of good contacts within the field which can lead to job placement or possible career advancement. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top three professional associations for the phlebotomist.

National Phlebotomy Association

The National Phlebotomy Association is widely recognized as one of the earliest professional associations for the phlebotomy technician. It currently administers one of the most widely taken exams in the field, which over 15,000 professionals in the industry have completed. This exam serves as a professional certification, however, the NPA is also heavily involved in helping to maintain educational standards in phlebotomy training programs throughout the United States. They offer practice courses and exams for individuals who are planning to sit for the certification exam and also hold an annual conference at which you may be able to develop many industry contacts as well as attend various workshops and seminars to broaden your knowledge.

American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians

The ASPT is primarily recognized for their current certification exam. The organization has offered certifications since 1983. They are also very well known for the host of valuable resources that they offer in preparing students to sit for certification, which is constantly updated based on changing conditions within the industry.

American Phlebotomy Association

The American Phlebotomy Association is also a great industry resource for individuals working as a phlebotomy technician. The APA’s primary role is to ensure the standard of care within the field as a certification agency. However, they also offer educational resources for those already in the field. They provide a comprehensive database of articles which is updated on a regular basis that helps to keep phlebotomists up to date on recent developments within the field.

No matter whether you’re just setting out to begin your phlebotomy training or have been working as a phlebotomy technician already, joining a professional organization can be a great resource in taking your career to the next level.

As you’re likely aware, a phlebotomy technician is responsible for drawing blood in a variety of health care environments. Due to the risk of infectious disease transfer and sample integrity, the phlebotomy technician will very likely require certification depending on the requirements of the employer. While many states do not legally mandate that a phlebotomy technician gain official certification, it is always best to undergo this process to broaden your available work opportunities.

As mentioned, the phlebotomy technician may be employed in a variety of environments including private labs, community hospitals, health clinics, and private practices. In order to successfully prepare yourself for a career as a phlebotomy technician, in this article we will outline the three steps to successful phlebotomy certification.

Step 1

The first step in working toward certification as a phlebotomy technician is to locate an accredited educational program, either locally or online. You need to thoroughly evaluate various programs to determine which ones best suit your unique requirements and learning styles. Feel free to read our article on “Choosing a Phlebotomy Technician School” to learn more about the specific aspects of each individual program that you should evaluate. This will help to ensure that you receive the best education to meet your needs.

Step 2

Secondly, you need to effectively prepare for your program of choice. The most important preparation is to ensure that you meet all of the necessary prerequisite requirements for attendance. This can vary largely by institution, however, nearly all will require that you have a high school diploma or the equivalent. If you do not currently meet this requirement, consider getting started on this right away. Some programs will allow you to apply on a conditional basis, which indicates you intention to successfully complete this requirement prior to admittance.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to seek out volunteer opportunities in the field. Many of these can be found at local blood banks and investing a few hours of your time in a volunteer setting can go a long way in successfully preparing you for your phlebotomy technician training program.

Step 3

Lastly, you should apply to the program of your choice and successfully complete the course requirements. The amount of time this requires will also vary depending on the institution which you choose to attend. During your education, be aware that your school very likely will offer job placement assistance and it’s never too early to begin visiting with the career advisors within your program. They can be of tremendous help in locating a rewarding employment opportunity.

If you’re considering a rewarding career as a phlebotomy technician, think about beginning to take these steps to get you on your way to an exciting and challenging vocation.

One of the questions we often hear from individuals interested in beginning a career as a phlebotomy technician is “How much will all of this training cost?” This is a valid concern for anyone who is about to set out on the journey to becoming a certified phlebotomy technician. Prior to making an investment in your future, you want to know just how much you can expect to have to pay to determine if the rewards and benefits of the career are worth the time, effort, and cost of obtaining training and certification. In this article, we’re going to take a look at what you can expect phlebotomy training and certification to cost.

Ultimately, the type of phlebotomy technician training program which you enroll in will have the most significant effect on cost. There are quite a few options available and many aspiring phlebotomists will choose to attend a 2-years associate’s degree program through a local community college. These programs begin with general education requirements and then progress on to specific course work in phlebotomy training. Due to the fact that you can very often qualify for government grants, loans, and public and private scholarships for attending accredited associate’s degree programs, the cost of this option can end up being relatively inexpensive or in a few cases, free for the student.

Even without financial assistance, the cost of the associate’s degree program can be relatively inexpensive. Typically, the cost of tuition at local community colleges is only a few hundred dollars per semester (excluding the cost of materials and books). And while this option may require more time than a certificate-type program, it is generally a more sound educational foundation and hence, more attractive to prospective employers.

If you don’t have the time or desire to attend an associate’s degree program, you may choose a phlebotomy certificate program. A certificate program allows the aspiring phlebotomy technician to complete a specialized training course in under a year. These programs exclude the general education requirements associated with 2-years college degree programs and thus are able to be completed much more quickly. The downside of this option can be cost. Many phlebotomy technician certificate programs can cost upwards of $2,000 for less than a year of training.

If you are interested in a career as a phlebotomist, you will have several educational options available to you at varying costs of attendance. By choosing one that suits your budget, time constraints, and learning style, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career as a phlebotomy technician on no time.

If you are planning to set out on a career as a phlebotomy technician, you know that the first step will likely be beginning your education. With the number of online courses for phlebotomy technician training and phlebotomy certification expanding in the last few years, there are many options now available for you to study online. However, prior to enrolling in a distance learning course for phlebotomy certification, you need to take a look at the various modules included in the course to find out if the program has the necessary technological components to meet your unique needs and learning style. Listed here are a few electronic tools to look for when choosing an online training program to study to become a phlebotomy technician.

Video Classrooms
Video classrooms use video conferencing technology to allow students and instructors to meet in a “virtual” live classroom environment. Through the use of simple web cams and online meeting technology, students and instructors may interact both verbally and visually. While this may not be available in all phlebotomy technician training programs online, it can go a long way in replicating a real world physical classroom environment.

Email Accessibility
While email is the standard of communication in the online world, its role in distance learning programs can be quite varied. While you will find that in many online phlebotomy certification programs instructors openly encourage you to contact them via email with questions, some do not offer this unrestricted access. This can result in frustrating delays in having important questions answered and as such, you should consult with the admissions staff of the programs you’re looking into the ensure that you will be able to reach out to instructors as needed.

Discussion Groups and Forums
Many online training programs for the aspiring phlebotomy technician will include discussion groups and/or forums where students can openly and publicly communicate with one another regarding assignments or exams. These can go a long way not only in having your questions answered, but in developing contacts with your fellow classmates. Be sure that your prospective program provides assigned discussions groups or forums.

Course Resource Sites
The hub of any online phlebotomy certification program, the central resource site is a vital component to success in distance learning. This will be the primary meeting location as well as access point for course assignment details, exams, and course news and updates. If you are evaluating a particular program, ask the admissions representative to see a sample live course site so that you can get a feel for what the day-to-day interaction might be like within your course.

While online phlebotomy certification and training programs make the journey to becoming a phlebotomy technician much more flexible, you need to take the time to thoroughly evaluate how the program can meet your individual needs and learning style.

Here at Phlebotomy Technician Training and Career Headquarters we have a simple mission: to best prepare you for an exciting career as a phlebotomy technician. Our goal is to provide you with all of the resources you need to successfully navigate phlebotomy training, phlebotomy certification, and find a job opportunity that you will find rewarding for many years to come.

The field of phlebotomy is very diverse. If you choose to embark on a career as a phlebotomy technician, you will have the opportunity to find employment in a vast variety of work settings. You may choose to work in a private or community hospital. Perhaps you would prefer employment in a private lab. You could also consider working in a blood bank, where you’ll be helping to make a direct difference in the lives of those who need blood transfusions for one of many different medically necessary reasons.

Wherever you decide to find employment, one thing is certain: a career as a phlebotomy technician can provide you with a very challenging and diverse working environment day to day. If you’ve spoken with anyone who works as a phlebotomist, you’ll very often hear that each and every day can be different. This can provide a stimulating work environment in which you actually look forward to going to work each and every day.

Jobs as a phlebotomy technician tend to provide stable employment, a rewarding salary, and excellent benefits such as health care, retirement plans, and often even tuition reimbursement should you choose to further your career by accepting increased responsibilities.

On this site you will find articles which can assist you in learning more about phlebotomy training courses in your area, how to attain proper certification in the field, and even resources to assist you in finding a job in your specific area. We hope you find this site to be an informative resource to help get you on your way to beginning a career in this exciting field. If you want to know more about becoming a phlebotomy technician, you’ve come to the right place!

Prior to becoming a phlebotomy technician, it’s very likely that you will have to successfully pass an exam for certification. Most jobs for the phlebotomy technician will require this certification, and there are a few things you can do to help you prepare for the exam to ensure the best chance of success.

Understanding the Exam

Most clinics, labs, and hospitals will require that you are certified as a phlebotomy technician by the ASCP, or American Society for Clinical Pathologists. The BOC, or Board of Certification, exam is broken down by categories, with each category having its own specific fees and requirements. The first step towards certification will involve deciding which category for which you will apply to be certified. For Technician Certification from the ASCP, there are five distinct categories, however, you will most likely only sit for the PBT, or Phlebotomy Technician, certification.

The exam itself will focus on six primary areas of competency as outlined below:

• Circulatory System Structure and Functions
• Venipuncture, Skin Puncture, and Arterial Puncture Specimen Collection
• Processing and Handling Procedures for Specimens
• Point of Care Testing
• Knowledge of Non-Blood Specimens, such as Urine and Stool
• Phlebotomy Laboratory Operations Knowledge

Qualification for the Exam

In order to be eligible to apply for this exam, you will need to have followed one of the six qualified paths acceptable by the ASCP. These are outlined as follows:

• Path 1:  High school degree or equivalent and successful completion of a phlebotomy technician training program approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or NAACLS.

• Path 2:  High school degree or equivalent and successful completion of an accredited two part structured and formal phlebotomy technician training program within the United States or Canada. This course must have been completed within the last five years.

• Path 3:  High school degree or equivalent and a full year of full-time work as a phlebotomy technician in a qualified laboratory. This work experience must have been within the last five years.

• Path 4:  High school degree or equivalent and a nursing (RN or LPN) or other qualified health care educational certification.

• Path 5:  Current certification in another ASCP category such as MT/MLS or MLT

• Path 6:  Current ASCP certification as a DPT along with a minimum of 100 venipuncture or skin puncture collections within the last 5 years.

Use the Available Study Guides

It is highly recommended that prior to sitting for your phlebotomy technician certification exam, you make use of the available study guides offered by the ASCP. Currently, they have several types of helpful guides available, including online practice tests and examination content outlines that will help you be well-prepared for the exam itself. These can be found directly through the ASCP web site.

By taking some time to properly prepare and study for your exam, you’ll be on your way to successful certification as a phlebotomy technician.

If you’re considering becoming a phlebotomy technician, one of the major advantages is that you will have the opportunity to complete the majority of your training online if you choose through online phlebotomy certification programs. There are many options available for online phlebotomy technician training and in this guide, we’ll walk you through a few of the key considerations to be aware of when you start looking at these programs.

Finding the Right School

Currently, there are dozens of online course available from a variety of institutions and at first glance, they might all appear to be high quality. However, the truth is that although they appear to be reputable, not all of these are equal when it comes to the quality of education they provide to you as an aspiring phlebotomy technician. Your best bet is to fully evaluate each of these programs to determine whether or not it will be your unique learning style.

For instance, a lot of the online phlebotomy certification programs will require that you’re online at specific times during the course testing. If you have responsibilities that cause your free time to be variable or restricted, this may not be the best option for you. You might want to find a program that allows more flexibility in the times that you complete course work and exams. Furthermore, once you’re looking for a job, you will likely find that not all employers will accept online phlebotomy certification from some institutions. It is critical that you make sure that the program which you’re evaluating will allow you to be certified in the state in which you plan to work.

Finding Course Schedules That Work For You

Again, when you’re evaluating programs to prepare you as a phlebotomy technician, take a look at a typical course schedule or syllabus. You want to ensure that you’re able to find an online phlebotomy certification program that fits your unique schedule and lifestyle. By doing this, you’ll ensure your success in the course as you’re much more likely to be able to complete assignments and exams on time without undue stress.

Properly Preparing for Your Courses and Exams

Online phlebotomy certification is something that you will need to take seriously. This is an investment in your future. Many programs will require that you take ongoing tests and exams throughout the course to ensure that you’re progressing properly toward your certification. Although many of these exams won’t provide you with a letter grade at the end like your schools did in the past, these tests are designed to maximize the effectiveness of the subject matter and to make sure that you’re keeping up along the way. Take these exams seriously and prepare properly, and you’ll be on your way to success with your online phlebotomy certification.

Again, research is critical to finding a program that suits your needs. If you take the time to thoroughly evaluate the online phlebotomy certification programs available to you, you’ll be sure to find one that fits your lifestyle and prepares you effectively for your career as a phlebotomy technician.