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.
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- 3 Steps to Certification as a Phlebotomy Technician