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.
Related posts:
- Preparing for the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam
- How Much Does a Phlebotomy Technician Program Cost?
- Phlebotomy Technician Certification: How to Make Sense of It All
- Online Phlebotomy Technician Courses: Factors to Evaluate in a Program
- What You Need to Know to Pursue a Career as a Phlebotomy Technician