Nowadays, a career of phlebotomist can bring a lot of benefits and prospects. Qualified professionals will always be in demand on the medical labor market. As a rule, demand breeds supply, so the need of skilled specialists in this medical field stimulates the appearance of various training institutions providing phlebotomy certification.
The essence of a phlebotomist’s job
Accredited certification is obligatory. Without it you will not be employed by any medical body. For phlebotomy certification you need to attend special training classes, where you will be taught how to take blood samples from patients to make blood-tests. The results of these tests are of primary importance, because they affect the process of diagnosis making and medicine prescriptions. A wrong diagnosis may lead to life-threatening and even disastrous consequences.
Where to get phlebotomy certification?
There are numerous colleges, vocational schools and private training centers, which hold special courses. The terms of training classes vary from 3 weeks to 6 months. The course ends with a national board exam. In case of successful exam passing, the certificate is granted.
Requirements for training courses
- There is an age limit for attending such courses – you must be at least eighteen years old.
- Possession of a high school diploma/ GED (General Education Degree).
- Checking of criminal background is conducted.
- Bill of health meeting the requirements of the Centre of Disease Control (absence of any chronic or long-term illnesses or diseases).
- Health insurance (covers all expenses in case of accidents or involuntary injuries).
- Sufficient physical fitness (ability to lift heavy things, stand or walk during several hours)
Phlebotomy certification program comprises such courses as:
- introduction to medical terminology;
- introduction to phlebotomy;
- practical techniques of blood collection;
- principles of interaction with patients;
- judicial side of blood collection;
- CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation);
- computer science;
- psychology.
