Phlebotomy jobs are amongst the fastest growing jobs in the medical field. This is mainly because phlebotomy is one of the newer careers in the medical field. To practice, a phlebotomy certification or licence is not mandatory but most employers prefer it. However, in some states like California certification is required.
One of the reasons why phlebotomy as a career choice is gaining popularity is that you do not have to study for many years to become a phlebotomist. Typical phlebotomy courses last about half a year and comprise of both classroom learning and hands on training. The practical training part is extremely crucial as it gives you the needed experience to pass the phlebotomy certification exam.
The certification exam is in two parts; the written portion where students are examined on their understanding of the course material and the practical portion which tests the students’ actual ability to perform phlebotomy tasks.
Subjects taught generally are about the structure of the human physiology and anatomy, blood and skin puncture collection techniques and safety.
State Requirements For Phlebotomist Certification
States will have different requirements for a phlebotomist certification. In Florida, for instance, a student needs to have either worked part-time as a phlebotomist for one year or full-time for six months or successfully completed a certified phlebotomy course which should include 25 successful skin punctures and 100 successful venipunctures to qualify to take the certification exams.
The most basic level in phlebotomy is phlebotomy technician but there are opportunities to continue your education to higher levels such as phlebotomy supervisor or facilitator.
Most phlebotomy schools will, as part of the course, organize opportunities for students to perform actual phlebotomy procedures. These practical tests must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed phlebotomist. The training will include learning how to draw blood samples by skin puncture, venipuncture and arterial collection.
There are strict policies on how this should be done without causing undue discomfort to the patient. Safety procedures in blood collection and handling are also taught to ensure the prevention of disease transmission.
Phlebotomist Certification Is A Great Health Care Starting Point
For many, phlebotomy jobs are just a stepping stone to other careers in the medical field such as nursing, dentistry, pathology and many others. This is because phlebotomy courses are not only short in duration but also easily available and as such can give you a feel for the medical field.
Phlebotomy jobs are available in hospitals, blood banks, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.
