Phlebotomy as a separate career in the medical field is relatively new.
The need to create phlebotomy as a separate career arose from the increasing complexity of the work due to technological advancements, new techniques in the diagnosis of disease and increase in the types of laboratory tests.
These duties were normally performed by nurses as one of their tasks. Some hospitals hired people and trained them on the job to carry out the phlebotomist role.
Why You Should Get A Phlebotomy Certification
The disadvantage with the on-the-job training was that there was no standardized way of doing the work as each hospital had its own procedures.
This led to the development of phlebotomy courses and a phlebotomy certification.
These courses were offered and are still being offered at community colleges, vocational schools and medical schools.
Phlebotomy training has become very popular due to the increase in the demand for trained phlebotomists. Training will last anything from a few months to 4 years depending on the level.
The most basic level is the certificate level and it lasts about 3 months. Phlebotomy training is done through theoretical training and practical experience.
After training, it is quite possible to find a job as a phlebotomist in a hospital, laboratory or doctor’s office without getting a phlebotomist certification.
Most states do not require trained phlebotomists to be certified. However, it is better to get the certification. This is because majority of employers now prefer to hire certified phlebotomists.
Phlebotomy is said to be a fast growing career, it does not take long to train as a phlebotomist, it is easy to get into a phlebotomy program and there are many schools offering the training.
How To Get A Phlebotomy Certification
To get into a program requires only a high school diploma or GED. These reasons have made this particular career very popular.
Many people are choosing to go into phlebotomy.
For this reason, it will only be a matter of time before there are more phlebotomists than phlebotomy jobs.
Getting a phlebotomist certification will give people a much needed edge to compete for the employment opportunities.
To get certified, you will need to enroll for phlebotomist training at an accredited school.
Training can also be done online but you must get hands on experience at a hospital or clinic.
After the training, you will sit a certification exam that has the two components, theory and practice.
You will need to pass the exam in order to get certified.
There are several certifying bodies which include the American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) and American Association of Medical Personnel.
