Determining The Best Organizations For Phlebotomist Certification

Considering becoming a phlebotomist?  This article will help you choose the right school to obtain your certificate through.  Since there are many of them out there, there are some things that you need to know before choosing.

You can get certified for phlebotomy through one of ten different organizations. yet, not all are reputable or train according to standards set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).

When determining on a reasonable phlebotomy training program , try to find one that is recognized by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), uses materials and examinations that reflect CLSI standards, and qualifies graduates for an examination through an external certification agency.

As of 2010, ten different phlebotomy certification organizations exist. Some of these agencies include the American Certification Agency, the American Medical Technologists, and the National Center for Competency Testing, the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the National Phlebotomy Association. The requirements to become a certified phlebotomist vary by agency and are outlined below.

ACA for example, offers a couple of phlebotomist certification programs; phlebotomy technicians and phlebotomy instructors. The examination can only be written by those who qualify. That means that one must have completed no less than 100 hours of in-class training, performed 10 successful dermal punctures, and 100 successful venipunctures. The exam is written online in combination with a practical element. Those applying to become a phlebotomy instructor need either hold a RN or LPN registration, or have an existing certification in phlebotomy. An examination is not necessary; however, 3 years of phlebotomy employment and 1 year of teaching phelbotomy is requred.

The American Medical Technologiests has a number of phlebotomy certification programs available. Applicants must have attended a phlebotomy course commissioned by the US Department of Education, a program accredited by the Regional Accrediting Commission, a phlebotomy program consisting of 120 hours of instruction and 120 hours of clinical work, or have completed at least 1,040 hours of acceptable work experience within a three year period. The applicant must also have performed at least fifty venipunctures and 25 skin punctures. A phlebotomy handbook, reference manuals and practice tests are available through AMT.

Two certifications can be obtained through NCCT; standard phlebotomy certification, and donor phlebotomy certificaion. There are 2 further requrements that you must meet before writing the test. You must have at least 1 full year of phlebotomy experience, or have attended and graduated an approved phlebotomy training program. The NCCT also requires a phlebotomy performance form. Due to state laws, California and Louisiana require additional forms. Getting a donor phlebotomist certification, one must have 6 months of experience including 80 successful blood collections.