Attributes of a Quality Phlebotomy Progam

• Be aware that you may not be a qualified for employment if you train with an unqualified or unaccredited school. Many community colleges, online colleges, vocational schools and other educational institutions now offer classes that lead to a certification in phlebotomy. Courses range from one semester to a year and may include classes such as anatomy, blood collection techniques, blood composition, cell composition, communications and physiology. Look for programs that offer plenty of hands-on learning opportunities for drawing blood and for doing blood transfusions. Some certifications require a certain number of hours doing clinical work.
  
  

Train With an Accredited Phlebotomy School

• Investigate each school you are considering to determine if it has proper certification by a nationally accredited institution so you can work nationwide after graduation. Ask whether completion of the program results in the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) designation or whether further testing will be required. Programs are certified by the American Association of Medical Personnel (AAMP), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), or the National Credentialing Agency (NCA). If the education institution you choose is not accredited, you risk having the qualifications for employment after graduation.
  
  

Personal Qualities of a Phlebotomist

• A high school diploma is required to begin study as a phlebotomist. Academically, you must be strong enough to pass a few basic science courses and pass the final exam after your coursework is complete. You need to be comfortable occasionally using a computer. People skills are a big plus since putting people at ease -- adults and children -- is essential. The Phlebotomy Training Guide states you need perfect hand-eye coordination. If blood, needles or urine samples make you queasy, find another job; you will be dealing with these all day long.
  
  

Phlebotomy Certification Organizations

• After you have been licensed for phlebotomy in your state and have accumulated on-the-job training, you may qualify for certification above and beyond the requirements for licensure. In California, for instance, the American Medical Technologists is an approved phlebotomy certification organization. Requirements differ from state to state, but they typically require a licensed phlebotomist to have a certain number of hours of phlebotomy work experience in an approved medical facility.