A phlebotomy training is extremely important because you must pass this internship stage to receive certification. You will also need to use the time for internship as a chance to get valuable hands-on training. The internships are usually conducted through various programs in medical facilities, like hospitals, public and private clinics, nursing homes, etc.
The exam is given by The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT). The exam offered is all-inclusive and covers most if not all aspects of a trainee’s skill in phlebotomy. Even if phlebotomy certification is not a requirement in all states, you can set yourself apart from your job competitors if you have this kind of certification. You can confidently apply for jobs in hospitals, physician’s offices, community clinics and laboratories without worrying about what to say should they ask you about your certification.
A number of professions in the health care field are required to get their phlebotomist certification, such as physician assistants, medical technologist trainees, Emergency Personnel, medical researchers, nurses, radiology technologists, disease intervention experts, military medics and physician assistants.
The first thing you should look for when searching for a phlebotomy certification course is the accreditation seal of the schools. It’s terrible if you complete a course and find out later that the school is not accredited. Cases in which an applicant is immediately short listed for a job even if he is from a non-accredited school are very rare indeed.
The vocational institution you want to attend should be able to show an accreditation proof. Be wary of discounts and promotions from schools that claim to be accredited. Look at the list of accredited agencies and institutions to make sure.
It is important to research the background of the school and find out how many of their students actually pass the exam. Also, find out the requirements in hospitals for hiring a phlebotomy technician. Should your state hire you regardless of phlebotomy certification, it’s advisable to still get certification just in case you need to transfer in the future.
Go to the online webpages of community colleges and vocational institutions to check for information on the courses offered as well as the status of accreditation. For the latter, you should also check against a good list. Some schools may look as if they’re accredited but are in truth still in the pending list. Here are some of the top phlebotomy technician colleges in the USA:
* Ultimate Medical Academy; Florida
* National Career Education; California
* The Academy of Health Care Professions; Texas
* Pikes Peak community College; Colorado
* Wake Technical Community College; North Carolina
* Dixie State College of Utah; Utah
* Bunker Hill Community College; Massachusetts
* Central Georgia Technical College; Georgia
* Kaplan College; Maryland
* Winter Park Tech; Florida
Before enrolling, make sure you check if the school offers clinical modules. These modules are for on the job hands-on training in a professional environment. Training in such a facility should look great in your resume.