With a large amount of choices for phlebotomy training, it can be difficult to feel confident that you are making the right choice. Because of that, it is imperative that you figure out what is important to you in your quest for phlebotomy certification. Below we cover what you will want to have answered before you enroll in your phlebotomist training program.
Questions to Find the Right Phlebotomy Training for you!
Finding out what your options are and what you need. Jumping right in is not gonna help you. Having options is going to assist you greatly in your quest in becoming a phlebotomist. So let’s get started!
- “How much of your weekly time can go towards school?”
- “Do I meet the admission requirements?”
- “Do I need financial aid, or can I afford it on my own?”
- “Am I looking to become a phlebotomist, or am I going to use it in a different field?”
The easy answers to these questions will show you some key insight in to some decisions that will now be clarified. For example, If time is hard to come by due to what could be many reasons (work, family, etc), you may consider taking some of your courses online with phlebotomy training online.
Will you be in Need of Financial Aid?
Narrowing your search for schools that offer financial aid will shorten the list for you.
Are you Looking for Specialist Phlebotomy Training?
Working in a lab or specialized atmosphere or setting will require specialist training. Find a school that meets your career goals and needs will also shorten your list of prospective schools greatly. Talking to multiple programs before enrollment will be necessary for understanding each schools training capabilities for specialists. We make this easy!
Other Items To Look For In Phlebotomy Training
As mentioned, there are several key characteristics to look for in phlebotomy training regardless of the specific type of training you decide to pursue. The following attributes are usually associated with high-quality programs that provide certifications and licenses recognized by employers around the country.
A School’s Accreditation Status
A school’s accreditation status is vital to you and to the school. Making sure your phlebotomy training program is accredited with one of the major, national bodies is absolutely imperative. In phlebotomy, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the (American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals) (ACA), and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) are the leading accrediting bodies.
Check your state and see if they have accrediting requirements. In California, phlebotomy training classes must be accredited with the California Department of Public Health – Laboratory Field Services Department.
Being recognized by one of these will guarantee your training will be up to the standards that are demanded of you in your profession as a phlebotomist.
A Program’s Curriculum
Provided that a school has full accreditation, its curriculum should meets the highest standards and demands of all the major associations responsible for overseeing phlebotomist training and licensing. Even though they may be accredited, it is smart to check and verify that a program’s curriculum includes the following components that are strongly suggested by the ASPT:
- 90 hrs of classroom education covering basic principles of venipuncture and other courses
- 30 hrs of training in a lab setting
- 90 hrs training in a clinical externship
Most training programs are about 16 weeks in length.
Do the Phlebotomy Schools you are Looking at Offer Job Placement Services?
Long standing and reputable programs will have relationships with employers and will in most cases have job placement services available to you. What they do for you will differ from program to program but they are a vital cog in the hiring wheel for healthcare employers, so getting in on it will only benefit you greatly!
Last Item About Phlebotomy Training
While there may differences in the phlebotomy schools and phlebotomy classes across the nation, once you have completed the course you will need to get certified by of the certifying bodies across the country to make your chances at employment the highest. Because there are no guarantees that you will become a certified phlebotomist right after graduation from your phlebotomy training. Below we list the associations that offer certification.
| National Certifying Association | Title Received |
|---|---|
| National Healthcareer Association | Certified Phlebotomy Technician | CPT (NHA) |
| American Society for Clinical Pathology | Phlebotomy Technician | PBT (ASCP) |
| American Medical Technologists | Registered Phlebotomy Technician | RPT (AMT) |
| National Center for Competency Testing | National Certified Phlebotomy Technician | NCPT (NCCT) |
| American Certification Agency | Certified Phlebotomy Technician | CPT (ACA) |
Checking the schools history of examination success for certification will help too! Good luck from all of us at pbtcertification.com!