What is Phlebotomy?
You may be wondering what phlebotomy is and what a phlebotomist does for starters. In short, it’s the act of drawing blood. A phlebotomist is a trained technician who collects blood from people for the reason of testing or donation. They’re a very important part of any healthcare team and you may find them working in hospitals, blood donation centers, or clinics. Overall, they can work in a variety of environments. A phlebotomist may also have to visit a patient’s home to perform the work. While certification isn’t always a requirement, it is an asset to have if you’re looking for a job.
Before you can earn your certification, you will need training and to attend schooling. It’ll help prepare you for the test and to work with patients in a variety of settings including labs, blood banks, and hospitals. You can expect to spend anywhere from three months to a year studying and doing practicum training hours and should budget an additional 20-40 hours of coursework for certification.
Job Duties & Expectations
You should know that a phlebotomist is a primary and essential member of the medical community and any healthcare team. The main job duty is to draw patient blood samples through the means of applying pressure after blood has been drawn. After you draw the blood, you’ll need to know how to properly clean and sterilize the equipment and will be in charge of sending the blood or urine samples to the lab for further testing. You’ll also need to know how to use the office database to update a patient’s records. The patient you’re drawing blood from may be nervous or have difficulty with needles so you’ll want to be able to explain the process and procedures to your patients clearly.
A phlebotomist may also be responsible for taking blood pressure, pulse, and respiration readings, depending upon the situation and needs. If you become a trained or certified phlebotomist then you may be required to work day, evening, or night shifts and on weekends or holidays. Generally speaking, phlebotomy technicians tend to make more than certified nursing assistants.
PhlebotomyU Courses
PhlebotomyU offers several courses. In our CPT I classes, students will receive hands on experience and practice this procedure in clinical and classroom settings. Contact PhlebotomyU today to learn which course is best for you.
Getting A Certification with the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
The need for certified phlebotomists only continues to increase over the years. With this increase, many organizations and healthcare facilities want trained professionals who can offer a high level of service. The truth is that the skills are in higher demand than ever before and sometimes knowledge and experience aren’t enough. Employers want to see proof of your knowledge, expertise, and skills.
So, What Federal Agency Regulates Phlebotomy Certifications? The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) regulates phlebotomy certifications and is a leader in this area. You can learn more and get further details on their website.
The following people should consider getting this certification:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Medical Assistant(MA)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Your first step in receiving certification is to check your eligibility. You need to see if you meet the requirements to take the NPA National Boards. Next, you should work hard to prepare for your Phlebotomy Exam. The NPA offers resources that will help you properly prepare and study for the exam. You should then apply for the exam using the link on their website and send in your completed application with your exam. Once you pass your exam you’ll receive your credentials and can log in to your National Phlebotomy Member Account. It’s up to the phlebotomist to maintain the certification and pay the renewal on or prior to the renewal date.
Benefits of A Certification
This career and field can be competitive and if you want to land a good job then you may want to consider getting your certification. The benefits are that you can prove you have the technical skills and knowledge to work on a patient and perform your job duties. This certification will demonstrate that you have the medical knowledge and clinical proficiency for collecting blood and laboratory specimens in health care settings. It’s a way to show that you’re continuing to improve your skills and stay up to speed with the latest techniques and technology as well. The NPA allows your employer to verify your credentials and certification so you should make sure you keep yours up to date. These classes and certifications are highly recommended because you’ll not only be able to launch a good career but can prove that you’re highly skilled and prepared for the job regardless of your background or college experience. It’s a quick and efficient catalyst and way to get your foot in the door at your employer of choice.
RELATED: The Difference between NCCT and CPT I License
Enroll at PhlebotomyU Today
After achieving your CPT1 certificate at PhlebotomyU, you will be ready to find your dream phlebotomy job. As a nationally accredited phlebotomy training program, PhlebotomyU prepares its students with the skills they need to succeed afterwards including career services , a phlebotomy internship, and more. Interested? Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
