Regulations governing the certification of phlebotomists vary from state to state with some states not requiring certification at all. However, for those wishing to practice phlebotomy (or venipuncture), it is highly recommended that one attain their certification as most healthcare facilities will not consider hiring anyone without it. For this reason it is important to make certain that any phlebotomy course one registers in is both professionally accredited and that it adequately prepares you for your certification exam. When browsing through the list of phlebotomy or venipuncture courses, it is a good idea to receive as much information from the school as possible. Once you have done this you should also check with one of the recognized certification bodies to ensure the courses you are considering will prepare you for the certification exam. There are several certifying bodies that can help you with this information such as:

• The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

www.ascp.org/

• The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (APT)

http://phlebotomycertificationguide.com/

• The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)

http://www.nationalphlebotomy.org/

• American Certification Agency at (ACA)

www.acacert.com

• American Medical Technologists at (AMT)

www.amtl.com

• National Center for Competency Testing at (NCCT)

www.ncctinc.com

• American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification at (ASCP)

www.ascp.org

Another way of verify the validity of the school or phlebotomy course is by calling local healthcare facilities and simply asking them if they recognize the specific course or school you are considering. In most cases they will be only too happy to let you know which programs they are most likely to hire employees from.

Since phlebotomy involves both theoretical studies as well as hands-on training, it is imperative that any phlebotomy course you choose offers classroom training as well as practicum modules in a healthcare facility or laboratory. Subjects in classroom study should include such topics as:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• The circulatory system
• The lymphatic system
• The muscular and skeletal systems
• The urinary system
• The respiratory system
• Blood and cell composition
• Proper laboratory protocol
• Blood draw requisitions
• CPR

Not everyone who wishes to become a phlebotomist is able to attend regular, full time classes, in which case one can enroll in an online phlebotomy course. When taking this route however, it is important to make certain that the program does offer a hands-on training period in a clinic, hospital, laboratory or other healthcare facility. Part of the certification process does require a set number of practical training hours along with a specific number of blood draws. It is also important to note that the laboratory or facility you intern in is regulated in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1988. The following site provides specific information on certification and laboratory requirements. http://www.ascp.org/functionalnavigation/certification/getcertified/techniciancertification.aspx#pbt

In addition to the core topics covered in a phlebotomy course, it is a good idea to look for a program that also includes study in the following areas:

• Legal issues surrounding blood draws and venipuncture
• Quality control mechanisms
• Computer training
• Professional behavior

Classroom training will provide students with the necessary steps required in each venipuncture procedure including how to read and follow blood draw requisitions, how to label samples as well as the equipment used in blood draw collections. Students must also learn the specific order in which draws need to be performed in order to avoid cross-contamination.  Patient relations, identification and the Patient’s Bill of Rights are also essential components that every phlebotomist must be trained in. To learn more about the Patient’s Bill of Rights, you can go to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization’s (JCAHO) website at http://www.jointcommission.org/

The practical training portion of most accredited phlebotomy courses will cover such areas as:

• BLOOD DRAW SITE SELCTION – this will teach students the most common draw sites being the median cubital and cephalic veins and acceptable alternate sites such as the basilica vein on the dorsum of the arm or the dorsal hand veins. You will also be taught areas that have a higher risk of complications such as foot veins and certain areas that must be avoided in a site selection.

• VEIN SELCTION PROCEDURES – this involves learning to select a site using your index finger and the difference in feel between arteries and thrombosed veins. Students will also learn what to do when superficial veins are not apparent.

• VENIPUNCTURE PERFORMANCE PRIOR TO, DURING AND AFTER BLOOD DRAW – there are definite and specific procedures that must be followed for each draw including how to approach a patient and proper identification prior to any draw. Appropriate positioning of each patient and preparation of the draw site will also be learned. The specific order of multiple draws and what to do with samples once draw is completed are also essential steps in all venipuncture procedures.

Depending on the patient’s requisition, a finger stick procedure may be indicated, in which case the following procedure will be required:

• Selecting the appropriate equipment
• Proper finger location
• Lancet puncture
• How to collect the blood sample
• Specimen container

In all venipuncture procedures, certain steps must be taken in order to prevent hematoma including which part of the vein to be used, removing the tourniquet prior to needle removal and more. The hands on portion of any accredited phlebotomy course must also include the following topics:

• Hemolysis prevention
• Indwelling catheters and lines
• Hemoconcentration
• Prolonged tourniquet application
• Special factors to consider in patient preparation
• Protecting yourself and patients using safety and infection control
• Troubleshooting for difficult draws

As one can see, phlebotomy or venipuncture involves much more than simply learning how to puncture a vein and draw blood. The right phlebotomy course however, will give you the practical skills necessary and the confidence to deal with any situation in regards to working in a medical facility that requires a phlebotomist. The key to choosing the right phlebotomy course is to first obtain as much information as you can from the schools you are considering and then ensure the program offers a hands-on module and that your courses adequately prepare you for your certification exam. Whether your goal is to explore other areas of the healthcare field or continue as a phlebotomist, the right program will certainly set you on a path to an exciting and financially rewarding career.

Venipuncture or phlebotomy involves much more than simply learning to draw blood from patients. There are standard steps that must be taken prior to, during and after each procedure. Experienced phlebotomists do, in time, establish their own personal routine that includes these essential elements for every extraction:

• Patient identification
• Patient assessment for such things as stress, diet, medications, etc.
• Review requisition order to confirm required tests, special requirements, etc.
• Venipuncture site selection
• Prepare patient, site and all required equipment
• Perform the blood draw in appropriate container(s)
• Understand and recognize possible complications
• Evaluate whether or not rejection or recollection is necessary
• Collection tube labeling
• Procedures for sending specimens to laboratory

Each step of this procedure is vital for a proper diagnosis to be made. Doctors depend on accurate blood draws and analysis in order to treat their patients. Understanding requisition requirements and proper administrative tasks are essential elements that must be studied in any venipuncture course. All equipment and their proper use must also be thoroughly covered and should include the following:

• Evacuated collection tubes – understanding the color coding that represents specific additives each tube contains
• Needles – which needles to use with a syringe and which ones for evacuated systems, butterfly or single draw including gauge numbers denoting bore size
• Holder or adapter for use in evacuated collection system
• Proper handling of tourniquets
• Needle disposal units
• Protective gloves
• Syringes

Another vital aspect phlebotomists are trained in is the order of the draw that must be followed for patients that require multiple tube extractions. A specific draw order is necessary to prevent cross-contamination of the additives contained within each tube. The proper order for multiple draws is as follows:

1. Yellow or yellow-black top – blood culture bottle
2. Light blue top – coagulation tube. It must also be noted that if a simple coagulation assay only is requested, then the single light blue top maybe preformed. In cases where there may be a concern in terms of contamination due to thromboplastins or tissue fluids, a venipuncturist may draw a non-additive tube first followed by a light blue top tube.
3. Red top – non-additive tube
4. The last draw are additive tubes and must be drawn in the following order:
   1. Red-gray or gold top – gel separator and clot activator
   2. Dark green top – sodium heparin
   3. Light green top – PST – lithium heparin anticoagulant and gel separator
   4. Lavender top – EDTA
   5. Pale yellow top – CDA acid citrate dextrose
   6. Light gray top – oxalate/fluoride

Phlebotomists must also take care to thoroughly mix any tubes that have additives in order to ensure accurate test results.

Patient relations is another area that a phlebotomy or venipuncture course must cover. It is extremely important that all patients be treated professionally with courtesy and understanding. Many patients, especially young children and the elderly can feel a lot of stress when they arrive for blood draws. Positive communication skills (verbal and nonverbal) are essential characteristics of professional venipuncturists.

Most accredited venipuncture courses also cover the Patient Bill of Rights as set out by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Since many hospitals and healthcare facilities have adopted these rights, it is important to ensure that your course covers this important topic. For more information, you can visit the JCAHO website at http://www.jointcommission.org/

There is no question that a trained and certified phlebotomist or venipuncturist can enjoy an exciting and lucrative career. The important things to remember when looking for the right venipuncture courses are that they be through an accredited learning institute and that they adequately prepare you for your certification exam.

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If you are thinking of pursuing career in the medical field, there has been no better time to reach those goals than right now. With our current rapidly aging population, medical field workers can look forward to many opportunities for growth in a variety of healthcare opportunities.

Phlebotomy, also referred to as venipuncture, is the science of drawing blood for medical purposes and provides an excellent opportunity for entry into the field of healthcare.  Phlebotomists, or Phlebotomy Technicians, are specially trained to work in clinical laboratories, collecting blood for a multitude of purposes, including transfusions, and healthcare testing.  A career in phlebotomy will include a variety of possible settings and duties, some of which may include:

• Working at blood drive stations to collect blood for blood banks for the purpose of transfusions.
• Working in blood banks facilities.
• Working in hospitals, to collect blood samples from patients.
• Working in clinics or doctors’ offices, to collect and test blood samples from patients.
• Testing blood in a variety of public and private laboratory settings.
• Working with infants and children using specialized strategies and instruments such as butterfly needles or heel sticks.
• Performance of a variety of blood collection strategies, such as venipuncture in order to collect large quantities of blood, and finger sticks when only small quantities are required.
• Specialized techniques such as drawing blood from capillaries or arteries near the wrist.

Phlebotomy is clearly an exciting and growing field which offers an abundance of career opportunities for those entering the healthcare field.  If you feel phlebotomy may be the right career choice for you, take some time to consider all of the training options, in order to ensure you are fully prepared to enter into this exciting career.

While certification is not specifically required in all states, certified applicants will surely have an edge over those who have not pursued an education that qualifies for professional certification.  There are many options in regards to phlebotomy training, so researching the topic and understanding your options is essential.  Phlebotomy training is typically offered in trade schools, community colleges, and career centers, and generally requires students to meet a pre-requisite that requires attainment of a high-school diploma or GED.

Phlebotomy training can last anywhere from four months to just over one year depending on the program chosen.  Most phlebotomy training programs will offer a wide array of course work that pertains to the practice of drawing blood from a variety of patient types, as well extensive classroom work which should include proper laboratory procedures.  Students can expect to take courses that prepare them in the legalities of blood collection practices, safety in blood collection, communication (with patients, families, as well as other healthcare workers), as well as physiology, anatomy, blood composition, and laboratory methods, along with blood collection techniques and practical experience requirements.

When researching the phlebotomy program that best suits your needs, it is imperative to be sure that the program itself is accredited by one of the following agencies:

• The American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• The American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
• The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
• The American Association of Medical Personnel (AAMP)
• The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
• The American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)

Taking a little extra time to make certain that the program you are interested in is recognized by at least one of these agencies will ensure that it meets the standards and requirements that potential employers will be looking for. A relatively small amount of research will certainly increase your employment opportunities upon completion of your phlebotomy training.  It is also recommended that you verify the program you are interested in is recognized by the state where you are hoping to work.  It is equally important to note that many of these accrediting agencies require members to attain a certain number of hours of continuing education, on a yearly basis, for re-training and to keep pace with new technologies, strategies and practices.

There is significantly more to phlebotomy than simply learning to draw blood from a patient. Some of the many subjects covered in an accredited phlebotomy training program will include:

• Processes required prior to drawing of blood
• Appropriate equipment and proper use for specific draws
• Labeling procedures
• Handling of laboratory requisitions
• Order of draw when using multiple tubes
• Site selection factors
• Recognizing the difference between veins, tendons and arteries by feel
• Patient care after draw completed
• Infection and safety control measures
• Quality assurance

Other key practices that all phlebotomists must learn are proper venipuncture procedures, customer relations, patient identification, patient’s bill of rights, fingerstick procedures and more.

There are a number of precautionary issues that students of phlebotomy must also be trained in such as:

• Hematoma prevention
• Hemolysis prevention
• Catheters and indwelling lines
• Hemoconcentration
• Extended tourniquet application
• Patient preparation for special situations

The practice of phlebotomy offers many exciting opportunities in the healthcare field, so if you have been thinking about an occupation in medical services, phlebotomy may be the ideal entrance into your new medical career.

Taking the time to research and complete a recognized phlebotomy training program lets employers know that you take your career seriously and you have taken the time to meet the requirements of the certifying agencies.  This may be especially true if you live in a state that does not require specific training.  In this case, phlebotomist certification may provide you the edge you need to stand out over other applicants.  If you are interested in working within the healthcare field, specifically in the area of phlebotomy; education, training, and certification is an important aspect of preparing yourself for a future in this exciting field.

Remember to contact several schools that offer phlebotomy training and request as much detailed information as you can. The more knowledge you have about the practice and training requirements of phlebotomy, the easier it will be to make a more informed decision.

A phlebotomist is someone who is trained in drawing blood from patients as prescribed by a doctor usually for testing or transfusion and is sometimes referred to as venipuncture. Most hospitals, medical labs, community health care clinics and in some cases private physicians’ offices routinely employ phlebotomists. Due to the relatively short period of time it takes to be trained, more people are increasingly choosing online phlebotomy training as a means to entering the healthcare field.

Phlebotomy training online can be an ideal choice for those who are not able to attend traditional classes at a college or learning institute. When searching for online phlebotomy classes, it is essential to choose a program that also offers hands-on internship modules especially for those who have no previous experience in the field. This is an extremely important factor to consider as professional certification requires a predetermined number of venipunctures, skin punctures and a certain number of hours of practical training before taking the certification exam.

Who should take phlebotomy training online?

Anyone in the medical field or even a layperson who has an interest in the proper procedures for drawing blood and has a high school diploma or GED can take online phlebotomy training. Online classes are commonly taken by healthcare professionals who need to upgrade their skills, those who wish to refresh existing skills as well as students whose goal is to become eligible for phlebotomy certification.  If certification is what phlebotomy students are seeking, it is essential that they also receive hands-on practical training in a medical facility. Those who are already working in the field of healthcare where practical training can take place are ideal candidates for online phlebotomy training.

Since the practice of phlebotomy involves more than just the drawing of blood, accredited classroom training is an essential component in becoming a certified phlebotomist. Some of the courses covered in online programs include:

• Introduction to phlebotomy
• Pre-analytical errors and how to prevent them
• Medical terminology
• The difficult patient
• Radiation and chemical exposure
• Composition and hazards of arterial blood
• Skin puncture techniques for infants, children and adults
• Safety and legal issues
• Accidental needle stick procedures
• Phlebotomy organization
• The laboratory
• Customer Service

Since eligibility for certification entails very specific requirements, it is highly recommended that you contact one of the recognized certification bodies in the United States before enrolling in any online phlebotomy program whether online or at a traditional college. More detailed information can be obtained by visiting the websites of one or more of the following certification organizations:

• The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) http://www.nationalphlebotomy.org/

• For detailed information on the costs of certification by the NPA you can visit the following site: http://estore.websitepros.com/761306/Categories.bok

• The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) http://www.ascp.org/
• The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (APT) http://phlebotomycertificationguide.com/ APT
• American Certification Agency www.acacert.com
• American Medical Technologists www.amtl.com
• National Center for Competency Testing www.ncctinc.com
• American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification www.ascp.org

It is also important that any phlebotomy training online you may be considering will adequately prepare you to take your certification exam as well and the program be professionally accredited.  The certification bodies above are an extremely useful resource in answering any questions you have about the validity of the course you are planning to enroll in. Another key factor to verify is that the school or institute is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and that the program is run in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. For more information, you can contact them through their websites at:

• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) http://www.clsi.org/
• Better Business Bureau consumers page can be found at: http://www.bbb.org/us/consumers/

Since it is not possible to learn how to draw blood through an online program alone, these courses are generally taken by those with previous experience to refresh their skills in proper vein puncture techniques and procedures. Many professionals also make use of phlebotomy training online in order to learn new procedures as well as the latest technology that is being used. Students who are studying for their certification exams also find online phlebotomy programs to be an excellent study tool.

Some of the more popular phlebotomy training online programs include:

• Phlebotomy Services http://www.phleb.com/phlebotomyonlinetraining.html
• Universal Class http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/14514.htm
• Phlebotomy Training Online http://phlebotomyonlinetraining.coursehost.com/

If you are looking to augment your studies for certification, are in need of a refresher course or are a practicing professional who wants to learn about the latest technology or newest developments in accepted procedure, phlebotomy training online may be an ideal solution. The key to finding the right program lies in researching your options.

It is important to visit the websites of a number of schools that offer online phlebotomy courses and request as much detailed information as you can. Find out from the various certification agencies what their specific eligibility requirements and costs for taking the phlebotomy certification exam are. These agencies can also let you know if the courses you are considering fall into the category of recognized programs. It is also recommended that you verify each school’s accreditation standing. The following links will provide you with useful information on school accreditation:

• For information on the accreditation process you can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Ed.gov website at:

• http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

• Alternately, you can go directly to ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx to perform a more comprehensive search by filling in the name of an institution and your state to get information on a particular school.

• For a list of recognized regional, national, and specialized accrediting bodies, you can visit the following link: http://www.elearners.com/resources/agencies.asp

With the increase in today’s aging population, trained professionals in the healthcare field are in high demand. Training to become a certified phlebotomist can provide you with exciting and challenging career opportunities and can also prove to be an excellent portal into other areas of healthcare. Remember to do your research and request as much information from as many training institutes or colleges as possible. The more knowledge you gain about phlebotomy and the varied learning options that are available, the better equipped you will be to make an informed decision.

Phlebotomy, sometimes referred to as venipuncture, is the drawing of blood for medical purposes. This procedure is most commonly prescribed by a doctor for testing and diagnosing health related issues. There are a number of facilities where phlebotomy is routinely practiced such as in hospitals, blood donor clinics, private physicians’ offices, community health clinics, laboratories, etc.

There are many colleges, universities and other accredited training institutes that offer a wide variety of phlebotomy courses. Due to the relatively short period of time it takes to complete phlebotomy training, it has proven to be an excellent venue for those who wish to enter the healthcare field. Demand for trained healthcare professionals is at an all time high providing many fulfilling career opportunities. Certified phlebotomists or those who have taken a nationally approved phlebotomy course within the United States can typically expect to begin their careers with a minimum salary of about $12.00 an hour.

What you will learn about Phlebotomy

Accredited programs that offer a phlebotomy course teach more than just how to draw blood from patients. For students with no prior medical experience, it is important to select a school based on more than simply the length of time it takes to complete the program. The classroom curriculum of top phlebotomy schools will include subjects in their phlebotomy course on the following topics:

• Safety in the laboratory – Students learn the proper procedures in keeping themselves and co-workers from physical harm and protected against infection.
• Physiology and anatomy – Topics studied include the respiratory, lymphatic, urinary, skeletal and muscular systems.
• CPR – It is becoming a requirement in most medical facilities that all workers have up to date CPR training.
• Accepted procedures in blood sampling – Vein puncture (venipuncture) techniques can vary from patient to patient. You will learn proper procedures for use on the elderly, infants, children and adults.
• Blood and cell composition – The fundamentals of phlebotomy depend on a comprehensive knowledge of infection that can affect the blood and the cells.

Other course can include:

• Pre-analytical errors and how to avoid them.
• Medical terminology
• The difficult patient
• Relevant legal situations
• Laboratory Testing
• Customer relations
• Storage and transportation

Pre-considerations before taking a Phlebotomy Course

Whether you decide to study phlebotomy at a traditional college, training institute or through an online program, one of the key factors that must be considered is that you receive practical hands on training through an internship program. The goal upon completion of a phlebotomy course should always be that as a graduate you will be adequately prepared to take your phlebotomy certification exam. Although not all states require certification in order to practice phlebotomy, your prospects of getting a job in the field without certification are virtually impossible. Take some to get as much detailed information from all schools that you may be considering and get answers to key questions such as:

• How long will it take to complete the course?
• Does the school provide a hands on internship program?
• Does the program qualify for professional certification?
• What is the cost of the program?
• Is there an application fee?
• Are there any other fees associated with the school or program?
• Is there financial aid available if needed?
• Is program/school accreditation granted by an independent body?
• What is the application process and do they provide help to complete it?
• What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the phlebotomy program?

Requesting Phlebotomy School Information

These are all important factors to consider so remember to request as much detailed information from several schools and programs as you can. The more information you have, the better equipped you will be to make an informed decision. Once you have all the brochures and information you need, it is a good idea to visit the sites of several recognized certification bodies. Their respective websites will outline their specific requirements for taking the certification exams. This is especially true if you are looking into taking phlebotomy courses online. Take a few minutes to visit the following recognized certification organizations and find out what you need to know before you enroll in a specific phlebotomy course.

• The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) www.ascp.org/
• The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (APT) http://phlebotomycertificationguide.com/
• The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) http://www.nationalphlebotomy.org/
• American Certification Agency at: www.acacert.com
• American Medical Technologists at: www.amtl.com
• National Center for Competency Testing at: www.ncctinc.com
• American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification at: www.ascp.org

Ensuring Schools are Reputable

When reviewing the information that you have gathered you will want to make certain that the programs and schools you are looking at are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and that they have been designed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The Better Business Bureau’s Consumers page can be found at:  http://www.bbb.org/us/consumers/. For more information about CLSI their website is at:  http://www.clsi.org/.

Most states offer one or more phlebotomy schools and training programs. Visit our phlebotomy schools page for a state by state list of recognized colleges and training institutes that offer phlebotomy courses. If your state does not appear to offer phlebotomy courses, there are a couple of resources that may be able to offer information on programs in your area. Initially you can contact your local hospital, community clinic, blood bank, physician’s office or laboratory who may be able to give you the name of a training facility in or close to where you live. Alternately the above certification organizations may also be able to direct you to local resources.

It may seem that there is a lot of work involved in finding the right phlebotomy training but in the end, the more information you have about the industry and the phlebotomy certification requirements, the more likely you are to secure a fulfilling career in the field. Understanding what is required in receiving your phlebotomy certification and having detailed information from several accredited training institutes or colleges will make choosing the right phlebotomy course  a relatively easy task. Taking the time before hand to do your research is an important step in choosing the program that best suits your particular needs and ultimately securing an exciting and rewarding career.

Once you have completed your program of study, you must take your phlebotomy certification exam. Although not all states require certification to practice phlebotomy or venipuncture, securing a job in this field without a recognized certification is rare. Even in states that do not require it, phlebotomy certification will give you a decided advantage when looking for employment and show prospective employers that you are serious about your career.

Three of the top recognized certification bodies are:

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) www.ascp.org

The ASCP has very specific requirements in order to qualify for certification. For those without previous venipuncture experience one must:

• Posses a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• 100 successful and unaided blood collections
• 120 hours of hands-on training
• 40 classroom hours of study

Courses taken in the classroom must include:

• Physiology (or the circulatory system)
• Anatomy
• Specimen handling and processing
• Laboratory procedures
• Specimen collection

In order to be eligible for certification through the ASCP your laboratory training must take place in a facility that is regulated by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1998 by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

• The Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (APT) http://phlebotomycertificationguide.com/
• The APT requirements for professional certification have the following criteria for prospective students without previous and directly related experience.
• Member in good standing with APT
• Successful completion of accredited phlebotomy training
• 5 successful skin punctures
• 100 successful and documented venipunctures
• This certification is through The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
• The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) http://www.nationalphlebotomy.org/

The NPA certifies phlebotomists in all 50 US states as well as in Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Barbados, Switzerland and Canada. They provide accredited phlebotomy programs in a variety of health care institutes, hospitals, colleges and universities. In order to qualify for certification with NPA your program of study must include:

• Hands-on training through an internship program
• Accepted techniques of venipuncture
• 160 hours of classroom study

For detailed information on the costs of certification by the NPA you can visit the following site: http://estore.websitepros.com/761306/Categories.bok

It is extremely important that the school or learning institution you choose for studying phlebotomy is a professionally accredited one and that upon successful completion, you will be adequately prepared to take your phlebotomy certification exam. It is important to ensure that the courses within your program are in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and/or are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

• For more information on the CLSI you can visit their website at:  http://www.clsi.org/
• For more information on the Better Business Bureau their website page for consumers can be found at:  http://www.bbb.org/us/consumers/

It is also recommended that before enrolling in any phlebotomy program you contact a recognized certification association to enquire about the validity of the particular school you are interested in. In addition to the ASCP, NPA and the APT, whose information has been listed above, the following are also professionally accepted accreditation agencies:

• American Certification Agency at: www.acacert.com
• American Medical Technologists at: www.amtl.com
• National Center for Competency Testing at: www.ncctinc.com
• American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification at: www.ascp.org

There is little doubt that becoming a trained and certified phlebotomist is an excellent portal for a career in the medical profession. The field of phlebotomy or venipuncture opens the door to a host of exciting job possibilities in a wide array of venues. Taking some time to do a little research before enrolling in any learning institution will enable you to make the academic and career choices that can provide you with a lifetime of exciting and challenging opportunities.

We focus on a step by step process to help students determine their interest level, perquisites and what to expect when having completed their phlebotomy certification. We pride ourselves on making sure no student enters a phlebotomy training program with even the slightest doubt or uncertainty about what it is to be a phlebotomist. So please, browse through our site and explore the ever growing field of phlebotomy. Be sure to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding our site.

Best Regards,

PTC