The best phlebotomy schools have clinical or practicum (hands on) training that equals or exceeds the classroom time. They turn out students that can use up to date equipment for standard procedures, but that can also problem solve under their own initiative. The best schools will also make sure you meet all the criteria needed to pass an exam for a phlebotomy certification.
When deciding which school will be right for you, don’t be hasty. The final certification exam will be given by one of a dozen different certifying bodies for phlebotomy. Instead of looking at how many of their students graduate, you should be more interested in how many of their graduates actually passed the exam and receive a certification.
You will also want to know who the certification will be issued through. Each organization has their own requirements for hours of class time, depth of subjects covered, and how many successful blood draws are required to be able to sit for their exam.
Many community colleges and technical schools offer the courses required for phlebotomy certification, and there are also online options. In order to complete the online school requirements you must set up the clinical portion through a local hospital or clinic that will communicate with the school.
If there is not a phlebotomy program near you, the online courses may be the best way to go. There are several to choose from. Just make sure that their class will make you eligible to take the certification test through your preferred certifier.
Some of the most recognized certification organizations are:
- National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) – since 1978 – Certifies phlebotomists in all 50 states through 75 accredited colleges, hospitals, and technical schools
- American Society for Clinical Pathology’s board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) –founded in 1922 – Only certifier acceptable for the State of New York
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) – Phlebotomy is included in the training for this Medical Assistant certification
- American Medical Technologists (AMT) –since 1939 – internationally recognized
- American Credentialing Agency (ACA) – One year of work experience in phlebotomy can be substituted for classes.
Before deciding which certification you want, you’ll need to conduct some research to find out which certifications are most accepted in your area. You may take the exams and hold as many certificates as you would like, as long as you meet the criteria for that organization.
Many hospitals hold their own classes for phlebotomy training. Since most states don’t require a certification for phlebotomists you will need to make sure you are training for a certificate and not just a job with that particular hospital.
If the hospital training program meets the criteria for the exam and certification it may be your best option. The training can be free if you agree to work for them once you are certified. Direct training by a hospital also gives you the most hands on experience and allows for the most diverse patient situations for problem solving.
The lack of federal regulation for phlebotomy training makes it difficult to know which programs have the high quality education you are looking for. Even nurse’s aides have federal regulations for their education and they don’t perform invasive procedures. The only way to find the best phlebotomy schools is to make certain that the one you are considering is backed up by at least one of the certifying organizations.
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Looking for an online program for phlebotomy please help.