Phlebotomy Certification

Of the 50 states in the US, only 2 states require phlebotomy certification training and subsequent successful completion of an exam in order to work as a phlebotomist. They are Louisiana and California. In every other state, at least in theory, you can work as a phlebotomist under qualified supervision. However, most people know that something in theory doesn’t always translate into real life practice. Most employers that are looking for phlebotomists don’t want to hire someone who will need their hand held; they want someone who already knows what to do and can do it independent of supervision.

For this skill and ability to go straight to work, most employers are happy to award a nice annual salary to start, with regular pay increases as experience is gained. Some employers may even offer to help their phlebotomists further their training and education by paying for a portion of the tuition. In order to receive these benefits, however, one must first commence with basic phlebotomy certification training.

Phlebotomy Certification Training and Renewals

Phlebotomy certification training can be done online to a point, but there will be a need for clinical training to learn and perfect the techniques involved with venipuncture, or the process of puncturing a vein in order to draw blood. Although Louisiana and California are the only 2 states that require a certain number of clinical training hours, the national certification board may require proof of successfully completed venipunctures in addition to passing the written exam prior to awarding certification.

Phlebotomy certification training may take as little as 3 months in some cases. Those seeking out an Associate’s Degree may do so in approximately 18 months. After the phlebotomist certification training is complete, one must take the national exam. Test results typically take 6-8 weeks to come back, beginning 30 days after the exam. If certification is awarded, successful applicants will be assigned a certification number that will be their number for as long as they choose to practice.

That is not to say, however, that this will be the end of a phlebotomist’s training. In order to maintain certification, a yearly renewal process is required. This typically involves a renewal fee, and approximately 6 hours in continuing education. These renewal requirements help to ensure that all certified phlebotomists stay abreast of the ever changing techniques and responsibilities of the field. At the same time, they provide an outlet for cross-training for different settings and subspecialties.

Successful first time completion of phlebotomist certification training and examination will provide new phlebotomists with the opportunity for internships to gain experience in the field. One may wish to gain a certain number of hours as an intern before applying for phlebotomy jobs with higher paying salaries. This may be equivalent to a year or only a few months, depending on personal preference and the requirements of the desired employer. One thing is certain, however, and that is that getting and maintaining a phlebotomy certification is the key to a long and prosperous career in the field.