Do You Need To Know About Phlebotomy Certification? Look Over Here.
Monday, January 31st, 2011Phlebotomy is defined as the process of making a surgical incision into a vein for drawing blood or performing blood transfusions. In certain cases like hemochromatosis, polycythemia etc. therapeutic phlebotomy is used to decrease red blood cell count by draining some blood.
A phlebotomist is someone who practices phlebotomy. Phlebotomy skills are used by various physicians and other professionals in the health care industry. There is an increasing trend to hire certified phlebotomists as it reduces doctors’ workload. Career as a phlebotomist can be promising. For a phlebotomy job specialized training and certification is required. Phlebotomy certifications can be obtained after completion of the required training.
Phlebotomy jobs mostly involve collecting blood samples by puncturing the vein, the process is called venipuncture. Only a small volume of blood needs to be drawn. Sometimes, in cases of polycythemia (excess of red blood cells) or hemochromatosis (excess iron in tissue) significant amount of blood needs to be removed.
You have to get nationally certified to work as a phlebotomist.. In the United States, only California and Louisiana legally require certification, but hiring certified professionals is a rising trend. The basic training course required for certification lasts 3 to 4 months, Many vocational or trade schools and even online universities offer such courses. You can also get an associate’s degree from a community college, course duration is 4 semesters. If you want a more diversified career path then you should get a bachelor’s degree in clinical or laboratory techniques. Since phlebotomists work along side laboratory technicians it is always helpful to have a technical laboratory background.
During the course students are taught anatomy, blood collection techniques, standard precautions, legal aspects of the procedure and how to deal with patients. After the completion of the course students must appear for the phlebotomy certification exam, certification is granted upon passing the exam.
A high school diploma or an equivalent GED is the minimum qualification required for appearing in the phlebotomy certification exam. Upon obtaining the certification one can apply for phlebotomy jobs, compensation ranges between 10 – 25 dollars an hour depending on skill and experience.