Many phlebotomy jobs will require you to have a professional certification before they will hire you. Fortunately, this site offers state-by-state listings to help you find a phlebotomy class near you. But what does a certification require? We’ll answer some of the most common questions people have about phlebotomist requirements for certification.
Do you need to be certified to be a phlebotomist?
Obtaining certification as a phlebotomist offers several distinct advantages. While not all states mandate certification for practice, employers typically prioritize hiring individuals with proper credentials. Certification ensures that candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out their responsibilities efficiently and safely. Additionally, it provides validation of an individual’s commitment to professionalism, enhancing their employability and career prospects.
Benefits of certification
Earning certification as a phlebotomist offers numerous benefits for both the individual and the healthcare industry as a whole. Firstly, certified phlebotomists are more likely to secure employment in competitive job markets due to their recognized expertise. Certification also ensures that phlebotomists adhere to established industry standards and best practices, maintaining high-quality patient care and safety.
Moreover, certification is often a requirement for career advancement opportunities. As phlebotomists gain experience and pursue further specialization, certification becomes increasingly essential. It serves as a stepping stone for advancement into supervisory roles or additional certifications in related fields, such as medical laboratory technology or nursing.
Non-certified phlebotomists
While certification is not mandatory in all jurisdictions, pursuing certification is highly recommended for aspiring phlebotomists. However, non-certified individuals may find employment in certain settings, such as clinics or private practices, where the demand for phlebotomy services is less stringent. Nevertheless, they may face limited career growth prospects and potential barriers when seeking employment in hospitals, laboratories, or other high-demand healthcare facilities.
Phlebotomy training program requirements
While requirements can differ among schools, there are three basic prerequisites that most phlebotomy programs share:
- Age requirement: You need to be at least 18 years old to enroll.
- Education prerequisite: A high school diploma or its equivalent (GED) is typically required.
- Identification: A valid driver’s license or state identification is usually necessary for registration.
Beyond these basics, additional requirements may apply based on the program’s location, the organization offering the classes, and program-specific criteria. These supplementary prerequisites might encompass:
- Immunization and health exam records: Some programs may require submission of records, such as a tuberculosis (TB) test or immunization documentation.
- Background check: Completing a background check could be mandatory for enrollment in certain programs.
- College transcripts or proof of prior medical training: Depending on the program, you may need to provide transcripts or evidence of previous medical training you have completed.
- Entrance exam: A program might require you to pass an entrance exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills, to assess your readiness for the phlebotomy course.
Are there different types of phlebotomy certifications?
There are many certifying organizations for phlebotomists. If you have a specific job in mind, you may want to inquire about the specific types of certifications they prefer or require. If you don’t have a certain job in mind, you may still want to look at local job listings or talk to a local medical center or recruiter to see if there’s a local preference for a specific certification.
The most common certifications are:
- National Center for Competency Testing – Phlebotomy Technician Certification (NCPT)
- National Phlebotomy Association – Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (CPT-NPA)
- American Society for Clinical Pathology – Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PBT-ASCP)
- American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians – Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (PTC-ASPT)
- National Healthcareer Association – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-NHA)
- American Medical Technologists – Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT-AMT)
- American Medical Certification Association – Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC-AMCA)
- American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals – Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CBT-ACA)
- Phlebotomy Technician Certificate (PTC-AAH)
Learn more about phlebotomy certification types.
Where can you find phlebotomy certification classes?
When searching for phlebotomy certification classes, consider the following options:
- Community colleges and vocational schools: Check local institutions for comprehensive courses.
- Hospitals and medical centers: Inquire about training programs they offer.
- Online training programs: Look for reputable organizations like ASCP, NPA, or NHA.
- Red Cross chapters: Check local chapters for phlebotomy training courses.
- Professional organizations: Explore directories of approved training providers on their websites.
Or, you can check out our state by state listings to find a phlebotomy certification class near you.