The Most Common Phlebotomy Certification Organizations
There are many different organizations which offer phlebotomy programs and courses. Choosing a certifying body that is approved by the CLSI is very important. If your course does not meet their standards, you your certification may not hold enough weight from an employers eyes.
When determining on a appropriate phlebotomy program , try to find one that is recognized by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), uses materials and examinations that reverberate CLSI standards, and qualifies graduates for an test through an external certification agency.
Currently, there are ten phlebotomy certification organizations in the USA. The most common organizations include: ACA, AMT, NCCT ACT, ASCP and NPA. Depending on the agency that you choose, there will be different requirements.
ACA for example, offers a couple of phlebotomist certification programs; phlebotomist instructors, and phlebotomist technicians. In order to qualify for the phlebotomist examination, one hundreds hours of on-hands training must have been completed (this includes one hundred successful venipunctures and 10 dermal punctures). You can execute the phlebotomy certification examination online, however, there is a “hands-on” component that must be done in person. Those applying to become a phlebotomy instructor need either hold a RN or LPN registration, or have an existing certification in phlebotomy. A written examination is not mandatory; however, 3 years of phlebotomy employment and 1 year of teaching phlebotomy is required.
AMT is another well know phlebotomy certification organization that offers individual preparation courses. Applicants must have attended a phlebotomy course accredited by the US Department of Education, a program accredited by the Regional Accrediting Commission, a phlebotomy program consisting of 120 hours of instruction and 120 hours of clinical work, or have completed at least 1,040 hours of acceptable work experience within a three year period. One must also meet the following criteria; have performed at least 25 skin punctures, and 50 venipunctures. A phlebotomy handbook, reference manuals and practice tests are available through AMT.
Two certifications are available through NCCT; standard phlebotomy certification, and donor phlebotomy certification. Both certification types necessitate the applier to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Phlebotomy applicants must be graduates of an approved phlebotomy program or possess one year of experience. The NCCT also requires a phlebotomy performance form. In California and Louisiana, additional forms must be submitted. The requirements of donor phlebotomist certifications are slightly different than traditional phlebotomist certification. In order to qualify for this exam, you must possess 6 months donor experience and eighty successful donor collections.
Considering taking your phlebotomy test? Be sure to visit the “phlebotomy Guide” to find out what you need to know.