There are a number of proven ways to boost your medical career prospects and taking phlebotomy classes could prove to be a smart move.
According to the Medical Assistant Guide website, there is a high demand for medical assistants with many healthcare providers. This is due to the growing number of patients, advances in medical technology and the increased need for well-trained professionals who can manage administrative and clinical duties. The demand for medical assistants is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
The role of a phlebotomist is vital as they help patients to provide blood samples that are used for testing purposes and assist with blood donations.
Here is a look at what duties you will be expected to fulfill as a phlebotomist and the types of certifications you can work towards achieving.
What sort of tasks will you be doing?
The role of a phlebotomist involves drawing blood from patients and donors for a variety of important reasons. The samples collected could be used for patient analysis or for research purposes.
Phlebotomists are essential members of any hospital or laboratory team. Let’s take a look at your potential certification options.
PBT-ASCP
If you want a technical certification in phlebotomy you might decide to opt for a course that trains you to achieve a PBT-ASCP.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the originator of this technician certification. You will be required to have a high school diploma and a medical degree that includes phlebotomy training. If you do not have a diploma, you can use phony ged as an alternative.
RPT-AMT
The AMT (American Medical Technologists) offers a registered phlebotomy technician role to consider.
Eligibility differs from the PBT-ASCP certification in a number of ways.
You will have to pass an accredited phlebotomy course within the last four years. You will also be expected to work as a health program instructor and have a minimum of three years of teaching experience.
Another requirement is to complete a total of at least 1040 hours as a phlebotomy technician during the last three years.
PTC-ASPT
Another option to consider would be the phlebotomy technician certification from the ASPT (The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians).
The eligibility criteria include a requirement to complete a training program, confirmation of your experience in specimen handling and venipuncture, and gained a minimum of six months of experience as a phlebotomist.
PTC-AMCA
The requirements for a technician certification from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) include completing a phlebotomy program as well as doing some clinical practice.
Getting your certificate involves a two-hour exam that has 100 multiple-choice questions about topics such as infection control and safety, specimen processing requirements, and patient identification protocols.
In addition, you will have to have performed a minimum of 30 venipunctures and at least 10 capillary punctures.
American National University Phlebotomy Program
If you are looking for a certification option that is purely online it could be worth looking at this accreditation from the American National University (ANU).
It will take you one year to complete all modules and the process requires 36 credit hours.
It would be a good idea to try and gain some practical experience through an internship while completing this online course.
There are a number of viable options if you are looking to launch a career in phlebotomy. Could your career take off with a certification in this sought-after medical procedure and service?
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