How To Get A Phlebotomy Certification

A handsome young man doctor holding a test tube vial sample of blood

Skilled medical personnel are becoming increasingly important in society, and phlebotomists are no exception. Even better, it is not hard to become one!

What do they do?

We have all met phlebotomists, even if we have never had to pronounce the word. They draw blood for testing in hospitals. Though it may sound like an easy job (find a vein and stick it in), phlebotomy has a wide variety of requirements. Not only do you have to know where and how to draw blood safely, but also how to avoid contamination of samples and keep a soothing manner for nervous patients that fear needles or white coats.

When taking blood from someone nervous, say "On the count of three..." while sticking the needle in on the count of two!

Phlebotomy certification

Fortunately, it is not too difficult to become a phlebotomist. Though it used to require on the job training, these days a course to get a phlebotomy certificate takes only about six to eight weeks and usually requires only a high school diploma as a prerequisite. Courses of study include simple things like labeling bottles properly, the proper order in which blood samples should be drawn (usually determined by the color of the bottle tops), soothing distraught patients and other basic medical practices that prepare a prospective phlebotomist for entry into the world of medicine. After the course ends, potential phlebotomists have to take an exam administered by a medical organization and pass to earn their certificate.

One step at a time

Phlebotomy is often used as a step into health care rather than an end job in itself. Nursing degrees can take years and becoming a doctor even longer, but becoming a phlebotomist gets a foot in the door and allows an ambitious individual to learn about medicine on the job while training for bigger and better jobs. As with any occupation, hospital directors value people with experience over those without. A new nurse or doctor saying, "I worked as a phlebotomist..." shows both experience and drive to a director and receives an advantage over other candidates.

Phlebotomy is a medical skill that is relatively easy to learn, highly valued and gives ambitious people a step into medical practice. Why are you not becoming one right now?

We have all met phlebotomists, even if we have never had to pronounce the word