Blood is drawn, taken, and labeled for medical testing.If you don't mind seeing blood and are interested in a career in medicine, this may be a job for you.To become a phlebotomist, you need to finish school, get certification, and find a job.If you want to work closely with patients and other medical professionals, becoming a phlebotomist is a great career choice.
Step 1: Your high school education is done.
All phlebotomy training schools require students to be at least 18 years of age and have a high school or GED certificate.High school diplomas are required for positions that do not require phlebotomy school.A phlebotomist will benefit from classes in the biological sciences.You can take classes to learn more about the human body.You can get a GED if you did not finish high school.The equivalency is accepted for schools and jobs.Some people are trained to work as a phlebotomist.If you don't have a high school degree, many offices will not hire you as a phlebotomist.
Step 2: A school for phlebotomy training.
One year programs are what most phlebotomy training schools offer.You can take classes at a community college.It's likely that a technical college near you will offer a phlebotomy program.Since you need hands-on experience taking blood, you will not find online only programs, though some may allow you to take non-lab hours online.Night classes are offered by some programs.If you're working at the same time, this may be useful.
Step 3: Find out if the program is accredited.
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences is the top accreditation agency for phlebotomy.Since each state has slightly different educational requirements, your certification program will be useful wherever you go.The program should be accredited.You will be prepared for your job as a phlebotomist when you learn the best practices for the field.
Step 4: You should apply to a phlebotomy training program.
You need to submit an application, transcripts, recommendation letters, and a short essay when you apply to a phlebotomy training program.The program should know why you want to be a phlebotomist.These are the requirements that you will need to complete your application for certain programs.You need to get transcripts from your high school or GED.It is possible to talk to high school teachers, career counselors, and former and current bosses for recommendation letters.A short essay about why you want to be a phlebotomist is required.Draw on your experience in the health care industry when writing the essay.
Step 5: Attend a phlebotomy training program.
Blood collection, storage, and safety will be covered in your training program.You will be doing a lot of lab work.In your courses, you will learn how to draw and store blood.This will teach you how to work as a phlebotomist.Programs can last more or less time.You can research each school to find out how long their program is.
Step 6: 1,040 hours of work experience is what you can earn.
Along with classroom training, programs should offer a practicum.If you want to complete your work experience hours, you need an internship or apprenticeship.Work experience hours are needed to get additional certification.Certification can provide additional opportunities and salary.At least 100 successful venipunctures are required in addition to your work experience.You are able to draw blood from people.
Step 7: For your preferred certification, complete the requirements.
There are different requirements for different types of certification.To become a certified phlebotomy technician, you need to meet all of their requirements.The basics include a high school graduate or GED, 20 hours of phlebotomy courses, and a certificate of completion of an accredited training program.A different agency sponsors each certification.If you want to get licensing from your state, make sure that agency is the best.
Step 8: Obtain national certification
Some states do not require a license for phlebotomists.Gaining certification will help you get a job.The following certifications can be obtained as a phlebotomist: Certified Phlebotomy Technician.Each of the five grades of a CPT requires additional punctures and hours of advanced classes.It may be useful for those working in laboratories.Additional work experience is required for the NCPT certification.There are many organizations that sponsor these certifications.The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences is one of the organizations.
Step 9: If you must, apply for state licensing.
Lab technicians need to pass a license exam in some states.The Secretary of State's office can help you find the requirements in your state.Only California, Nevada, Louisiana, and Washington require phlebotomists to be licensed.Being certified is a good career move.Being certified and licensed allows you to offer better credentials, may allow you for great pay advances, and demonstrates that you're willing to go above and beyond for your career.
Step 10: You can apply for a job at a health care office.
Phlebotomists work in the health care industry.It's a good place to start your job search because health care and medical offices always need blood.It's possible to start your job search online.Try to find a health care office in your area.It is possible to visit some local medical offices.Even if they don't have any openings, they may be able to point you in a different direction.
Step 11: You can apply to local hospitals.
These institutions have phlebotomists on hand to take blood.You can find these jobs on the hospital's website.Hospitals need phlebotomists.The initial application process can be done online.Clinics need phlebotomists.They may need to take blood there or send it to another location.
Step 12: There are openings at your blood donor centers.
Certified phlebotomists may be in high demand.Offices that take blood may be looking for new phlebotomists.The Red Cross is a great place to start.They are a good company to work with because they take blood for donations everywhere.A lot of blood is taken by donation centers.You may need additional training at the center.