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 deciding on a suitable phlebotomist course , look for an organization that is accredited or approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), uses materials and examinations that reflect CLSI standards, and qualifies graduates for an test through an external certification agency.
There are 10 nationally recognized certifying agencies in the United States. The most well know certifying bodies are ASCP and NPA, however, there are a number of others that should not be overlooked such as ACT, NPA and ACA. The requirements to become a certified phlebotomist deviate by agency and are outlined below.
ACA for example, offers a couple of phlebotomist certification programs; phlebotomy techs and phlebotomy instructors. The examination can only be written by those who qualify. That means that one must have completed no less than 100 hours of in-class training, performed 10 successful dermal punctures, and 100 successful venipunctures. Most of the phlebotomist test can be written online, while the remaining portion is performed in a clinical setting. Those applying to become a phlebotomy instructor need either hold a RN or LPN registration, or have an existing certification in phlebotomy. No written exam is required; but applicants must provide 3 years of blood drawing experience in addition to 1 year of teaching experience.
AMT is another well know phlebotomy certification organization that offers several education courses. Applicants must have attended a phlebotomy course commissioned 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. AMT offers a number different guides and study manuals that can be downloaded online by applicants.
Two certifications are available from NCCT; standard phlebotomy certification, and donor phlebotomy certification. In order to apply for this certification program, you must have either worked in the phlebotomy field for a year, or have taken a training course from an accredited phlebotomy program. The NCCT also requires a phlebotomy performance form. Due to state laws, California and Louisiana require additional forms. 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. NCCT accepts submissions via web, or by mail.
Considering becoming a phlebotomist? Learn more about a phlebotomist duties at the phlebotomy certification guide” website.