What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
Phlebotomy Technicians collect blood and non-blood specimens for testing through venipuncture, finger pricks, or heel pricks (the latter is often used for infants). These specimens are then analyzed in a clinical laboratory. Since blood and non-blood tests are used to diagnose illnesses, evaluate the effectiveness of medications, and determine whether a patient is receiving proper nutrition, phlebotomists play a critical role in patient care. In some cases, phlebotomists collect blood for other purposes, such as blood drives or for blood donation centers.
Phlebotomists must perform important non-clinical tasks, too. They talk with patients and donors to put them at ease about having their blood drawn, which takes a considerable amount of patience and compassion. They must be detail-oriented since they’re also tasked with verifying the patient’s identity to ensure proper labeling of specimens and entry of information into the healthcare facility’s database. While handling all of this, they must also maintain a spotless work environment in an effort to avoid infection or contamination. Additionally, phlebotomists assemble and maintain equipment such as needles and specimen containers.
In this role, you also have your pick of healthcare settings to work in. Phlebotomists are found in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient care facilities, blood donation centers, and laboratories.
How Do I Become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician?
By following these simple steps, you can launch your career in the medical field and start earning a salary in no time at all. Here’s what you need to do.
1 – Complete High School
The first step to being certified as a phlebotomist is to complete high school. Once you receive a high school diploma or GED, you have enough academic credentials to proceed. There is no minimum GPA required. Although extra health and science classes are not mandatory, we recommend taking as many as possible, as they will provide a solid foundation to build upon moving forward.
2 – Complete an Accredited Phlebotomist Certification Training Program
Once you have obtained your high school diploma, you can apply to our 12-week online phlebotomist training program. We offer competitively-priced classes and a self-paced curriculum that’s completely flexible. In just a few months, you can jump-start a new career and take the first step towards a better future.
By joining our online phlebotomist certification training program, you will:
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Become a master of medical terminology (disease, anatomy, and physiology);
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Acclimate yourself to medical and healthcare environments;
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Come to understand the role and importance of a phlebotomy technician;
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Learn how to provide expert patient care;
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Maintain safety in the preparation and collection of specimens;
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Understand the value of communication, customer service, and professionalism;
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Familiarize yourself with HIPAA, COLA, OSHA, and CLIA-waived testing; and
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Complete all the necessary prep and steps to take and pass the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam.
3 – Take and Pass the CPT Exam
Upon successful completion of preparatory courses, you can sign up for the CPT exam with the NHA (National Healthcareer Association). Our courses provide instruction manuals and assessments that will prepare you to successfully take and pass the CPT. The exam fee and prep materials fees are all included within our tuition price.
4 – Complete Your Clinical Experience Requirements
Once you pass the exam, you must complete clinical experience requirements, which include 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks on a live person, within 180 days to be fully certified. We help our students be placed in situations where they can complete these requirements within the allotted time frame.
5 – Submit Documentation to the NHA to Receive Your CPT
After you pass the certification exam and complete the clinical experience requirements listed above, you simply submit documentation to the NHA to receive your full CPT!
6 – Maintain and Renew Your CPT License
The NHA requires phlebotomists to renew their certifications every 2 years. To renew, you must complete 10 continuing education courses and pay a renewal fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Obtain a Phlebotomy License?
The total tuition for our program is $2,000, which includes costs for the exam and preparatory materials. We provide multiple payment options, including monthly plans starting at $116. We also offer various financial aid programs, including Army Credentialing Assistance, MyCAA, and Workforce grants for those that qualify.
To request more information, just fill out the form here. Otherwise, you can speak with one of our education consultants for help selecting the best payment package. You can opt to pay upfront or make monthly installments at 0-10 percent interest rates.
What Certifications Do I Need to Become a Phlebotomist?
MedCerts offers four CPT certification programs for aspiring medical professionals. The NHA, one of the USA’s biggest allied health certification providers, issues all our certifications. If you want to start a new career for a fair and competitive price, look no further!
We offer the following phlebotomy-focused programs:
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Clinical Medical Specialist (Medical Assistant + Phlebotomy Tech)
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Clinical Medical Professional (Medical Assistant + Phlebotomy Tech + EKG Tech)
What Phlebotomy Jobs Am I Eligible for Once I’m Certified and What Are Their Salaries?
Our programs will open the doors to several career pathways, which are among some of the fastest growing in the healthcare sector. Once you have completed your training and received a phlebotomy certification, you will have the skills and resources required to get a job.
Here is an overview of some of the career opportunities that will be available to you. Remember that these salaries are estimations as the figures can vary from state to state and amongst organizations.
Phlebotomy Technician – Estimated starting salary: $35,000 – $37,000
Job description: A phlebotomy technician’s primary task is collecting blood for various purposes, such as testing and donations. After evaluating blood samples in the laboratory, phlebotomy technicians diagnose diseases and provide insight into a patient’s health.
Laboratory Specimen Processor – Estimated starting salary: $22,000 – $36,000
Job description: A laboratory processor’s job is to receive specimens and record the corresponding data. The other component is appropriately sorting, labeling, prepping, and delivering samples for additional testing.
Laboratory Assistant – Estimated starting salary: $26,000 – $49,000
Job description: Laboratory assistants play a key role in cleaning equipment, gathering samples, conducting research, and documenting important outcomes.
Become a Phlebotomist Today
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what it takes to become a phlebotomist. If you are interested in proceeding further, get in touch with our education consultants. MedCerts’ programs are fully-online, flexible, affordable programs that will provide you with the tools to pass nationally-accredited certification exams. We also help students be placed in work settings where they can achieve their clinical requirements for full certification.
