Phlebotomy Certification

Graduating from an accredited phlebotomy training program is not the same as being a certified phlebotomist. Becoming certified means successfully writing a certification exam through a certifying agency. Phlebotomy certification can be an asset to phlebotomists. Certification indicates that the phlebotomist is knowledgeable of the procedure and safety standards set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute as well as the certifying agency. Though only required of practicing phlebotomists in California and Louisiana, being certified can give an inexperienced phlebotomist an advantage when searching for phlebotomy jobs. Many employers prefer to hire certified phlebotomists.

There is a wide variety of certifying agencies that offer phlebotomy certification available throughout the United States. These include, but are not limited to, the American Certifying Agency, the National Center for Competency Testing, the American Medical Technologists, the American Phlebotomy Association, and the National Phlebotomy Association. Each agency has slightly different requirements and routes to qualify for certification.

The simplest route is usually the completion of an approved or accredited phlebotomy training program. An approved program will consist of both classroom and clinical instruction. The program should be approved or accredited by an accrediting agency, such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), or by the US Department of Education. The program should also use materials and reflect the standards set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Accredited programs aim to prepare graduates for certification exams.

Graduates of an accredited phlebotomy program simply need to apply for and successfully complete a certification exam. Online phlebotomy programs and courses are becoming more readily available. Be sure to select an online course with an internship or hands-on component. It is not possible to qualify for certification without some clinical experience.

It is possible for nurses and other healthcare workers to become certified as phlebotomists. Those without formal training may still apply for certification. Generally, the certifying agencies require documented proof of work experience as a phlebotomist. The duration of experience varies between agencies, but is usually approximately one year of experience. Applicants must also provide proof of a set number of successful blood collection procedures. The exact number varies between agencies and ranges from 50 to 125. Applicants without formal training must still successfully complete a certification exam to become certified.

The American Phlebotomy Association (APA) offers two-day long phlebotomy workshops open to medical personnel or those with a background in biology and chemistry. The workshops cover phlebotomy theory, including tube and test recognition, order of draw, and blood flow. Participants are given the opportunity to practice on both mannequins and humans. Upon completion of the workshop, participants are qualified to write the APA’s certification exam. The workshops are currently offered one weekend every month in Maryland. More information is available online at the APA website.

Most agencies accept applications for certification on an on-going basis. Many agencies offer online exams with practical components at approved locations. Study guides designed to study for certifying exams are available through each agency. Like the qualification requirements, the cost of certification varies with each agency. The cost to write the certification exam ranges from $90 to $135. Exact fees and policies are viewable on each agency’s website.