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We found this article about the value of Certifications for Retirees from the Institute for Credentialing Excellence to be helpful and informative. Take a look.

A Look at Certification for Retirees
Featuring Nancy Woolever, MAIS, SHRM-SCP, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and Vivian Campagna, MSN, RN-BC, CCM, The Commission for Case Manager Certification

“In some professions, it’s common for individuals to reach retirement and either want to stay active in the field, or find they ultimately need to return to the workforce. In these cases, some certifying bodies offer a retirement status for the individual’s certification.

We spoke with Nancy Woolever, MAIS, SHRM-SCP, and Vivian Campagna, MSN, RN-BC, CCM, to learn more about how their respective organizations approach certification for retirees, and the value it brings to their constituents.

Woolever is the vice president of certification operations at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), working to help advance the HR profession and provide competency-based certifications for early- mid-, senior- and executive-level practitioners. Campagna is the chief industry relations officer (CIRO) for The Commission for Case Manager Certification, a certifying agency that oversees the process of case manager and disability management specialist certification. “

Read Full article here.

Phlebotomy Career Training is the Nation’s Leader in Medical Health Care careers and certification. Our classes and programs are nationally accredited and offered both on-line and in-class. Certifications are the base for a long-term career in all facets of medical health and with updates, carry value in retirement, providing options later in life.  They include: Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Electrocardiogram Technician, Dialysis Technician, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician and more!

If you are interested in a rewarding career in the medical health, visit phlebotomycareertraining.com or call 888-410-6416 to learn more!

Here are some Industry Updates you should know about from the National Health Career Association.

Phlebotomy Certification Recognized
(Not Required) in Connecticut

NHA was proud to advocate for phlebotomists in Connecticut, as recently the governor signed two acts into law. Connecticut now defines ‘“phlebotomist” as “a person, acting on an order of a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse or podiatrist, who draws blood for diagnostic testing, transfusions, research or blood donations.”

The state law now provides that “a person who practices as a phlebotomist in the state may obtain certification as a phlebotomist from the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, National Center for Competency Testing, National Phlebotomy Association, National Healthcareer Association or American Medical Technologists.”

Phlebotomist are not required to be certified in the state of Connecticut.  However, only a certified phlebotomist working in a hospital may perform the extended phlebotomy function of   “flushing a peripheral IV with prepackaged normal saline, in a single use pre-filled syringe.” Read full article here.

Phlebotomy Career Training is the Nation’s leader in medical health careers and certifications. Our classes and programs are nationally accredited and offered both on-line and in-class. Our class sizes are small and led by experienced medical health educators ensuring quality time with each student. They include: Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Electrocardiogram Technician, Dialysis Technician, Medical Assistant and more! If you are interested in a rewarding career in the medical health, visit phlebotomycareertraining.com or call 888-410-6416 to learn more.

It’s finally here, the famous IV Vitamin Therapy “Bars”. This is the new trend for many health spas.  IV drip therapy is a 20-35 minute process, where a person is given an IV infusion of vitamins.  That’s it!  Afterwards they go back to their daily routine.  It sounds as easy as stopping at your favorite coffee shop and walking out with your coffee.  So why are these treatments so popular?  Well for one reason, we all know that vitamins are good for us.  Most everyone remembers being told to, “take your vitamins” since childhood.  As adults we are inundated with ads promoting supplements that will build muscles, increase stamina, grow hair, promote well being and strengthen bones to name just a few.  Does it really come as a surprise that instead of just swallowing a handful of vitamins, one can go to a spa and get a vitamin infusion via IV?

The A, B, C’s (and D’s, E’s and K’s)

So, let’s look at vitamins for a minute. There are fat soluble vitamins which are considered micronutrients that are essential for metabolism, such as Vitamin A, D, E and K.  But you may have heard that too much of a good thing is bad for you.  This is certainly true with respect to some of these fat soluble vitamins.  In other words, an excess of vitamin A can cause severe harm.  To provide an overview, vitamin A is known for its benefit on vision, epithelial tissue and growth in children. Vitamin D is important for bone mineralization, blood Calcium level regulation and vitamin E is known as an antioxidant, while vitamin K is used by the body for clotting factor synthesis.

Soluble vitamins on the other hand are rapidly processed and excreted through the body without causing harmful build up of toxic levels.  Soluble vitamins are thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), biotin and pantothenic acid (B5).  Let’s not forget folic acid, cobalamin (B12) and ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. Needless to say, the list of soluble vitamins is very long.

Without going into the biochemistry of each of these vitamins, it is important to look at how vitamin IV therapy actually works.  It would seem obvious that a physician would first need to determine the patient’s vitamin deficiency needs based upon a thorough health assessment and blood work.  After determining the patient’s vitamin deficiency, the physician would then place an order to the pharmacy to mix a bag of vitamin solution that could be transfused over a period of 20-35 minutes.  The goal of this therapy is to provide an alternative route for the vitamins to exert their maximum effects.  Essentially, the IV drip is bypassing the gastrointestinal system. This all seems very logical, or does it?  The process of inserting a IV needle (angiocatheter) into a vein and attaching a bag of fluid to the tubing and then running the solution may seem fairly straight forward to the general consumer.  However, just the opposite is true.

Starting the IV, More Than Just The Basics

Starting an IV can be very challenging to even the most seasoned and experienced medical professional.  When starting an IV, the first thing the medical professional must do is find a vein to use.  The actual catheter that is inserted into the arm or hand is typically anywhere from a 21 gauge to a 23 gauge needle.  The next thing that must be done is to prime the IV line.  No one wants air in the tubing.  The other factors that must be considered before infusing any sterile fluids into a vein is the patient’s current medication regime, vital signs and allergies.  It is obvious that beginning an IV drip of any kind requires requisite knowledge of medicine and patient care.

So one would hope that their IV vitamin therapist is trained in these disciplines, and aware of the risks prior to them performing an IV insertion.  The next concept to consider is sterility.  Infections are not uncommon at IV insertion sites and there have been many lawsuits regarding improper IV insertion and maintenance of the site.  The consumer who feels that they would benefit from IV vitamin therapy should carefully consider the pros and cons associated with such a treatment and consult with their physician.  It appears that many of these IV bars do not use a licensed medical professional. Many of students take the IV certification class here at our school or online so that they can get the training they need to work in facilities that perform IV insertion safely and with confidence.

The Legal Considerations

The legal aspects of IV vitamin therapy are becoming very muddy waters for those who have established businesses as such or are planning on opening an IV therapy spa.  Throughout the United States, the laws regarding scope of practice for nurses and physicians is quite straightforward.  Scope of practice for nurses’ states that they may only start an IV and transfuse fluids with a physician’s order.  They must also be working either for the physician or a hospital and carry their own liability insurance.  While many medical assistants, EMT’s and Paramedics start IV’s in diverse scenarios, they still have a scope of practice and are following their state licensing requirements and or a physician’s order.  They are also covered by the hospital’s malpractice insurance or by their company’s insurance.

The (Vitamin) B’s Knees?

Vitamin therapy has many health benefits when used properly.  Many patients report feeling results immediately after the infusion.  While IV vitamin therapy may be here to stay, the patient should ultimately be knowledgeable of the laws regarding those who are able to actually start their IV and have a physician’s order for their treatment.  A knowledgeable public will help prevent serious complications associated with improper infusion techniques.  Also, anyone who is in the IV vitamin therapy business should be intimately aware of the laws regarding IV infusion and their patient’s health and well being, above and beyond any vitamin deficiency.

If you are interested in taking our IV training course please check out our online IV Technician Certification online class that also comes with the National IV certification

A successful career in medical health begins with exceptional education and training. Phlebotomy Career Training is the Nation’s Leader in Medical Health Care careers and certification. Our classes and programs are nationally accredited and offered both on-line and in-class. They include: Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Electrocardiogram Technician, Dialysis Technician, Medical Assistant and more! If you are interested in a rewarding career in the medical health, visit phlebotomycareertraining.com or call 888-410-6416 to learn more.

With the COVID-19 resurgence, Phlebotomy Career Training realizes that phlebotomists, medical assistants and medical professionals are finding it more important than ever to use the proper techniques of infection control for protecting themselves and the patients’ health. This article is here as a reference for any phlebotomists in the field who need a quick reminder, or for those who are in countries without access to proper isolation room protocol.

Step 1: Before entering patient room, assemble all equipment

Step 1a: Assemble equipment for collecting blood

• CT Laboratory sample tubes for blood collection (sterile glass or plastic tubes with rubber caps, vacuum- extraction blood tubes, or glass tubes with screw caps). EDTA tubes are preferred

• CT Blood sampling systems (Needle and syringe system, vacuum extraction system with holder, winged butterfly system (vacuum extraction) or winged butterfly system (syringe)

• CT Tourniquet (single-use)

• CT Skin antiseptic solution: 70% isopropyl alcohol
-CT Gauze pads
-CT Adhesive bandage
-CT Tray for assembling blood collection tools
-CT Rack for holding blood tubes
-CT Durable marker for writing on laboratory samples

Step 1b: Assemble equipment for preventing infections

• CT Clean running water, soap and disposable (paper) towel Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• CT Several pairs of disposable gloves (non-sterile, ambidextrous, single layer)

One pair for blood collection; Additional pairs as a replacement if they become damaged or contaminated

• CT Footwear: Rubber boots (wear socks in order to remove easily) or shoes with puncture-resistant soles with disposable overshoes secured around the shoes to prevent direct contact with ground and infected bodily fluid spills

Waste management

• CT Leak-proof and puncture resistant sharps container
• CT Two leak-proof infectious waste bags

one for disposable material (destruction) one for reusable materials (disinfection)

• CT Long-sleeved, cuffed gowns (if in hospital) or disposable coverall suit (if in rural area)

Note: For tasks where contact with blood or body fluid could happen, an impermeable gown or a plastic apron over the non-impermeable gown are recommended. Face protection: Face mask + [face shield OR goggles]

Step 1c: Fill out patient documentation

• CT Label blood collection tubes with date of collection, patient name, and his/her identifier number

• CT Do NOT forget to fill out necessary laboratory form and epidemiological questionnaire.

• CT If several patients have to be sampled in the same place or during the same investigation, create a line list. One patient per line. The list should include: patient name, identifier number, sex, age (birthdate), clinical information: symptoms, date of onset, date specimen was collected, type of sample taken.

Step 1d: Assemble materials for packaging of samples

• CT Plastic leak-proof packaging container
• CT Disposable (paper) towels
• CT Cooler or cold box, if sample requires refrigeration

For the shipment of samples to the National Central Laboratory follow Sample Shipment packaging requirements (see document “How to safely ship Emerging and Dangerous Pathogen samples”)

Primary container, secondary container, tertiary container

Important: A designated Assistant wearing gloves should be available to help you. This person should stand outside the patient room. He/She will help you prepare the sample for transport. He/She will assist you with putting on the personal protective equipment. He/She will provide any additional equipment you may need.

Step 2: Put on all personal protective equipment (PPE)

DO NOT ENTER THE PATIENT AREA IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ALL PROTECTIVE GEAR ON

Step 2a: Perform hand hygiene.

Duration of the entire procedure: 40-60 sec if handwashing with soap and water; 20-30 sec if handrubbing with an alcohol-based solution.

1. Wet hands with water and enough soap to cover all hand surfaces Back of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked
2. Rub hands, palm to palm Rotational rubbing of
   left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa
3. Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa Rinse hands with water
4. Palm to palm with fingers interlaced
5. Dry hands thoroughly with single use towel

Step 2b: Put on a gown

Step 2c: Put on face protection

1. Put on a medical mask
2. Put on eye protection (face shield OR goggles)

Step 2d: Put on gloves (over gown cuffs)

Step 3: Collect blood sample from patient

Step 3a: Prepare room

• CT Put infectious waste bags and leak-proof and puncture resistant sharps container into patient room and make sure they are ready for use

• CT Place all blood collection equipment in a place that is easy to access

• Destruction Disinfection

Step 3b: Identify and prepare the patient

• CT Introduce yourself to the patient and explain what you will do with the blood sample and why

• CT Make sure that this is the correct patient from whom you wish to take the blood sample

Step 3c: Select the site, preferably at the bend of the elbow

• CT Palpate the area; locate a vein of good size that is visible, straight and clear

• CT The vein should be visible without applying a tourniquet

Step 3d: Apply a tourniquet around the arm

• CT Tie approximately 4–5 finger widths above the selected site

Step 3e: Ask the patient to form a fist so that the veins are more prominent

Step 3f: Disinfect the area where you will put the needle.

• CT Use 70% isopropyl alcohol

• CT Wait 30 seconds for the alcohol to dry

• CT DO NOT touch the site once disinfected

Step 3g: When using vacuum extraction system with holder, insert the blood collector tube into the holder

• CT Avoid pushing the collector tube past the recessed line on the needle holder or you may release the vacuum

Step 3h: Anchor the vein by holding the patient’s arm and placing a thumb BELOW the place where you want to place the needle

• CT DO NOT touch the disinfected site

• CT DO NOT place a finger over the vein to guide the needle

Step 3i: Perform the blood draw

• CT Enter the vein swiftly at a 30CT angle

Step 3j: When blood starts to flow, ask patient to open his/her hand

Step 3k: Once sufficient blood has been collected (minimum 5ml), release the tourniquet BEFORE withdrawing the needle

Step 3l: Withdraw the needle gently

• CT Give the patient a clean gauze or dry cotton wool ball to press gently on the site

• CT Ask the patient NOT to bend the arm

Step 3m: Remove blood collector tube from holder and put in rack

Step 3n: Put needle into leak-proof and puncture resistant sharps container

If the sharps container DOES NOT HAVE a needle remover:

• CT Put the needle and holder into a sharps container

• CT Do not remove the needle from the holder

• CT Do not reuse the needle

• CT Remove the needle following instructions on the sharps container

• CT Put the holder into the infectious waste bag for disinfection

Step 3o: Stop the bleeding and clean the skin

• CT Do not leave patient until bleeding has stopped

• CT Put an adhesive bandage on the site, if necessary

Step 3p: Put items that drip blood or have body fluids on them into the infectious waste bag for destruction

Quick Tips:

• CT The blood holder tray and rack will need to be disinfected after use

• CT A minimum of 5ml of blood should be collected for each patient

Step 4: Prepare blood sample for transport

Step 4a: Take the blood tube from the tray and wipe the blood tube with a disposable paper towel

Step 4b: Place all items that came into contact with blood into the infectious waste bag for destruction

Step 4c: Protect the sample from breaking or leaking during transport by wrapping the tube of blood in a paper towel

Step 4d: Ask the designated assistant to approach the patient room, without entering

• CT This person should have gloves on

• CT This person should come close to you holding the open plastic leak- proof packaging container.

• CT This person should not enter the patient room

Step 4e: The person who has collected the blood sample should put the wrapped tube of blood into the plastic leak-proof packaging container

• CT Be careful not to touch outside of leak-proof packaging container with gloves

Step 4f: Have the gloved assistant tightly close the top of the plastic leak-proof packaging container

• CT Disinfectant the outer side of the plastic leak-proof packaging container with a disinfectant

Step 4g: The assistant removes gloves and performs hand hygiene

Note: The sample is now ready for shipment to the National Central Laboratory. Follow Sample Shipment packaging requirements for infectious substances.

• CT Store samples at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If you need to store the sample for one week before shipping, store between 0-5° Celsius.

• CT If you need to store the sample for more than one week before shipping, store at -20 ° Celsius (or better at -70 ° Celsius if available). Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Step 5: Remove Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Step 5a: Remove the gloves

1.Hold the outer edge of the first glove and peel it off
2.Hold the first glove in the gloved hand and drag a bare finger under the second glove
3.Remove second glove from the inside, creating a “bag” for both gloves and put in the infectious waste bag for disposal

Step 5b: Remove the gown

1.Untie the gown
2.Remove the gown from behind starting at the neck and shoulders
3.Put the gown in the infectious waste bag for destruction

Step 5c: Perform hand hygiene

CT Alcohol-based handrub solution (20-30 sec) OR
CT Soap and water (40-60 sec)

Step 5d: Take off face protection

When wearing a face shield:

• CT Remove face shield from behind

• CT If it is a reusable face shield, place it in an infectious waste bag for disinfection

• CT If it is a disposable face shield, place it in an infectious waste bag for destruction

• CT Remove the medical mask from behind, starting with the bottom strap, and place it in a infectious waste bag for destruction

When wearing goggles and mask:

• CT Remove goggles from behind

• CT If reusable goggles, place it in an infectious waste bag for disinfection

• CT If disposable goggles, place it in an infectious waste bag for destruction

• CT Remove the medical mask from behind, starting with the bottom strap, and place it in an infectious waste bag for destruction

Quick Tips:

• CT Place all reusable equipment into a separate infectious waste bag for disinfection

When collecting blood samples from multiple patients:

• CT Change gloves between each patient
• CT Wash hands between each patient

• CT DO NOT WASH GLOVED HANDS
• CT DO NOT REUSE GLOVES

It is imperative that phlebotomists, medical assistants and medical professionals use the proper techniques of infection control for protecting themselves and the patients’ health. Phlebotomy Career Training is the Nation’s Leader in Medical Health Care careers and certification. Our classes and programs are nationally accredited and offered both on-line and in-class. They include: Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Electrocardiogram Technician, Dialysis Technician, Medical Assistant and more! If you are interested in a rewarding career in the medical health, visit phlebotomycareertraining.com or call 888-410-6416 to learn more.

Article shared from the WHO guide on infection control/ PPE procedures

Meeting the Need for Qualified Providers

As the COVID-19 pandemic surges across the United States and the world, new testing centers are being set-up worldwide to rapidly test for COVID-19. This has opened new opportunities for medical assistant employment throughout the world.

At Phlebotomy Career Training, our fast track, nationally accredited online medical assistant program is geared to prepare our students for the multitude of situations they will face in the field, with a focus on skills such as Phlebotomy, EKG/ Telemetry and Infection Control/ PPE procedures. With our fast-track six months or less Online Medical Assistant Program, we are ready to help our aspiring frontline heroines and heroes meet the challenges ahead.

What Can A Medical Assistant (COVID READY) Do?

These are a small set of skills that our medical assistants at phlebotomy career training learn, among many, many others:

• Perform nasal swab COVID-19 testing
• Run Abbott machines
• Specimen collection
• Phlebotomy skills a plus
• Interact with patients (therapeutic communication)

What Will Employers Expect?

Most employers will be looking at something similar to this set of expectations/ requirements. Phlebotomy Career Training’s online medical assistant program prepares our graduates to meet these standards and more.

• Current certification from an accredited Medical Assistant program (completed externship) and current •Basic Life Support certification
• 6+ months experience as a medical assistant (externship/ clinical hours can be applied to this time period).
• Prior experience with swabbing preferred
• Tech savvy:Familiarity of iPads, chromebooks, notepads, laptops and comfortable troubleshooting with connectivity issues/ working with online programs.

• Great communication skills
• Ability to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed; flexibility with availability
• Comfortable working outdoors and under minimal supervision

What Can You Expect?

This is a general outlook on what medical assistants are being offered in the current COVID-19 working environment.

• Forward-thinking, transparent, and inclusive company cultures
• Collaborative environments
• 401K with matching contribution and Pre-tax benefits including Commuter (transit & parking)
• Competitive compensation with medical, dental, vision, 401K (with match), and other great benefits for full time & part time employees who work 20+ hours a week.

The Phlebotomy Career Training Online Advantage

At Phlebotomy Career Training, our over 10 years of experience in medical assistant online training prepares students to be an important part of any medical team, from testing clinics to urgent care centers. The skills students will learn from interfacing with our online program will help them become more tech savvy and learn new and cutting-edge techniques in the field of medical assisting.

Our classes and programs are nationally accredited and offered both on-line and in-class. They include: Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Electrocardiogram Technician, Dialysis Technician, Medical Assistant and more!

For more information or to speak with an admissions counselor, contact us at (888) 410-6416 or email at info@phlebotomycareertraining.com.

Before you consider a career as a medical assistant you may want to be aware that you may be making considerably less than you expected. At first anyway. Also, don’t ever go into any field or career based upon the wage you can earn. You will be working in this field for a very long time, so it is important that like what you do. So if you like what you do then you can branch out into more medically related fields. Some of our students will take multiple classes so as to earn many certifications that will carry them throughout their life.

What does it feel like to achieve a dream goal? It is probably right up there with marriage and children. Happiness is a personal goal. We all have goals, don’t we? We have graduated many students who have gone on to successful careers. Phlebotomy Career Training is now offering an amazing program where students can achieve up to twelve certifications. These certifications will keep them employed for the rest of their lives.

What are those certifications you may ask? Well here they are; 12 Certifications Clinical Medical Assistant, Electrocardiogram Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, IV Technician, Telemetry Technician, Pharmacy Technician,and Coding 5 National Exams Included: Clinical Medical Assistant Exam through the AMCA, NHA or NCCT NTA Electrocardiogram Technician Exam NAPTP Phlebotomy Technician Exam National IV Exam National Telemetry Technician Exam As you can see, anyone who has just one of these certifications can be successully employed for life.

Can you imagine having twelve? Our school has been training students for over 13 years strong. Our staff and teachers have been diligently working daily over the years to build courses that will help students learn the main concepts of their core specialization. Our school, Phlebotomy Career Training has a job board that we give access to all our students. It is a great tool for our students who need resume help, job leads, externship contacts and videos on hospital interview tutorials. We take great pride in our students success and work with them from the beginning of their career studies until they graduate and beyond.

We want to make sure that they are satisfied with their education and are successfully employed in their career choice. Though we do not accept financial aide, (not yet! But soon!) we do the same thing for our students that any community college or university does for their graduates. Maybe more actually! The Tier IV program which includes 12 certification may not be for everyone. Let’s admit, that’s a lot of studying. If so, that’s fine. But for those who are ready to challenge themselves, this program will provide them the results that they desire. Our school is virtually the only school in the world that offers this many courses.

The cost for this course is now $1500. Students may make payments of $500 per month for 3 months. Students have up to one year to take this program. Students are also granted longer access if needed. Phlebotomy Career Training has contracts with many hospitals across the nation which are happy to assist our students in their clinical rotation. We are very proud to have so many health care facilities on board with our school. Now, we do expect a lot from our students if they are going to attend a clinical site which we have contracts. For instance, we expect our students to obtain their immunization titers, TB skin test, ten panel drug screen, scrubs, liability insurance, health insurance, flu shot, knee length white lab coat and a name tag. There is of course much more.

But if anyone has done online courses, you know that there is a high level of professionalism that comes with working in the medical field. This is also required in your clinical rotation. Whether you are currently employed in the medical field or have no medical experience at all, you can take this course. In a country where educational institutions are going exclusively online, the student is expected to adopt this style of learning. At Phlebotomy Career Training, you can enroll at anytime for our online classes. The online classes begin once you enroll and your instructor is as close as the phone.

PCT is the Nation’s Leader in Medical Health Care careers and certification. Our classes and programs are nationally accredited and offered both on-line and in-class. They include: Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Electrocardiogram Technician, Dialysis Technician, Medical Assistant and more! If you are interested in a rewarding career in the medical health, visit phlebotomycareertraining.com or call 888-410-6416 to learn more.

Even in these uncertain times, Phlebotomy Technician career opportunities are growing at a excellent rate. The growth opportunities come as more and more healthcare institutions are required to perform COVID-19 testing, which is creating massive openings for new phlebotomy technicians. 

What does a phlebotomy technician do?

Phlebotomy technicians collect blood from patients and prepare the samples for testing. Most work in hospitals and clinics, but some collect blood for donation purposes. Phlebotomy technicians are important members of the health care team and often need to explain the blood-drawing procedure and put patients at ease.

With constantly evolving medical technologies, phlebotomy technicians must know the difference in blood test types and should be aware of how medications and diet impact blood samples.

Scope of practice

Phlebotomy technicians are responsible for drawing samples of blood and preparing them for testing. Common tasks and duties include:

• Explaining procedures to patients
• Comforting patients that might be nervous about needles
• Taking blood pressure, pulse, and respiration readings
• Drawing blood
• Applying bandages after blood is drawn
• Sending blood, urine, or fecal samples to the lab for testing
• Sterilizing equipment and cleaning workspace
• Updating patient medical records

Work environment

Phlebotomy technicians work in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, private home care, medical labs, blood donation centers, research institutes, and insurance companies. They may work day, evening, or night shifts, including weekend and holiday hours. The majority of their time is spent on their feet, interacting with patients or preparing samples to be sent to the lab.

Becoming a phlebotomy technician

Due to the intricate work of inserting needles into hard-to-find veins, phlebotomy technicians need to have well-tuned fine motor skills. They need to be able to handle difficult and emotional patients that might be afraid of needles. Finally, they need to be detail-oriented and able to remember safety precautions, how different diets can affect blood samples, and exactly how samples need to be treated to appropriately test them. Our phlebotomy technician training program at Phlebotomy Career Training prepares students to meet the requirements of any clinical setting.

Higher education requirements

To become a phlebotomy technician, you must have a high school degree or equivalent and a phlebotomy technician training program. These programs can last a few months to a year. Our phlebotomy technician course is online, self-paced and is built for fast track learning (under 6 months).

Certification process

The certification process can vary depending on which organization is certifying the phlebotomy technician. These organizations include the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, National Healthcareer Association (NHAnow.com). Requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED, a phlebotomy training program, and potentially some work experience.

Career opportunities and outlook

Phlebotomy technicians can expect a median salary range of $34,000.

Phlebotomy is an expanding field with excellent career opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of phlebotomist technicians to grow much faster than average. Blood testing is an essential task in health care (even more so with the resurgence of COVID-19) so demand for phlebotomy technicians is likely to increase since doctors use blood work for analysis and diagnosis.

To advance their careers, some phlebotomy technicians choose to get certified in a particular area to become phlebotomy specialists or donor phlebotomy technicians. With additional experience and education, others become medical lab technicians, medical assistants, or registered nurses (R.N.s).

Phlebotomy Career Training has been training students to become phlebotomists for 11+ with continuing success. We are known for our expertise in training professional phlebotomists at the highest level with instructors committed to helping students achieve excellence in both technique and theory. As the Nation’s Leader in Medical Health Care careers and certification for over 11 years, PCT produces students that are well prepared, professional, and ready to embark on their new careers.

Our classes and programs are nationally accredited and offered both on-line and in-class. They include: Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Electrocardiogram Technician, Medical Coding and Billing Dialysis Technician, Medical Assistant and more. Call today!