Today, there are 132,750 phlebotomists in the US, and there are plenty of job opportunities in places like hospitals, laboratories, and private physicians’ offices.
Becoming a phlebotomist can be an interesting path, especially if you have an interest in healthcare jobs but don’t want to be a doctor or nurse. Your main duty is to draw blood from patients, then label, store, and handle the samples safely.
It’s a relatively simple job to get into, so are you curious about the steps? Then read on. Here’s a short guide to becoming a phlebotomist.
Get a High School Diploma
At the very least, you’ll need to graduate high school first before you consider this career. However, if you’ve dropped out, you still have a chance to become a phlebotomist.
You’ll need to get the equivalent of a high school diploma by getting a GED (General Educational Development). Once you’ve passed the GED tests and received the credential, you can move on to the next step.
Sign up for a Phlebotomy Course
There are plenty of phlebotomy courses offered by community colleges and trade schools. Make sure that when you’re browsing your choices, you only consider those that are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. That way, certification will be easier.
Keep in mind that there are other requirements for enrolling in a phlebotomy program, besides having a high school diploma or GED. You’ll need to go through a background check, and you’ll also need CPR certification and up-to-date immunization records.
Get Your Phlebotomy Certification
Technically you can work as a phlebotomist after you’re done with the program. But the reality is, the majority of employers want to see phlebotomy certifications. So to up your chances of finding a job, and a good paying one, you should consider getting a certification offered by:
- The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- The American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- The National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals (NAPTP)
The NAPTP is the gold standard for phlebotomists. What’s great is the courses are 100% online, and you can go at your own pace, so you won’t have to worry about falling behind.
Once you pass the exam with a score of 85% or more, you’ll be able to be a phlebotomist in all of the US.
Look for a Position
Now you’re set to look for a job. You can look in various places, like the ones we mentioned before (hospitals, laboratories, and private practices). It can be helpful to update your resume and have someone look it over to ensure you stand out against the crowd.
Get Started on Becoming a Phlebotomist
Becoming a phlebotomist can be rewarding. Not only is this one of the quicker medical careers to get into, but it’s also in high demand.
If you have the right prerequisites, you can be on a fast track to phlebotomy careers within a year. Just think: in no time, you’ll be in a job you love.
If you’re ready to become a phlebotomist, then register for the NAPTP exam today.
