As a veterinary technician, you’ve seen…well, just about everything. From angry cats to bodily fluids in unfortunate places, you handle it all with grace and aplomb.

After all, your job is all about one thing: ensuring good patient care, even when your four-legged patients aren’t too keen on it.

For veterinary technicians looking for another avenue of career growth, a phlebotomy certification is more than just a certificate to draw blood. It’s a way to provide better care for your patients. Here’s why a phlebotomy certification is a great investment for veterinary technicians.

Benefits of Phlebotomy Certification to Supplement Your Veterinary Technician Certification

If you love animals, you love being a veterinary technician. It’s a job that allows you to help animals recover from health issues and feel their best, and you can do anything from administering x-rays to obtaining samples to assisting a veterinarian during exam, even preparing an animal for surgery.

The trick with animals, of course, is that they don’t speak your language. Unlike human patients, it’s hard for them to advocate for themselves. This is where drawing blood makes a huge difference for your animal patients–blood tests are incredibly common diagnostic tools, and they’re incredibly valuable for diagnosing a patient who cannot speak for themselves.

How to Get a Phlebotomy Certification

The trick with phlebotomy (i.e. the process of drawing blood from a vein with a needle) is that it’s an art as much as a science, despite its status as an incredibly common feature of modern medicine. For this reason, phlebotomy requires specialized, structured training to perform safely. Anyone who is not formally trained in phlebotomy must obtain a certification before they are allowed to perform it.

The good news? Getting a phlebotomy certification is relatively easy. You just need to pass a clinical component and a phlebotomy exam.

At the National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals, our exam is 200 questions covering a wide variety of concerns in the field, including order of draw, HIPAA, OSHA, and patient care. In order to register, you must have completed 65 live blood draws within the past two years, or you must be a recent phlebotomy program graduate (within the past six months) with 30 live blood draws at the time of registration.

Where to Get a Phlebotomy Certification: Choosing the Best Phlebotomy Certification Course

Looking for a great phlebotomy certification course? There are a number of certifying bodies out there, so it can be hard to know where to begin.

First, look for a nationally recognized certification. This will ensure that your credentials remain valid, even if you have to move across states. Plus, name recognition makes you a more attractive hire.

Second, look for an exam with three things: a clinical component, a strong code of ethics, and a carefully defined scope of practice. An online exam won’t do you any good if you don’t know how to perform a blood draw in real life, and a code of ethics and scope of practice both indicate an ethical organization which is concerned with certifying ethical medical professionals who reflect positively on the field (as opposed to making a quick buck).

We are Industry Leaders in Phlebotomy Certification

As a veterinary technician, you want the best for your four-legged patients. And as someone who works hard to deliver great care, you deserve an investment in your future too.

We are the nation’s leading organization in phlebotomy certifications. Founded in 1998, we have spent decades promoting best practices in the field and provided thousands of students with the skills, knowledge, and education they need to succeed. So if you’re ready to take the next step in your career, click here to register and receive your exam prep materials.

Are you interested in pursuing advanced certification in phlebotomy?

There are many different platforms and programs designed to help you further your career. The key is choosing one that’s accredited, reputable, and appropriate for your needs. 

Today, we’re sharing a few ways to make sure you choose the right school as you take the first step toward achieving your phlebotomy certification.

1. Consider Your Schedule

Your first decision will be whether to pursue the program online or in person. If you choose an in-person course, make sure it fits your schedule and is located close to you. 

If you work full-time, this will likely mean taking an evening course, perhaps at a local community college. It can be challenging to fit this coursework around your daily activities, so an online course may be more feasible. 

The certification program that we offer at the National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals (NAPTP) is 100% virtual. 

To prepare beforehand, you can purchase a hard copy or PDF review book through our site. You can also access our review course, which includes all the material you need to pass the exam and achieve your phlebotomy certificate. 

2. Research Program History

Be wary of any organization that advertises phlebotomy certifications but doesn’t have any type of well-reviewed longevity. If you’re unsure when the program started, ask a representative.

The NAPTP was founded in 1998. In more than two decades, we’ve built a strong reputation as a trusted leader in the field. This includes establishing a:

• Industry-leading Code of Ethics
• Comprehensive Scope of Practice
• Certified National Testing Program

Seek background information on the program you’re eyeing. Ask when and why it was founded, as well as any other elements that it includes. 

3. Understand the Course Options

Before you can take the exam to achieve your national phlebotomy certification, you’ll need to complete a review course. 

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of program. You will have lots of options to consider. Think about how you plan to use your certification and what other types of training you might need.

Planning to take your exam through the NAPTP? If so, you’ll have a few different options. These include:

• Phlebotomy National Exam + Review Course (Includes access to our self-paced online review course and the NAPTP exam)
• Immunization Certification Course + Exam (Includes access to our self-paced online review course and the Immunization Technician Certification Exam)
• Phlebotomy Instructor Certification (Includes access to our phlebotomy review course, NAPTP exam, and NAPTP Instructor course)

You can learn more about each of these options on our website. 

Pursue Your Phlebotomy Certification Today

Achieving your phlebotomy certification is a great way to expand your career and earning potential. 

When you’re choosing a course, look for one that’s convenient for your schedule, such as an online option! Then, research the credibility and history of the program. Finally, break down all of the course components and ensure make sure they include everything you need. 

Interested in pursuing your certification through the NAPTP? If so, register today to sign up and learn more!

Maintaining a safe work environment is part of a phlebotomy technician’s job. Self-education is one of your most valuable resources—it can help you prevent accidental exposure to bloodborne pathogens and avoid needlestick injuries that could lead to the contraction of illness or disease.

 

In our self-paced phlebotomy online course, we cover every step of proper workplace safety for phlebotomy technicians in extensive detail.

 

In this blog post, we will review some of the most vital safety precautions for phlebotomy technicians to avoid injury and infection.

Preventing Needlestick Injuries

Needlestick injuries occur when a phlebotomy technician’s skin is broken by a used needle.

 

Even a pinprick can put you at risk for severe illness or injury. In order to avoid this risk, phlebotomy technicians should always handle their equipment appropriately and wear protective equipment.

 

Never perform a phlebotomy procedure without wearing non-sterile disposable gloves. This is the first and most essential step toward protecting yourself against needlesticks.

 

Additional ways to prevent injury include:

 

• Follow the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standards
• Never remove, recap, or bend a used needle from a phlebotomy device
• Follow the proper handling and disposal procedures for blood tube holders
• Only dispose of needles and holders using appropriate sharp containers that have been FDA-approved
• Prior to a procedure, ensure that you are only using a device with a single-use blood tube holder that has sharps with injury control, known as sharps with engineered sharps injury protection (SESIP)
• Do not handle any phlebotomy devices without gloves

 

You should always follow your facility’s safety practices for handling and disposing of needles and blood tube holders.

 

These measures are put in place to protect both you and the general public; failure to properly dispose of a needle could result in a needlestick injury to someone else.

Avoiding Blood Exposure

Phlebotomy technicians should plan ahead for each sampling procedure and select appropriate protective equipment. While a mask and non-sterile gloves are acceptable in most cases, you may need to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) in certain cases.

 

If there is ever a blood spill, make sure that you wear protective equipment and dispose of any affected material in a biohazard container. You should then clean the area with medical-grade disinfectant.

 

To help avoid spills in the first place, all lab specimens should be transported in sealed, properly labeled containers.

Preventing Injury Through Proper Patient Care

Increasing patients’ confidence before a procedure can reduce anxiety and improve compliance. Brochures and other hand-outs can help improve education prior to sampling in busy clinics; however, the phlebotomy technician should still greet each patient, establish a connection with them, and let them know what they are going to do prior to the procedure.

 

Encourage patients to breathe during the blood draw, and go at the right pace for each patient. It is vital to assess body language and ask a patient how they are feeling before performing any procedure.

 

Patients who are calm and relaxed during a procedure are less likely to jerk away, which decreases the phlebotomy technician’s potential exposure to blood or a needlestick injury.

Become a Phlebotomy Technician Online

Our online phlebotomy course is a self-paced, six-week program that covers all of the essential education aspiring technicians need to pass the NAPTP exam.

 

With study guides, videos, and PDFs, you receive all the materials and support you need to pass the NAPTP on your first try.

 

Learn more.

If you’re looking for a career in the medical field, there are many exciting ones to choose from. Phlebotomy is an essential job in the medical community.

Their primary task is to draw blood. But phlebotomists perform a host of other duties, including transfusions, protecting patient privacy, and assisting and comforting nervous patients.

The cost of phlebotomy training varies from school to school and state to state. Phlebotomy training is among the least expensive options in the medical field.

Here’s a look at the costs and benefits of a career in phlebotomy.

Cost of Phlebotomy Training

There are numerous program options for someone who wants to become a phlebotomist. Online programs range from as little as $300 to $700 to $800 or more. In-person training may run from around $700 to $1,400 or more.

Some hospitals and clinics offer phlebotomy training for employees at little to no cost. The costs of phlebotomy certification range from $80 to $150, with varying certification renewal charges.

As with any program, there may be textbooks, training materials, and other essentials to buy. As you plan for your medical education, keep all the possible costs in mind.

Training to Become a Phlebotomist

Training time varies depending on the school and training platform you choose. Phlebotomy training can take anywhere from four months to a year and a half to complete.

You can expect to spend a few months to a year studying to become a phlebotomist and another 20-40 hours preparing for certification.

Typically, about two-thirds of your training time will be in a classroom or online setting. The other one-third will be practical training in a clinical setting through an internship or practicum.

Phlebotomy training includes hands-on learning opportunities. Students learn the basics of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology.

Skills You Need for Becoming a Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists play a crucial role in the medical field every day. Doctors, nurses, and patients depend on phlebotomists to be fast and proficient at their job.

In addition to technical training, phlebotomists must be efficient in other skills, including:

• Attention to detail, sample labeling, and data input
• Hand-eye coordination to perform blood draws
• Organizational skills and maintaining a sterile environment
• Soft skills like empathy, patience, and communication

To become a phlebotomist, you need a high school diploma or GED and must be 18 years old.

Completing a Phlebotomy Training Program

If you’re considering a career in phlebotomy, find a training program that fits your schedule and budget. From community colleges to online training to on-the-job learning, there are many options for those interested in the field.

When your training is complete, you can seek certification from various nationally-recognized organizations. The average costs of certifications vary from $50 to $150 depending on the certification and the state where you live.

Benefits of Phlebotomy Training

Phlebotomists are in high demand in the medical field. And the long-term job outlook is good for those entering the field. The cost of phlebotomy training is less than most other medical fields, and the rewards are high.

If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist or earning your national phlebotomy certification online, contact us today to learn more.

The average phlebotomist makes about $37,147 per year. It can range from $33,462-$41,487.

If you’ve considered becoming a phlebotomist, you might be curious about what they do exactly. It’s so much more than drawing blood!

Is this a rewarding role, and how are they important in healthcare? Read this guide on the vital role of phlebotomists in healthcare today!

What Is a Phlebotomist?

A certified phlebotomist draws and collects blood samples from patients. Strong phlebotomists will help relax patients and make them feel more comfortable.

They’ll play a role in helping to diagnose and treat health conditions. Phlebotomists will also keep everything organized and in good condition. Most diagnoses today are made through blood tests!

They can help diagnose viruses, bacterial infections, and blood disorders. Some forms of cancer can be found through blood tests as well.

Safety

Phlebotomist duties include keeping sterile conditions to maintain safety. Sterile conditions minimize injuries, infections, and blood-borne illnesses.

They’ll use sterile gloves, clean needles, and have clean lab coats. Each area is primed with alcohol before collecting blood. Afterward, they’ll bandage the area.

During a medical emergency, they can administer first aid. Phlebotomists will keep everything organized to avoid mixing patients’ blood results.

Supplies Management

Each sample must be recorded to avoid mixing up patients’ blood. They’ll also organize and monitor supplies. In a hospital, phlebotomists will stock and prepare blood trays in case of an emergency.

The Importance of Phlebotomists

Phlebotomists are vital since they help doctors treat and diagnose various conditions. Phlebotomy is also an important component of dialysis and blood transfusions.

Phlebotomists can be found in:

• Labs
• Doctor’s offices
• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Private companies that perform diagnostic screenings

Patient Care

Many patients suffer from the fear of needles. It’s important that you’re empathetic and can reassure their fears.

Their fear of needles might be due to a bad experience. Talk to them and be gentle to make the process as easy as possible.

Answer any questions they might have and what they can expect. Ask them when they’re ready before you begin.

Phlebotomists can also help patients with dementia, neonatal care, and much more. Blood tests help protect expectant mothers and their babies during pregnancy.

It could find gestational diabetes, anemia, etc. Blood work could also find any potential concerns with newborns and babies before they’re born.

Understanding the Importance of Phlebotomists

After exploring this guide, you should understand the importance of phlebotomists in healthcare. A phlebotomy certification can help you stand out on resumes if you’re a healthcare worker.

While certification isn’t necessarily a requirement for phlebotomy, it helps you stand out from the crowd. Are you ready to take your career to the next level and receive a certification in phlebotomy?

Then sign up today to become NAPTP Certified! If it’s been two years since you’ve passed, you can renew your certification. If you have any questions along the way, we’re happy to help.