Phlebotomy technicians play an important role in medicine and research. As specialists in the techniques of drawing, collecting, labeling, and storing blood samples, they help patients who are undergoing treatment, and they are indispensable in many types of labs. They also do the important job of interacting with blood donors.
As with any job, phlebotomy technicians can face challenges in everything from being able to get enough real-world practice to knowing how to advance in their careers.
Learn about some of the phlebotomy challenges that exist and how NAPTP, the National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals, can help you overcome them.
The Path to Becoming a Phlebotomy Technician
Your career path to becoming a phlebotomist can start when you enroll in a phlebotomy training program, which you can do if you’re at least 18 years old and have completed high school. After you’ve completed an accredited program, you can take a test to get your certification, which will open a range of opportunities for you.
As you gain more training and experience, you can move up to different levels in phlebotomy:
- LPT: A limited phlebotomy technician is allowed to do skin puncture blood collections.
- CPT I: A Level 1 certified phlebotomy technician is allowed to do both skin puncture and venipuncture blood collections.
- CPT II: A Level 2 certified phlebotomy technician is allowed to do skin puncture, venipuncture, and arterial puncture blood collections.
Phlebotomy training can be completed at a community college or vocational school. Hands-on experience is an important part of training. Certification is achieved through an exam.
Top Phlebotomy Challenges
There are phlebotomy challenges you may face on the road to becoming a phlebotomist. These challenges may include:
- Gaining enough blood-draw experience
- Working with patients who are feeling anxious
- Understanding HIPPA/OSHA rules
- Handling lab specimens safely and correctly
- Proving to potential employers that you are qualified
- Collecting samples from challenging veins
- Knowing current best practices
Phlebotomy technicians need to stay informed on the latest health regulations. They need to know how to put patients at ease, and they should be aware of opportunities for career advancement.
How to Overcome These Challenges
The best way to overcome these common challenges is to gain timely, accurate knowledge about your profession.
An excellent resource for beginner and advanced phlebotomists alike is the NAPTP, the leading phlebotomy certification organization in the nation.
Founded in 1998, the NAPTP helps phlebotomy technicians gain the skills and experience needed to maintain patient safety in any scenario.
How NAPTP Prepares and Equips You
The NAPTP is actively involved in establishing procedures for maintaining a high level of excellence in the field. The NAPTP can prepare and equip you to overcome phlebotomy challenges by:
- Providing you with quality training
- Helping you achieve and demonstrate a high level of competency
- Covering OSHA and HIPAA regulations
- Offering study resources
- Enabling you to take a self-paced course
- Proctoring a test for certification
- Granting phlebotomy certification to qualifying candidates
By studying for, taking, and passing the NAPTP exam, you prepare yourself for handling real-world scenarios, with the help of this top-class phlebotomy organization.
Get Started
Whether you’re just starting your career as a phlebotomy technician, you’re ready to renew your certification, you want to refresh your knowledge, or you want to explore related career options, check the resources and courses NAPTP makes available.
Comprehensive education, training, and hands-on experience can help you overcome common phlebotomy challenges. To learn more, contact NAPTP today.
