The U.S. Department of Labor projects that the work of phlebotomists will grow significantly in the coming years for several reasons. There is a growing demand for health care services as many more Americans approach the age of retirement. The demand would also result from the need for more medications because many of the new medications are already in developmental and clinical stages. Many phlebotomists work in a laboratory setting, performing all kinds of blood culture work and analysis. The work of phlebotomists is not restricted to only blood draws; they are also involved in patient care and assembling equipment such as needles, gauze, blood collection devices and cotton or alcohol wipes. Phlebotomists also keep records, verify blood donor identities and location of veins and disinfect equipment through the use of cotton swabs and approved devices used in blood draws.
The Need and Significance of Work of Phlebotomy
Not all states in the United States require certification in order to perform the functions of a phlebotomist. According to published reports, only two states in the United States require individuals aspiring to become phlebotomists to get certified: Louisiana and California. However, in most other states, without a phlebotomy certification, it is almost impossible to get employed as a phlebotomy technician. Most hospitals and medical clinics have needs for phlebotomy technicians; as the baby boomer generation nears retirement, many more individuals may need health care services. Doctors and nurses are constrained by other duties and may not have adequate time to do the work of blood draws and analysis, which is the first step for performing diagnostic routine. Phlebotomy technicians fill this role.
Phlebotomy Certification Organizations
While there may be more certifying organizations worldwide, in the United States, there are only three bodies that oversee the certification process of phlebotomy technicians. These bodies include the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the Association for Phlebotomy Technicians and the National Phlebotomy Association.
Phlebotomy Professional Requirements for Certification
There are specific requirements often prescribed through a course of study, in addition to clinical ones as well. Generally, a recognized certifying body or agency governs the certification process. Each of these organizations has similar requirements for certification. The following requirements are for individuals without any form of clinical experience in the field of phlebotomy: high school diploma or GED, 40 hours of classroom work in the field of phlebotomy, 120 hours of training in the field of phlebotomy and 100 hours of successful blood draws.
Phlebotomy Programs and Courses
There are a wide range of courses offered for certification purposes. A sample of the courses includes those in the area of anatomy and physiology, sample procedures of blood, and blood and cell composition. Other courses focus on laboratory safety, CPR training and courses focusing on blood circulation and the muscular and skeletal systems of human physiology. Students are also trained in general areas of phlebotomy such as the standards and professional behavioral expectations, legal phlebotomy issues, quality control mechanisms and on computer-related technology.
Schools Offering Phlebotomy Courses
Many schools offer phlebotomy courses, including Arizona College of Allied Health; Empire College in Santa Rosa, California; Pima Medical Institute in Denver, Colorado; Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware; and Technical Career Institute in Miami, Florida.
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