Though this may vary by state or country, most people need to have phlebotomy certification to work as a phlebotomist. A couple of states, Louisiana and California, legally require any person hired as a phlebotomist to possess certification. While the other states in the US may not legally require it, it's usually expected that a phlebotomist will hold a phlebotomy certificate. Three levels of certification may exist in certain states, particularly California and these are limited phlebotomy technician, and phlebotomy technician I and II. Each requires training and then application for phlebotomy certification.
Most programs that teach this profession require that students complete training at an accredited school. Length of classes may vary but they typically include classroom hours, and then lots hands on training. There are programs available at a number of schools around the country. These can include community colleges and many vocational or trade schools too. Programs may take a year or longer to complete, and sometimes less time. If the school offers an associate’s degree with graduation, programs are usually two years in length.
When different job levels are offered in a state like California, phlebotomy technician II status is important to increase ability to get jobs. Phlebotomy tech I jobs allow workers to do venipuncture (draw blood from veins) and skin punctures. Tech II designation means the worker can draw blood from veins or arteries. Sometimes arterial blood samples are needed. It is possible to be trained only to the Tech I level, but clearly programs that train to Tech II level are of more use when it comes time to hunt for jobs.
Once a program has been completed, including any required internships, people can apply for phlebotomy certification with several different organizations. It’s not clear if one is perceived more favorably than the others. There are quite a few organizations where a phlebotomy certificate can be obtained, including the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the Association for Phlebotomy Technicians, and the National Phlebotomy Association.
These organizations may also credential the programs in which people train, and it may make sense to achieve phlebotomy certification through the same organization that credentialed the phlebotomy program a person attended. The reason for this is that requirements for certification often line up fairly exactly with the schools each organization credentials. People will need to not only meet these requirements but also pass exams showing their competence.
Like most health care jobs, phlebotomy can require continuing education in order to maintain the phlebotomy certification. Certifying organizations may vary, but most will eventually require additional training. For a person entering the field that is qualified to do venipuncture and skin puncture only, training can be an ideal time to learn how to remove blood from arteries too. Techs also routinely need training as medical equipment and methods change.
