How to Choose a Phlebotomy Training Program   by Deborah Dera

in Careers    (submitted 2011-09-07)

The first step in your phlebotomy career is the training program you choose. It is also the most important step. If you don't have any work experience when you enter the profession, then employers will need to know that you have a decent education if you want any chance of landing a good job. Finding the right program requires a little research, but it's not difficult if you ask the right questions.

Accreditation

Is the training program or school accredited and by whom? Whatever school you choose should be teaching the latest CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) standards. Community colleges are almost always a safe bet, but there are several very good vocational training institutes as well. Ask an entrance counselor about the program's accreditations and then investigate to find out if they're reputable or not.

National Certification

It's also a good idea to ask if the program will prepare you for the NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical and Laboratory Sciences) exam. Being qualified to test for national certification is important because it means that if you ever move to a different state, you won't have to get re-certified. In most cases, meeting national phlebotomy certification requirements will satisfy state requirements as well.

Curriculum

The more you know, the more you're worth to potential employers. Compare different programs' curriculums to phlebotomy help wanted ads. Look for the skills employers want and pick a program that offers those skills. When in doubt, go widest range of training possible. A recent phlebotomy graduate who can perform other medical tasks will always have an edge over someone else who has only had minimal phlebotomy training.

Affordability

While every student aspires to go to the finest school possible, the reality is that it isn't always an option. Ask about financial aid and/or payment plans. Pick the best school you can, but make sure that you can afford it. If you have to drop out of school halfway through the program because you're out of money, then partial training won't be enough to get you a job. Be realistic about what you can afford and/or how much debt you can handle repaying after you finish the program. Don't forget to factor in costs like supplies, scrubs, and textbooks. Some schools include these items in their tuition, some don't.

Being a successful phlebotomist requires exceptional training in the latest techniques and using the newest equipment available. Phlebotomists play in important role in the world of medical care and training isn't something you want to try to breeze through. Don't try to go the easiest, quickest, or least expensive route if it means you won't have the skills to do well on the job. Look at several different phlebotomy training programs and pick the best one within your means. Better training equals better job prospects; so if you're going to commit to a phlebotomy training program, pick a good one.

About the Author

Deborah Dera is a full-time writer with a passion for health and wellness. She currently writes career guides for those interested in phlebotomy training, medical billing and coding, and other medical careers.