Becoming a Phlebotomy Technician

The education required to become a phlebotomy technician is available to many providing you can meet the requirements. Requirements can seem rather complex, but the job requires special people who are dedicated to their profession and can meet each requirement without issue. Overall, the requirements are relatively simple.

Many Texas colleges offer training programs to become a phlebotomy technician, you must have a GED or high school diploma to enter any of these training programs, however. Many colleges require you to be at least eighteen years old. The courses required to become a phlebotomy technician are college level.

When applying for acceptance into these college programs, expect to provide:

• Proof that you hold a high school diploma or GED.
• Paperwork showing any college courses you may have taken. To be considered for a place in Phlebotomy Technician programs, you must be able to pass a basic college-level math, reading, and writing exam. The exam is given by the college to which you apply and you are often required to pass this exam with a score of at least 80%.
• A completed application and all essays and other requirements.
• Proof of insurance (medical and liability).

You also must be prepared to pass a typing test (typing speeds of more than twenty-five words per minute are the norm.) Additionally, you will need to demonstrate proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Word, and basic computer skills. Drug screening is mandatory, so expect to be tested periodically. You also must pass a criminal background check.

Working with blood can expose you to many diseases (HIV, Hepatitis, etc.), proof of current health insurance is a requirement. You must also have up to date vaccine records (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, and Chicken Pox. You must be able to pass a health exam, including a negative test result for tuberculosis.

Providing you can meet all of these requirements, expect to put in more than 200 hours of classroom time and over 100 working as an intern in a blood lab. Class hours usually start at 8 A.M. and end at 5 P.M. These hours are pretty strict, so do not expect to be able to end your classroom time at noon and hold a part-time job in the afternoon.

To graduate from a phlebotomy technician training program, you are expected to pass courses in medical terminology, CPR, human diseases, phlebotomy, advanced phlebotomy, clinical practices, and pathophysiology. A phlebotomy technician will learn how to draw blood, how to identify which blood tests are required, and run those tests and send the reports to the appropriate person. Excellent communication skills are required of any phlebotomy technician, so be prepared to take additional courses in speech, patient relationships, and work ethics if they are specific weaknesses for you.

Additionally, many Texas colleges require students to pass the SCANS competency screenings before graduation. The screenings are often monitored during the clinical practice. These comprehensive screenings judge the ability to:

• Handle all aspects of finances, including budgeting and sticking to a budget.
• Manage their daily schedule, closely follow schedules, and effectively alter schedules in time crunches.
• Order proper materials and supplies in a cost effective manner.
• Work well with fellow students and co-workers, as well as working well independently.
• Treat patients with respect.
• Evaluate tests and test results.
• Self-correct performance flaws or weaknesses.
• Modify systems to work more efficiently.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and fix them.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers and patients.
• Remains ethical at all times.
• Makes effective judgments and decisions.

All students are expected to pass certification exams before they can graduate. A number of organizations hold acceptable certification exams. American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, American Society of Clinical Pathologists, American Medical Technologists, and National Phlebotomy Association are four of the best organizations.

• The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians offers exams for $90. A passing grade on their exam grants you membership with their organization.
• American Society of Clinical Pathologists offers exams and memberships for $79.
• American Medical Technologists offers certification for any person working in a field involving medical technology. For their certification for Phlebotomy, the fee is $78.
• National Phlebotomy Association offers certification for $100.

You can become certified with as many organizations as you choose. Certification does require you to keep up with continuing education requirements, meaning you will attend seminars and advance training. This can help you receive better job promotions and a hire salary. It shows your employer and your patients that you are willing to do everything you can to give them the best care possible.

The college you choose will often pick the association of their choice. Many of these associations offer programs in which they come directly to a college setting to give the certification exams. This makes like easy for students because they will not need to rearrange their schedule for the certification exams, they are held right in the classroom.

Education is important and necessary for many jobs. You must successfully complete your phlebotomy education in order to become a phlebotomy technician. Apprenticeships are not an option.

View a list of schools in Texas offering medical programs, some of which may include programs for becoming a phlebotomy technician.