Education Required for a Phlebotomist
The field of phlebotomy offers individuals that want to work in healthcare the opportunity to have a career in an allied health profession. Training programs at colleges and training institutes provide a basis to learn the professional skills to become a phlebotomist.
There are some common requirements for admission into phlebotomy programs. However, educational program curricula in different states may vary, because some states have slightly different requirements for phlebotomists.
How Can I Get Into a Top Phlebotomy Training Program?
Getting into a phlebotomy program is the first step towards enjoying a rewarding career in the field. Understanding the common requirements for admission is important, no matter the school.
Most schools have requirements such as:
- A minimum age of 18
- Prior completion of a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete an application and submit application fees by the deadline
- Submit all required documentation prior to the deadline
- Complete all prerequisite courses
- Attend mandatory orientations or other meetings that are required for admission
- Submit a criminal background check
Schools often have other admissions requirements that students must abide by if they want to attend the school. One example is the Community College of Philadelphia. The college requires that applicants to the phlebotomy program submit proof of child abuse clearance and a negative drug screen. Students must also submit a health clearance form.
Another example of how admissions requirements may vary is the fact that Kapi‘olani Community College requires students to submit a current and valid copy of their adult CPR and First Aid certification cards from the American Heart Association, along with required proof of immunizations.
It is important that prospective students know any clinical experience requirements that may be required as part of a phlebotomy program’s coursework. Individuals that want to work as a phlebotomist must also be aware of whether their state requires passing a national exam, and if preparing for the required exam is offered by the school that they plan to attend.
What If I Am Already in the Healthcare Industry?
There are a variety of career options available for phlebotomists, including for people already working in allied health that want a career change. Are you an allied healthcare worker considering changing your career to phlebotomy?
You already have a great head start since some qualities and skills that healthcare workers in other fields possess are the same as many requirements in the field of phlebotomy, including:
- Demonstrating hand-eye coordination
- Being detail-oriented
- Showing compassion
- Demonstrating excellent communication skills
- Adapting to working in a stressful or distracting environment
Current allied healthcare professionals that wish to follow a phlebotomy career path are likely to have the required knowledge and experience to follow infection control and safety protocols, exhibit a professional demeanor, and understand quality assurance.
An advantage that current allied healthcare workers likely have is the work reimbursement program offered by their employer. These programs typically cover some (or even all) of the tuition costs associated with a phlebotomy training program. Career passions and interests often evolve, even among workers that thought that they found their ideal career. If you are a current healthcare worker looking to enjoy the many rewards of a phlebotomy career, check with your employer for information on work reimbursement programs.
Discover how to expand or start your allied healthcare skillset by enrolling in a phlebotomy program.