Getting blood from a vein painlessly and effortless is an art acquired and mastered. Guidance, practice and experience play key roles in developing this skill. Nowadays, given the fast-paced lifestyles of people and advanced technology, there is a high demand among the scientists and laboratory personnel for qualified and competent phlebotomists. Not all people can obtain blood specimens; they should have careful and efficient skills needed for this task. For this reason, a phlebotomy certification is required in most hospitals and laboratories.

Phlebotomy certification is essential if you are aspiring to belong to the elite list of health care experts. Aside from being well adept in the various aspects involving specimen gathering and transport, a phlebotomist must also exhibit a high level of professionalism. When dealing with patients and their families, a phlebotomist must show proper bedside manners similar to doctors.

Duration of Training
In order to obtain the phlebotomy certification, the basic program will be offered in two courses. This short credit program will take only eight (8) hours of a student’s time.

General Requirements
It is mandatory for students enrolled in the phlebotomy certification program to be able to carry out the fundamental functions that are laid down in the curriculum.

The expected phlebotomist duties usually will include the following: Vacutainers, Finger sticks, Heel sticks, Blood smears and Butterfly needles also Needle/Syringe draws and Pediatrics care.

Additional Requirements
Students interested in finishing the phlebotomy certification, must after completing the program, be able to:

1. Enjoy performing their job standing. They should know how to function on their feet for most of their working day.

2. Endure traversing the service section catering to patients. Brisk walks going to and from this area are also done most of the day.

3. Good-naturedly assist the patients whenever they need to sit/lay down or get up from their chairs as well as in their tables.

4. Communicate well, verbally and otherwise, with the patients and the hospital staff.

5. Mingle professionally with the hospital physicians and supervisor. Extend the same courtesy to their peers and patients.

6. Read properly, and in some cases decipher, hand-written instructions as well as computer-generated information. Eye vision must not be impaired.
7. Have the good sense to ask for help if the situation calls for it.

8. Adeptly perform daily tasks

9. Strong enough to be able to carry, by himself, at least 25 pounds.

10. Keep a secure and sanitary environment in the hospital for the benefit of the patients and other staff. They should observe the standards set for safety as well as infection control laid down in the phlebotomy certification program.

Student Learning
The Phlebotomy Certification program will be taught in a highly conducive environment that stimulates intellectual thinking. It seeks to promote continuous learning as an essential element of professional growth. The program will instill valuable teachings not only in terms of academics but also more importantly in the facet of ethical values.

The Phlebotomy Certification program will teach the basics of phlebotomy through a mixture of learning the following:

a. Cognitive element – for the intellectual aspect
b. Psychomotor element– for the physical requirements
c. Clinical element – for the medical/scientific knowledge
d. Affective element – for the social, emotional and ethical teachings

The Phlebotomy Certification program for entry-level phlebotomists follows that of the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and likewise, the Moraine Valley Community College Phlebotomy Program Advisory Committee.

Click here for more information on phlebotomy careers and phlebotomy schools