Do I have to be a doctor or nurse to get a phlebotomy certification?

No. With the critical shortage of doctors and nurses in today's medical profession, more and more hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other healthcare businesses are relying on medical assistants and other technicians to take care of minor tests. Blood and urine specimen collection, monitoring of vital statistics, and other critical but relatively simple tests are usually handled by medical personnel other than the doctor.

A phlebotomist is a laboratory technician that is responsible for the collection of blood specimens for a variety of tests. This certification is typically received during the course of study to become a medical assistant, but it is possible to be certified without the full medical assisting training.

Do I have to enroll in medical school to get a phlebotomy certification?

No. With the demand for trained medical personnel, most medical certifications besides doctors and nurses can be received in a community college, technical school, or even through online training programs. These schools offer a variety of options, including day or evening classes, some internet classes, or correspondence school. Due to the nature of the phlebotomy certification, it will be necessary to attend some classes at the school.

How long does it take to get a phlebotomy certification?

The length of time for the training will vary depending on how rigorous a class schedule you chose, whether you take online classes, and whether you take other certification classes concurrently.

How much does a phlebotomy certification cost?

The cost for the examination itself will vary depending on whether it is taken at the school or through an official certification board. The fees can range anywhere from $75-$105 or more, and will usually require additional training and exams throughout your career. If you cannot afford the tuition, many schools will offer financial aid. In some cases, you can even apply for government loans and grants.

Is it hard to get a job with just a phlebotomy certification?

The field of phlebotomy is expected to expand by as much as 20% over the next ten years. This is due in part to the doctor and nurse shortage, but it is also due to the fact that more and more Americans are becoming increasingly aware of their health and the need for early detection of a host of diseases. Phlebotomists are critical in the detection of various forms of cancer, AIDS, HIV, diabetes, and any number of potentially life-threatening conditions. With a phlebotomy certification, you can work in a hospital alongside top doctors, which may help you if you aspire to advance in the medical field. Or you can assist in a medical laboratory, a clinic, a specialist's office, a mobile health clinic-just about anywhere healthcare professionals are found.

How do I sign up for training?

The first step is to find a school in your area that offers the certification. Some schools do not offer it as a separate program, but most areas of the country will have a college or technical school that will offer certification in a host of medical programs. If you plan to continue your medical training to be a medical assistant or beyond, it would be best to start with a school that offers the higher training.