Phlebotomy Technicians & BLS Certification

Phlebotomy technicians assist in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions by obtaining samples from patients in a laboratory setting, such as blood samples. Training in phlebotomy also involves obtaining the American Heart Association's (AHA) basic life saving certificate.

Training

Phlebotomy training is usually received at technical schools or community colleges throughout the U.S., with about 60 courses accredited to the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Services, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Waubonsee Community College in Illinois reports one of the prerequisites for entry into its phlebotomy program is the successful completion of the AHA BLS certificate.

BLS

The BLS for health care providers teaches health care professionals to recognize life threatening situations, administer CPR and relieve choking. The certificate is aimed at health care workers of all levels of experience and education, including physicians, nurses, paramedics, nurses assistants and laboratory technicians and technologists.

Course

The cost of obtaining the AHA BLS for health care providers certification in 2010 at Waubonsee Community College was $45. The BLS for health care providers course length totals around 4½ hours to complete.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Clinical Laboratory Technologists & Technicians
• Waubonsee Community College: Phlebotomy Technician
• American Heart Association: BLS Healthcare Provider Course