How to Become a Phlebotomist

Want to learn how to draw blood, but don´t have the time to go through years of training? If so, then a career as a phlebotomist is for you. Most phlebotomy courses last only about three months, depending on the state. Learn how to get started in this rewarding career right away.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• GED or high school diploma

1. Visit the American Medical Technologists website. Select the "Search" option from the top menu.

2. Type the word "phlebotomist" into the search box and hit "Enter." Scroll down and select the ¨Career as a Phlebotomy Technician¨ link.

3. Read the job description and education requirements. Review all sections to determine if this career is right for you.

4. Find a phlebotomy technician course near you by visiting the All Allied Health Schools website. (See Resources below.) Click on the "Find Health Care Schools" link.

5. Scroll down the left menu to the Laboratory Sciences heading. Click on the "Phlebotomy Tech" link.

6. Search for a school near you and click on the school name to request more information. Some local community colleges and technical schools also offer phlebotomy courses. However, ask the school department if the course is accredited and recognized by the American Medical Technologists organization before enrolling.

7. Enroll in the phlebotomy course of your choice. Complete course requirements, graduate and start your career as a phlebotomist.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit your local blood bank or hospital to interview phlebotomists already working in the field.
• Certification is not required in most states, although many hospitals take note of phlebotomy certification when hiring.
• California requires that all phlebotomists be certified to work in the field.

Resources

• Visit the American Medical Technologists website.
• Find a phlebotomy course at All Allied Health Schools.

[ElbesMama]

on 1/12/2008 Ask the places you visit where they hire from, some schools have such bad reputations they have to change their names every few years to fool potential students and employers. Before you get started in this field, keep in mind that peoples lives will depend on the quality of the specimens you draw, so be serious about wanting to learn how to get the best quality specimen. Labs vary, so expect to learn a lot on the job, but find a good place to learn the basics.