How to Become a Certified Phlebotomy Tech Through Military Training
A Certified Phlebotomy Technician is a integral part of the nation's health care community. The position offers an opportunity to operate on the front lines of the ongoing fight for disease and infection control. As a general requirement for employment, each technician must receive accredited training in blood draw and proper laboratory procedure. The U.S. Armed Forces provides a variety of health care training opportunities for anyone with an keen interest in national service. The health care department of each branch can train, equip and prepare service members for a number of employment opportunities after their military service is complete.
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Instructions
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Pick a service branch. Determine which service is best suited for your long-term career goals. Phlebotomy training can be accomplished through the enlisted medical department of each service. The U.S. Army offers training through the 68W or Health Care Specialist Course. The U.S. Navy offers the Hospital Corpsman (HM) course. The Coast Guard offers the Health Services Technician (HS) course and the Air Force offers a host of enlisted health care positions.
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Visit the local recruiting office of your chosen branch of service. Discuss medical job openings and training opportunities. State your goals and desired career path with a service recruiter. Develop an understanding of the enlistment process and what is required to join the military.
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Meet the minimum age, citizenship, family, legal and moral requirements for induction.
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Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, test. This is a multiple-choice test used to determine your general aptitude in selected areas.The ASVAB test is scheduled by your service recruiter and is required for entry into the military. Each branch of service requires a minimum test score to determine the type of training that may be available to you.
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Select the health care--related job title you wish to enlist under. Complete the necessary documentation required to initiate your military personal record jacket that will travel with you throughout your career. Choose whether you will enlist for active duty or join the Guard or Reserve component.
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Report to the Military Entrance Processing Station to complete the required in-processing. This includes the physical examination, drug testing, background testing and interviews needed for entry into the Armed Forces.
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Select the amount of time you wish to serve in the U.S. military. The minimum time requirements vary depending on length of training, service component, job title and bonus qualification. The current initial enlistment periods range from 2 to 8 years.
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Swear in to the U.S. Armed Forces.
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Complete initial entry training. This training includes your service's basic training and any career-specific training for your job title. The diploma you receive will later be used for proof of accredited school attendance.
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Transfer to your duty station to begin serving your initial enlistment. Reserve and Guard members will return to their respective home of record to be assigned to a unit in the immediate area.
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Document the number of venipuncture or blood draws that you successfully perform at your duty station. This recorded activity will be used in conjunction with your training records for certification purposes. Have the documentation evaluated and signed by a medical supervisor, physician or physician's assistant at your unit level.
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Take the phlebotomist exam offered by a number of national certification organizations. The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, or ASPT, and the National Phlebotomy Association both offer testing and certification.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the state phlebotomy certification guidelines. Some states have no requirement regarding phlebotomy certification. On-the-job training may be all that's required for entry into the field.
Safeguard all military records and documentation. Frequent travel during training and transfer periods may put your personal records at risk.
References
- Photo Credit drawing blood image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
