Phlebotomy Accreditation
Phlebotomy Accreditation
It’s important to understand the definition of “ phlebotomy certification” alone. It is the process in which a national organization recognizes the competence of someone in a specific field or discipline.
As job positions in the healthcare field become more competitive, recognition through certification is becoming much more common because employers ranging from hospitals to laboratories rarely hire those who do not hold a phlebotomy certification.
Phlebotomy is literally the drawing of blood from a blood vessel. This is a common medical procedure done for laboratory tests and other medical interventions such, as dialysis or blood transfusions and donations. This field of work requires manipulation of needles and bodily fluids, it is highly regulated and only someone who has undergone phlebotomy certification can be allowed legally to do the procedure.
NPCE recommends phlebotomists gain their skills through a two year technical, community college or hospital training program. Each of the certifying agencies have slightly different standards, but the standards for a Registered Phlebotomy Technician with American Medical Technologists (AMT) are typical: in addition to a high school diploma or GED, the candidate will have 120 hours of accredited classroom training and at least 120 hours of practicum experience; or 1040 hours of work experience within the last three years in doing a wide variety of phlebotomy skills.
Some of the topics of study for phlebotomists in training are:
• Anatomy and physiology, including the circulatory system, typical blood draw sites in the veins and arteries, and the composition of the blood
• Blood draw procedures
• Patient and technician safety procedures
• Handling blood specimens and collection procedures 
• Patient care
• Quality assurance
• Professional standards
• Patient privacy
• Hospital and clinic legal issues
Certification stays in effect for three years. During that period of time the candidate must take continuing education credits in order to maintain the registration.
Training and certification to become a phlebotomist leads to a great medical career without the time and expense required in many other medical fields.
Upon Completion of the NPCE program students will be able to successfully:
Have an understanding of the structure of the health care delivery system, the roles and responsibilities of healthcare personnel, and communicate using accurate medical terminology.
Practice infection control and safety.
Comprehend basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of body systems.
Differentiate the major laboratory departments and laboratory staff and correlate laboratory testing with diagnosis and treatment regimes.
Practice correct specimen collection in the laboratory.
Master the varieties of collection equipment and safety devices.
Demonstrate proper techniques to perform venipuncture and capillary puncture.
Perform Quality Control, record results, and troubleshoot unexpected findings.
Recognize the importance and the availability of Phlebotomy Continuing Education to maintain and enhance professionalism.