twixxiwt Posted June 22, 2015 Share Posted June 22, 2015 I just have a question because I am planning to become a certified phlebotomist while still in school for my pre-req to get into PA school. I live in NYC and I find that it is so hard finding a job with no previous experience in the medical field. I try going to hospitals to volunteer, but are all booked, I've tried walking into clinics and handing in my resume, but all with no luck. I have no received any calls. So I've decided to get a certificate in phlebotomy and hopefully clinics would accept me as a nurse assistant or something or just help people draw blood so I can at least get some patient care hours. So my question is, do you think that's a good idea? Also, I have searched phlebotomy and they have so many different trade schools that offer the training, but the ones I am interested in are the CUNY ones. However, when it's time to take the test, I noticed that there are different institutions for them such as NHA (National HeathCareer Association) and ASPT (American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians). I don't understand which is better or why there are two. Also, I am not sure if I really need to take a course for it. Can I just study on my own with a textbook and just take the exam? I live in New York but I cannot find any information about it. I know that to be a pharmacy technician in NY, all you need to do is take the exam and pass, no need for any courses. Any suggestions or advice would help. Thank you so much!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MT2PA Posted June 22, 2015 Share Posted June 22, 2015 If a course is required, take it. Drawing blood and handing out pills are two very different skills. You need to actually learn HOW to draw blood. Reading a book will not teach you how to feel for a vein, how to adjust if you miss, or how to handle a fainting patient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorChomp Posted June 22, 2015 Share Posted June 22, 2015 I am a certified Phlebotomist in Georgia. You have to take a course from an accredited institution, pass with a certification of completion and then take the national certification exam. As MT2PA stated, the course provides you with the necessary tools and skills that will allow you to be able to stick patients with confidence and competence. As far as finding a job as a Phlebotomist, I went over a year without finding any willing facility to accept me with no prior Phlebotomy experience. The only reason I am working as a Phlebotomist now is because I was working as a Rehab Aide at my hospital and was able to transfer once I found that a position was able. Every state is different so it may be easier to find jobs where you are located but just wanted to inform you of my personal situation. Good luck to you and whatever you ultimately decide to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilovelost Posted June 22, 2015 Share Posted June 22, 2015 You can draw blood in the ER as a tech sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tll2330 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 I just took the exam and received certification from ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathologists). It seemed to be the certification most preferred in job postings for phlebotomists in my area (mid-Michigan). They offer several routes of eligibility for sitting for the exam but they require you to complete a training program or have a specified amount of on-the-job experience. I didn't get to keep the book from my class so I bought a review book from Barnes and Noble and also purchased the practice exams from the ASCP website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyNameWasUsed Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 I honestly would not go this route. There's a variety of different jobs that allow you to gain heath care experience without having to go through training/certification first. Have you looked into ED Scribe? I feel like the phlebotomy route is a waste of time because people can't find jobs afterwards as PA_hopeful stated. Find something that doesn't require prior training/certification. It's out there, you just gotta look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAGuy55 Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 My state has the option for you to challenge the CNA exam and it was really easy. We draw blood and do other tasks (vitals, ekgs, accuchecks, etc). I've had a great time as an ER tech. Learned a bunch and made some great friends. Would recommend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masterkovalsky Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 (edited) Yes, I am a certified phlebotomist. And I will tell you this: if you really want to work in this position, you should take good courses with high qualified specialists, because first of all you need to understand how the human body works, where the veins pass, how to perform the procedure accurately and as painlessly as possible, and take into account the individuality of each patient. I completed phlebotomy courses in a very good program. To be honest, I love my job, and I am very happy with my training. If anyone is interested, I studied here https://www.exploremedicalcareers.com/phlebotomist/ Edited November 5, 2020 by masterkovalsky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david36 Posted April 23, 2022 Share Posted April 23, 2022 (edited) At present, there are no government prerequisites for licensure or affirmation. The principles for phlebotomy program are set exclusively by each state. Each state has various prerequisites for its phlebotomists. There are only four states which require an accreditation or permit to draw blood. Edited April 23, 2022 by david36 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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