Phlebotomy is a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, and with the growing demand for skilled phlebotomists (According to recent data from the BLS http://bls.gov), there’s no better time to start than now. If you’re interested in a quick and affordable way to become a certified phlebotomist, you’re in the right place. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step roadmap on how to become a phlebotomist in just two to three months—without the high costs and long schedules of traditional programs.
What Is a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists, professionally known as phlebotomy technicians, are trained to draw blood for medical tests, transfusions, research, and blood donations. As a crucial part of the healthcare system, phlebotomists work in hospitals, clinics, blood donation centers, and laboratories. Over the next decade, around 20,000 job openings for phlebotomy technicians are expected annually, making it a high-demand career choice.
Steps to Becoming a Phlebotomist
1. Get the Right Training
The first and most crucial step to becoming a phlebotomist is obtaining the right training. Many aspiring phlebotomists make the mistake of choosing the wrong program, which can lead to wasted time and money. Traditional training options include full-time university programs or local phlebotomy classes. However, they come with several disadvantages that you need to be aware of:
Why Traditional Phlebotomy Training Isn’t Ideal
- High Cost: University programs for phlebotomy technicians can cost between $4,000 and $7,000. This high tuition often requires student loans, leading to debt even before you land your first job.
- Time Commitment: Local phlebotomy classes may seem cheaper, but they can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months to complete. Many adults have busy lives with responsibilities, and attending scheduled weekly classes can be difficult.
- Lack of Accreditation: Some local programs are unaccredited, which can be a red flag for potential employers. Accredited training is a key criterion for most employers when screening job applications.
- Lack of Prestige: Local schools often don’t carry the same weight as university programs. In healthcare, where trust and reputation matter, having a university certificate can give you a significant competitive edge.
2. Get Certified
After completing your training, the next step is phlebotomy certification. Over 93% of employers prefer or require phlebotomy technicians to be certified. Certification is typically achieved by passing an exam through institutions like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Once you clear the exam, you become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and can use the CPT title after your name.
- Why Certification Matters: Certification is recognized nationwide, irrespective of where you live. It signals to employers that you have met the industry standards and are competent in your field. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a training program that prepares you to pass the certification exam.
3. Gain Clinical Experience
Before you start working, gaining hands-on clinical experience is vital. As a phlebotomist, you will be drawing blood from patients, so it’s crucial to have practical experience in a clinical setting. The right phlebotomy training program should include an externship component where you perform blood draws on live individuals. This clinical experience not only boosts your skills but also strengthens your resume.
Finding the Right Training Program
Now that you understand the key steps to becoming a phlebotomist, let’s talk about finding the right training program. Traditional options such as university programs and local classes often fall short due to their high cost, lengthy duration, and lack of flexibility. However, there’s a modern approach to phlebotomy training that overcomes these challenges.
Characteristics of an Ideal Phlebotomy Training Program
If you’re looking for the best program, here’s what to consider:
- Online and Self-Paced: Flexibility is key. An online, self-paced program allows you to complete the training according to your schedule without the hassle of commuting or adhering to fixed class times.
- Shorter Duration: Phlebotomy training shouldn’t take a year to complete. A well-designed program could be completed in just 2 to 3 months, allowing you to start towards your career sooner.
- Affordable and Accredited: The program should be accredited and reasonably priced to avoid the burden of student debt. Accreditation is crucial for your resume and career growth.
- Certification Exam Preparation: A quality program will prepare you to pass the certification exam conducted by institutions like the NHA.
- Externship Opportunities: Clinical experience is a must. The program should include an externship to provide you with the hands-on skills you need to succeed in your job.
A Modern Approach: Preppy’s Phlebotomy Technician Certification Program
If you’re looking for a phlebotomist training program that checks all the boxes mentioned above, Preppy’s Phlebotomy Technician Certification Program is an excellent choice. Here’s why:
Features of Preppy’s Program
- 100% Online and Self-Paced: With Preppy, you can access your phlebotomy training anytime, anywhere. The program includes a comprehensive set of training materials such as eBooks, video slides, and presentations. This flexibility means you can study at your own pace—whether on the couch at night or during a coffee shop break.
- Quick Completion: You could typically complete Preppy’s program in as little as two months. Time is money, and the faster you finish your training, the sooner you can start towards your career.
- Accredited University Certificate: The program is in partnership with Auburn, a reputable, top-ranked, non-profit accredited university. Upon completion, you receive a certificate of completion from this university. Having a university certificate can be a game-changer for your resume and career growth in healthcare.
- Certification Preparation: Preppy’s curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills needed to pass the NHA certification exam. Becoming a certified phlebotomy technician enhances your credibility and increases your job prospects.
- Externship Opportunity Included: Preppy includes an externship opportunity, so you can complete your clinicals and perform blood draws on live individuals. With typical online programs, you have to arrange your externship independently, but Preppy takes care of this, saving you time and hassle.
- Affordable Tuition: Unlike other programs that charge thousands of dollars, Preppy offers its phlebotomy program for a low price of $1,599. This cost includes everything you need—training materials, externship opportunities, and certification preparation. Plus, they offer payment plans to make it even more accessible.
Bonuses with Preppy
Currently, when you enroll in Preppy’s program, you get a free laptop, which is yours to keep upon completing the course. This makes it even easier to complete your online phlebotomy training on your schedule.
Summary: Start Your Phlebotomy Career Today
Becoming a phlebotomist in 2024 is a straightforward and rewarding process. By following these steps, you can start towards your career without the burden of student debt or the constraints of traditional classroom schedules:
- Get the Right Training: Choose a self-paced, online program that prepares you for certification and offers an accredited university certificate.
- Get Certified: Sit for the NHA certification exam to earn the title of Certified Phlebotomy Technician.
- Gain Clinical Experience: Complete an externship to gain hands-on skills and boost your resume.
Preppy’s Phlebotomy Technician Certification Program provides an affordable, flexible, and accredited pathway to becoming a phlebotomist in just a few months. If you’re serious about pursuing this career, Preppy could be the key to unlocking your future in healthcare.
Also read: What is Phlebotomy Certification?
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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