How to Become a Phlebotomy Tech with Our Simple Guide

December 19, 2019

 

Maybe you’ve decided to become a phlebotomy technician or maybe you’re looking to increase your job opportunities by getting additional healthcare training. Whatever your reasons are, there’s never been a better time to join this growing field.

This article lays out all of the steps to become a phlebotomist ensure that you get enrolled quickly and easily in the phlebotomy school of your choice.

1. Check Out Your Phlebotomy School Campus

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With thousands of phlebotomy training programs across the country, how do you choose the right one for you? It’s essential to visit a few campuses to help you with your decision.

Choosing a nearby training program will also save on expenses and time. Proximity shouldn’t hinder you, however, from pursuing an education outside of your city or state. Phlebotomy programs in New Jersey, for example, might be an excellent option for you.

When you visit a prospective school, schedule a tour to check out the classrooms and labs. You’ll be able to see if it’s a great fit – just by walking around the campus!

Meet with an Admissions Representative

During the same visit, sit down with an admissions representative to discuss your options. Their job is to help you succeed, so be ready to discuss your student performance and your personal goals, too.

This is a good time to go over course pricing, course structure, and the options to fund your education. School reps will also be able to explain enrollment practices that will help ease your application experience.

2. Review Payment Options

Understanding how to fund your education is another benefit of visiting schools ahead of time. The admissions team will review your options and help you decide which is best.

Quick medical certifications like phlebotomy aren’t usually eligible for federal financial aid, but many schools offer interest-free payment plans. If you can’t afford to pay your phlebotomy program costs out-of-pocket, private student loans or private bank loans may be alternative options.

3. Finalize Your Phlebotomy Tech Application

Many technical schools offer rolling admissions, meaning that you can enroll in phlebotomy classes as soon as the start dates are published on the school website.

You will likely need to enroll in-person, so make an appointment and bring all of the correct forms and documentation to submit. During your meeting, you may be required to pass an entrance exam and complete an interview.

Those who meet all admission and exam requirements are usually enrolled on the same day. Be prepared to sign an enrollment agreement and complete all other necessary documents with school officials.

How to Enroll in Phlebotomy Classes

To enroll in phlebotomy classes, applicants need to be at least 17 years old, hold a high school diploma (or its equivalent), and pass an entrance exam.

Should I Worry About the Entrance Exam?

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Entrance exams are commonly used for allied health, nursing, educational, police training, and athletic programs across the United States (Fun fact: The NFL uses the Wonderlic to test draft recruits!).

Do you meet the demands of the training program? Will you be able to remember information? Schools use these exams to determine whether you’ll be successful in future courses.

4. Wait for Your Acceptance Letter

If your school doesn’t have same-day enrollment, it’s understandable to be nervous. Tech schools usually enroll students on the same day, but community colleges and universities may require you to wait for a couple of weeks. 

5. Attend Orientation

Just before – or on – the first day of courses, you’ll probably need to attend a mandatory orientation program. This is an excellent time to learn about school policies and procedures, and ask any additional questions before starting the curriculum.

6. What Do You Learn in a Phlebotomy Program?

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An accredited phlebotomy technician certificate program prepares students to be the best allied health professionals they can be. Coursework will include drawing blood, learning to prepare it for laboratory testing, and even a few secrets about bloodwork.

7. Pass Your Phlebotomy Technician Certification

Though some employers may hire you without certification, you are putting yourself at a significant disadvantage if you’re not certified. Some states even require a phlebotomy license to work in the field. 

There are numerous organizations that offer certification for phlebotomy, including the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), and American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Enroll in Phlebotomy Classes Today

With a steady job market and quick certifications that pay well, there are countless reasons to join the phlebotomy field. 

If you live in the New Jersey area, contact an AIMS Education Phlebotomy Technician representative to get started on the next chapter in your life!