Phlebotomy is a fascinating area of medicine that involves using small needles to draw blood from the veins for the purposes of sample collection, testing, and donation. It is certainly a fast growing area of medicine and with new job opportunities opening up due to increased demand as well as an ageing population, there has never been a better time to become a certified phlebotomist. Today we will take a look at the phlebotomy certification exam. What is it, what is required to take it, and what benefits can it offer to your career prospects?

What Is the Phlebotomy Certification Exam?

The  exam is traditionally offered at the end of a training or educational program that teaches the skills needed to hold a career in phlebotomy. A typical =certification exam will test the taker’s knowledge of anatomy, patient care, safety protocol, specimen handling, and more. In some states, the exam may also require clinical testing, such as performing blood draws in the presence of a licensed doctor and an examiner.

What Is Required to Take the Phlebotomy Certification Exam?

The requirements for taking the exam vary from state to state. In some states, the exams are offered by the institutions providing the training and will require only the completion of certain courses and tasks. State phlebotomy certification exams often have much stricter requirements, such as a specific number of classroom and clinic hours, a certain number of tests performed, and of course, certain fees and expenses. It is also necessary to be at least eighteen years of age, have a valid social security number, and possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Some states also require that applicants pass certain medical tests and that they are also able to pass a criminal background check. Check with your state for specific exam requirements.

Why Take the Phlebotomy Certification Exam?

If you are wondering why you should take the phlebotomy certification exam, there are a few reasons. In many states, passing the exam is required before you can be allowed to work as a phlebotomist. Even when this is not the case, however, certification is often the easiest way to gain employment in phlebotomy. There are often numerous applicants for these positions, and when given the choice an employer will almost always choose the candidate who already has the experience and training required to do the job

When you have taken and passed a phlebotomy certification exam from an accredited institution, it shows prospective employers that you are serious about the job and that you have the knowledge needed to make you a vital asset to their team. Employers are far more willing to take a chance on someone who has gone to school or taken specialized courses in order to boost their education and skills in advance of applying for a job. Certification shows that you are a strong candidate with a great deal of expertise on the subject that can make you a perfect hire.

Taking the Test Is Certainly Worthwhile : Whether your state requires that you take the exam or not, you will find that testing is certainly a great choice. When you want the best chances of being hired and are looking to get into a medical career that is in high demand and offers solid wages, phlebotomy is ideal for your needs. Many people today are hoping to land entry-level positions within phlebotomy, but when you have certification showing that you already know the ins and outs of the career, you can move yourself to the top of any employer’s list of applicants.