Phlebotomy is an excellent career option for those seeking an exciting medical career that doesn’t require years spent in medical school. Sending the string “phlebotomy certification schools” through your favorite search engine will net you hundreds of results, but in the end it will also net you hundreds of questions. The most common question- are all of these schools equivalent, and if not, which one is right for me? To answer the first question, these schools are certainly not all the same, but to answer the second question we need far more than just a simple sentence.

Why Aren’t All Phlebotomy Certification Schools the Same?

In really answering this question, it is important to take a look at one big fact first. A vast majority of the so called schools and institutions out there offering phlebotomy certification are not accredited by any agency or body. Instead, they simply collect your money, offer you minimal information or training, and send you a paper certificate or even ask you to simply print it yourself. These courses are certainly not viable career training methods, and they are certainly not worth your time, effort, or money.

Even when it comes to accredited phlebotomy certification schools there are many differences from one to the next. Some schools offer brief courses that will enable you to meet all of your state’s requirements to become a certified phlebotomist, while others will provide lengthy associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs. Both can help you significantly advance in your career, and when you receive the right courses and clinical training, you will find that both can be a very viable option. No matter what, however, you should always start by ensuring that the school or program you are choosing is accredited.

Which Phlebotomy Certification Schools Should You Consider?

When trying to determine which phlebotomy certification schools are right for you, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, if you live in a state where phlebotomists are required to have advanced training or degrees to perform additional tasks such as arterial blood draws or to administer medications and injections, it is important that you consider a program that offers these additional courses. You may also want to ensure that your program will meet all of your state’s specific testing and licensing requirements, including course and clinic hours taken.

Of course, reputation should also matter. When considering phlebotomy certification schools, you want to take the time to seek out programs that are highly recommended by previous students. If you are applying for local jobs, it can help to ask others where they received training or to do some research online to find the school that will be the best fit for you. Take the time to consider the length of the program and the hours required as well as the financial cost. When you find a program that lines up well with your schedule, your budget, and your life, it will become much easier to get the certification you need to make this great career change.

The Bottom Line : Now that you realize that all phlebotomy certification schools are not created equal, it is time to find the program that will be the best fit for you. A career in phlebotomy can offer a great deal of job security as well as excellent pay. Many who work in the field also go on to receive additional training and education further down the line to open up even more medical career options. Whether you are looking to phlebotomy as your new career or just a starting point, it certainly starts with the right education.