The United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies phlebotomists as clinical laboratory technicians. These lab workers draw blood from people, for blood testing and levels checks from laboratory results. The field of blood drawing provides steady work for those who are certified, and phlebotomy education can be completed in as little as seven weeks, with free certification available to students who qualify.
Phlebotomist Certification
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between now and 2018 phlebotomist jobs will grow by 14 percent, a faster-than-average pace compared to other fields. The demand for certified blood draw professionals will be strong, so prospective students should consider getting complete phlebotomy certification coursework done and apply for licensure.
Each state handles blood drawing certification or licensure in a different manner, and some national exams can count toward state requirements. The National Phlebotomy Association offers certification through a national exam, while the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians offers its own national exam. Contact the NPA at 301-386-4200 and the ASPT at 828-294-0078 to ask about education and professional standards.
Free Phlebotomist Certification Training – How to Draw Blood as a Lab Technician
Most phlebotomy classes have some basic requirements before students can enroll. These include:
- age 18 or older
- hold a high school diploma or GED
- pass a basic physical
- pass a criminal background check
Whether you enroll in an online phlebotomy training program or go for in-person classes, you'll need to possess these basic qualities.
Red Cross venipuncture and blood drawing safety courses are a common way to find this training, but the typical course can run between $1,000 and $5,600. If you're looking for free phlebotomist certification training, you need to research more and seek out new sources of information and financial aid.
Phlebotomy Schools and Free Courses
Three sources of free lab technician training in this field include:
- Job retraining. In New York, the WorkForce New York grant program provides displaced workers with grants for education to find new careers. In Massachusetts, a similar program is called Vocational Retraining; both allow people to go to school for phlebotomy certification and to go on to find lab technician jobs.
- Use federal and state financial aid for college. To use college grants to get free phlebotomy courses, you need to enroll at a community college or four-year college with a lab technician program that teaches future workers. File the FAFSA with your local program.
- GI Bill. Use veterans education benefits to attend a phlebotomist tech training program. Most schools accept VA GI Bill benefits.
Ask at your local phlebotomy school financial aid officer about grants and scholarships as well. By asking every resource person, reading as much information as possible, and seeking out every opportunity for free blood drawing classes, you maximize your chances for success.
Melanie Zoltan - Melanie Zoltan is a former college professor and administrator who has written for About.com, PCWorld, Brain Child, Thomson Gale, and ...
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