Overview
Are you considering a career as a phlebotomy technician and searching for flexible, online training? Phlebotomists are essential healthcare professionals who draw blood for medical testing, playing a critical role in patient diagnosis and care. If you’re exploring online phlebotomy courses, understanding accreditation is crucial to ensure the quality and recognition of your training. This guide will address the key question: Is Phlebotomy Career Training accredited? and provide comprehensive information about their programs and credibility.
This online phlebotomy technician course offers a convenient pathway into the healthcare field. The curriculum covers everything from basic phlebotomy techniques and specimen handling to patient care and safety protocols. You’ll learn about anatomy, physiology, disease processes, and essential communication skills needed in a healthcare environment. The program also includes training on using and maintaining necessary equipment, proper documentation, and managing hazardous materials.
A significant advantage of this course is its online format, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your schedule. Upon completion of the coursework, you will be eligible to take a national certification exam to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, a credential recognized across the United States. These national accrediting exams are a key indicator of program quality and graduate competency, enabling you to confidently pursue phlebotomy positions.
Student Experience in Online Phlebotomy Classes
The online phlebotomy technician training program is built for flexibility, understanding the needs of busy individuals. Course modules are accessible 24/7 and are designed to be mobile-friendly, allowing you to study whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you. While the curriculum is structured to be completed in about 4 weeks for dedicated learners, you have up to 6 months from enrollment to finish the course, accommodating various learning paces and life schedules.
Immediately after registration, you will have the option to create a personal account, providing instant access to your course materials. If you prefer, an account will be automatically set up for you. To ensure you have support throughout your learning journey, an instructor will be assigned to you. This instructor will reach out with a welcome email containing your account details and program information. Your assigned instructor is there to assist you with any questions or challenges you may encounter during the course. This personalized support system enhances the online learning experience and ensures you are not learning in isolation.
Prerequisites for Online Phlebotomy Class Enrollment
To enroll in the Online Phlebotomy Technician Course, it is recommended that you have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) credential. This recommendation ensures you possess the foundational academic skills necessary to succeed in the program. Importantly, no prior healthcare experience is required to join the course. This makes it an excellent entry point for individuals new to the healthcare field or those looking to switch careers without extensive prior training. The program is designed to equip you with all the necessary knowledge and skills from the ground up.
Online Phlebotomy Class Curriculum: Modules and Exams
The Phlebotomy Technician training program is comprehensive, totaling 170 hours of course content and encompassing 35 distinct topics. The curriculum is meticulously designed to cover all essential aspects of phlebotomy practice, including:
- Foundational phlebotomy techniques for accurate blood collection.
- Procedures for specimen processing and handling to maintain sample integrity.
- Point of care testing (POCT) principles and practices.
- Essential skills for compassionate patient care.
- Proper maintenance and utilization of phlebotomy equipment.
- Record-keeping and documentation standards in healthcare.
- Fundamental principles of human anatomy and physiology.
- Understanding of disease processes relevant to phlebotomy.
- Effective therapeutic communication techniques for patient interaction.
- Hazardous materials management and safety protocols.
- Comprehensive patient assessment skills.
- Correct order of draw to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results.
- Pre-analytical variables and their impact on testing outcomes.
- Techniques for locating veins and troubleshooting difficult draws.
- Defining the phlebotomy scope of practice and ethical considerations.
- And much more, ensuring a well-rounded education.
To solidify your learning and progress through the program, you will need to pass a certification exam after completing each course module. Successfully passing these exams is a prerequisite to receiving your Phlebotomy Technician Certification, validating your competency in each area of study.
Phlebotomy Internship and Clinical Requirements
A crucial component of the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Program is the clinical requirement. Students are required to complete 30 venipunctures to gain practical experience and refine their blood drawing skills. Each blood draw must be performed under supervision, and each successful venipuncture needs to be documented and signed off on a blood draw log and externship forms provided by the program.
Common and convenient locations for internships include urgent care centers, physician’s offices, hospitals, and various clinics. To integrate practical experience with theoretical learning, it is recommended that students commence their internship by the end of the second module of the course.
Recognizing that traditional internships might be challenging to secure for all students, especially in certain geographical areas, virtual alternatives are available.
Virtual Simulation Kit: A Modern Approach to Clinical Training
Alt text: Close-up view of the Phlebotomy Class Virtual Simulation Kit contents, showcasing practice arms, needles, and blood collection tubes.
Alt text: Exterior of the Phlebotomy Class Virtual Simulation Kit box, displaying branding and contents information for virtual phlebotomy training.
Alt text: Open Phlebotomy Class Virtual Simulation Kit revealing organized components for remote phlebotomy practice and skill development.
Phlebotomy Career Training offers an innovative solution for students unable to find traditional clinical placements: the Virtual Simulation Kit (VSK). This kit is included upon registration and provides all the necessary equipment to practice and master phlebotomy techniques at home. Students use the VSK in conjunction with online video tutorials, submitting videos of their practice blood draws to instructors for feedback and correction. This virtual internship option ensures all students can fulfill their clinical requirements, regardless of location or access to clinical sites. The VSK effectively bridges the gap between online learning and practical skill acquisition, preparing students for real-world phlebotomy scenarios.
For students with prior phlebotomy experience, there’s an option to potentially waive the clinical requirements. Submitting a letter from a previous employer on company letterhead or a notarized resume detailing relevant experience may qualify you for a clinical waiver, allowing experienced individuals to expedite their certification process.
About Phlebotomy Career Training: Accreditation and Recognition
Phlebotomy Career Training (PCT) has a long-standing history of providing quality education in phlebotomy and related healthcare fields for over 14 years. PCT is a licensed post-secondary proprietary school, demonstrating its commitment to meeting educational standards and regulatory requirements. Crucially, Phlebotomy Career Training boasts recognition from several reputable accredited organizations. These include:
- National Telemetry Association (NTA)
- National I.V. Association (NIVA)
- National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals (NAPTP)
- National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT) (for Phlebotomy programs)
- American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
This accreditation and recognition by multiple national bodies are strong indicators of the quality and credibility of Phlebotomy Career Training’s programs. It ensures that the curriculum, instructors, and training methodologies meet established standards of excellence in phlebotomy education.
PCT focuses on providing adult learners with high-quality education, practical hands-on learning opportunities, and efficient career pathways. Students can expect instruction from experienced professionals and comprehensive support throughout their course. A testament to their program effectiveness is the high employment rate of graduates, with 95% finding job opportunities in the phlebotomy field. To further support career advancement, all students gain access to Phlebotomy Career Training’s Private Job Board upon registration. This exclusive job board lists nationwide phlebotomy positions, often directly from healthcare organizations seeking to hire PCT graduates. Resources like job interview technique videos and professional resume templates are also provided to enhance job seeking success.
Phlebotomy Class Instructors: Expertise in Education
Phlebotomy Career Training emphasizes quality instruction, and each student is assigned a dedicated instructor upon enrollment. The instructors are experienced and qualified medical professionals, including Family Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses (RNs), experienced Phlebotomists, and other certified healthcare providers. Your assigned instructor will personally contact you to offer support and will be available to answer your questions throughout the duration of the program.
The instructors bring years of practical field experience and teaching expertise to the online classroom. Their diverse backgrounds as nurse practitioners, medical students, and practicing phlebotomists enrich the learning experience, providing students with real-world insights and practical knowledge directly from industry professionals.
What’s Included in the Online Phlebotomy Class: Comprehensive Resources
The Online Phlebotomy Class is designed to be comprehensive, providing students with all the necessary resources for success. The course includes:
- Phlebotomy Technician Certificate upon successful completion.
- Virtual Simulation Kit (VSK) containing all equipment needed to fulfill clinical requirements virtually.
- One complimentary attempt at the National Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam through the NAPTP.
- NAPTP Study Guide in PDF format (a comprehensive 403-page book) to aid exam preparation.
- Access to additional online resources and supplementary learning materials.
- Instructor support via phone and email for personalized assistance.
- Scheduled meeting times with experienced medical professionals (LPNs, RNs, and Doctors) via Zoom for direct interaction and guidance.
Phlebotomy Employment Opportunities: A Growing Healthcare Field
Phlebotomy is a robust and expanding career field with excellent job prospects. If you are seeking a healthcare career that offers numerous employment opportunities, competitive compensation, benefits, and a sense of job satisfaction, phlebotomy is an excellent choice. The program boasts a 95% employment rate for its graduates, highlighting the strong demand for certified phlebotomy technicians and the effectiveness of the training provided.
Students gain access to the Phlebotomy Career Training Job Board, a valuable resource for finding employment. The job board features job listings from hospitals, clinics, and laboratories actively seeking to hire PCT graduates. Additionally, resources such as resume templates and interview preparation videos are available to help students confidently navigate the job market and secure positions.
FAQs About Our Online Phlebotomy Class
Do the online courses require an in-person test?
While the PCT program is online, certification exams may have in-person components depending on the certifying body. PCT offers one free attempt at the NAPTP National Phlebotomy Certification Exam, which is conducted online. However, if you choose to take certification exams from other national organizations like AMT, NHA, AMCA, NCCT, or ASCP, these may require in-person testing. The costs for exams outside of the NAPTP are the student’s responsibility.
How does the internship/externship work?
The Phlebotomy Technician Certification Program requires a clinical internship (sometimes referred to as an externship or clinical). Students are responsible for arranging their internship to practice blood drawing skills. PCT instructors can provide a letter of introduction to assist in securing an internship. For students unable to find a traditional internship, the Virtual Simulation Kit (VSK) provides a practical alternative to meet clinical requirements.
How do the credit hours work?
Upon completing the full Phlebotomy Technician Certification Program, students receive 16.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the NTA. More information about CEUs can be found here.
Is Phlebotomy Career Training accredited?
Yes, Phlebotomy Career Training is a licensed proprietary school in Michigan, and crucially, its programs are approved and recognized by nationally accredited testing partners. Graduates who pass national certification exams through these partners receive accreditation from the National Testing Organization, making them eligible to work as phlebotomists throughout the United States. These recognized and accredited organizations include:
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
- National Telemetry Association (NTA)
- National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals (NAPTP)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT) (Phlebotomy specific)
- National I.V. Association (NIVA)
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
It is important to note that Phlebotomy Career Training offers clock hours, not credit hours, and therefore does not participate in federal financial aid programs. However, clock hours earned may be transferable to some colleges and universities as credit hours. PCT is a private, for-profit post-secondary school licensed by the state of Michigan.
Is Phlebotomy a good stepping stone into other medical careers?
Yes, phlebotomy is an excellent entry point into the healthcare field, often requiring no prior experience. It provides valuable foundational knowledge and skills applicable to various medical careers. Phlebotomy experience can also be highly beneficial for individuals planning to apply to medical school or nursing programs, offering hands-on patient care experience and insight into the healthcare environment.
Is the Phlebotomy Technician Certification valid nationwide?
Generally, yes, the Phlebotomy Technician Certification obtained through PCT is valid across the United States and in Canada. However, students in California and Washington state are advised to verify specific state requirements prior to enrollment, as these states may have unique regulations. It is always recommended that all students confirm licensing and certification requirements with their respective state departments to ensure full compliance.
