Phlebotomy is a common starting point for many professionals looking to establish their career in medicine. Nurses and doctors often start as phlebotomists and move on to other opportunities from there. Not to say that the field is not challenging—phlebotomy has unique continuing education requirements. There are also many programs phlebotomists must take to maintain their skills and license to practice.
What Are Requirements for Continuing Education?
Phlebotomists across the country are required to obtain Continuing Education or CE credits. These class credits are not for those who wish to become a phlebotomist. Instead, they are for already-certified practitioners required to keep in step with advances in the field and new or updated protocols. The required number of credits may differ from one state to another, so be sure to check with your local government unit for more details.
Bear in mind, however, that accomplishing the mandatory continuing education credits is not equivalent to automatic certification renewal. The National Phlebotomy Association or NPA requires a practicing phlebotomist to renew their license each year, which entails more coursework and exams. These stringent requirements are necessary to maintain the high standards expected of professionals who need to deal with blood samples from patients.
What Programs Can You Enter?
Many institutions that offer introductory courses for phlebotomy will most likely also have a corresponding CE program. Familiarity with the process will also be a leg up during certification renewal. There are refresher courses, specialized ones, and even lab studies for phlebotomy. CE credits are an excellent way to get started on all of these. Since CE credit courses are for certified professionals, they will naturally take less time than the initial training. The duration depends on the type of program you will take.
What Are My Career Opportunities?
Phlebotomy on its own is as rewarding a career choice as any other in the medical field. People who enter medical fields often do so with a general desire to help others, and the simple acquisition of more knowledge to that end is enough of a reward in and of itself. In addition, even entry-level positions can offer a wide range of experiences, from dealing with patients to laboratory procedures.
However, the opportunity to advance remains open for those wishing to advance further into other fields. By far, the most significant benefit of continuing education is it facilitates career advancement. Additional phlebotomy training can rapidly expand to encompass advanced techniques and lab protocols and specialized practices for specific instances or patients such as trauma or geriatrics.
People may also branch out into other careers such as nursing or even a doctorate. Career advancement aids are also usually offered by employers, and some institutions may offer hybrid courses to obtain a diploma in nursing while continuing to work as a phlebotomist. Hospitals may also have programs in place to help pay for a portion of medical school tuition fees in exchange for staying on board with their institution.
Conclusion
Continuing education as a phlebotomist is a requirement and an opportunity to explore avenues for further advancement in the medical field. It entails a sizable amount of preparation and legwork, but the returns far outweigh the initial investment.
Look no further than Northwest Suburban College to get your phlebotomy certification in Rolling Meadows, IL. Our small class sizes ensure personalized learning experiences for our students and help them gain the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their chosen field. Contact us today to learn more!
