{"id":545,"date":"2016-10-17T15:38:24","date_gmt":"2016-10-17T15:38:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/?p=545"},"modified":"2017-07-08T12:55:48","modified_gmt":"2017-07-08T12:55:48","slug":"continuing-education-requirements-phlebotomists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/continuing-education-requirements-phlebotomists\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Continuing Education Requirements for Phlebotomists?"},"content":{"rendered":"
While some people get into phlebotomy via\u00a0an entry-level position<\/strong><\/a>, many want to establish a long career in the industry. Nurses and even doctors have started out in the phlebotomy field. But, for as quick and simple as it may be to start out, it doesn\u2019t end there. So, what are the continuing education requirements for phlebotomists?<\/p>\n As we take a closer look at those continued requirements, it\u2019s a good idea to understand why they are important. The main reason is advancement opportunities<\/a><\/strong>. Not only is continued education required in many cases, but it\u2019s one of the only things that can help get you promoted.<\/p>\n Finally, continuing education is important for the overall safety and preparedness. Think about it this way – you wouldn\u2019t want a doctor operating on you who hadn\u2019t taken a course on that procedure in ten years, right?<\/p>\n Though they may not have as many duties as a doctor, phlebotomists play an important role in the healthcare system. They are often one of the first faces people see if they need to get blood drawn for any reason. So, continuing education for phlebotomists isn\u2019t just a requirement to stay \u2018fresh.\u2019 It\u2019s a requirement, to ensure that people receive high-quality health care\u00a0experience.<\/p>\n Throughout the country, continuing education, or \u2018CE\u2019 credits must be obtained regularly by phlebotomists. Keep in mind that these credits are not for those going into phlebotomy for the first time. They do not replace the weeks of training and certification required to become a phlebotomist<\/strong><\/a> in the first place.<\/p>\n With that in mind, there\u2019s a difference between continuing education and renewal of certification. In many cases, phlebotomists will be required to obtain at least six credits of additional training each year – some states, such as Oregon<\/strong><\/a>, require more. So, be sure to check out your state requirements.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you are currently certified, the National Phlebotomy Association<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(NPA) requires that your certification is renewed each year. Unfortunately, that isn\u2019t as simple as signing your name to a renewal slip. Renewing your certification requires more course work and another exam.You may think this sounds like a bit much, especially every single year. But again, phlebotomists have an important job, and deal with people and bloodwork on a daily basis. Making sure the latest techniques are practiced is something the NPA doesn\u2019t take chances on.<\/p>\n You may think this sounds like a bit much, especially every single year. But again, phlebotomists have an important job and deal with people and bloodwork on a daily basis. The NPA makes sure the latest techniques are practiced.<\/p>\n The good news here is that wherever you initially trained to be a phlebotomist<\/strong><\/a> is likely to have some kind of CE program. If you can get into the same school\/program, you\u2019ll be one step ahead. This is especially true when it comes to renewing your certification, since you\u2019ll already know the process.<\/p>\n Another \u2018bonus\u2019 to continued education in phlebotomy? There are courses available that can offer you different areas of expertise. Some courses are required, of course, and they\u2019ll cover the basic techniques again. There is absolutely nothing wrong with refresher courses like these, especially as technology continues to change and advance.<\/p>\n However, continued education can also be a factor in going out of your way to learn something new. For example, \u2018advanced phlebotomy\u2019 is becoming a more popular option for phlebotomists continuing their education. It\u00a0looks at different techniques when it comes to drawing blood.It can also focus on more advanced lab studies, or specific medical areas like trauma, or geriatrics. If you\u2019re currently a phlebotomist looking for a specialization, continuing education in your field can be a great way to get started.<\/p>\n It can also focus on more advanced lab studies, or specific medical areas like trauma, or geriatrics. If you\u2019re currently a phlebotomist looking for a specialization, continuing education in your field can be a great way to get started.<\/p>\n Most continuing education courses are, as you might expect, much shorter than your initial training. In fact, some can take as little as three days, depending on the type of training you\u2019re looking at. Additional certification, of course, may take a bit longer.<\/p>\n As stated above, there are plenty of reasons to continue your education. Not only is it a requirement, but it can help you out in many ways. You wouldn\u2019t get a promotion in your job without putting in a bit of extra work, right? Well, think of phlebotomy in the same way; the extra education you receive can move you ahead in every sense of the word.<\/p>\nContinuing Education Requirements for Phlebotomists<\/h3>\n
How to Partake in Continuing Education<\/h3>\n
Benefits of Continuing Education<\/h3>\n
Career Advancements<\/h4>\n