The modern medical field relies heavily on laboratory testing – and even that’s an understatement. Without laboratory tests (like blood samples), it would be extremely difficult to diagnose illness and coordinate patient care. It is no wonder, then, why phlebotomists are so valued in today’s health care system. Without these laboratory professionals, the quality and accuracy of patient care might be lost.

If you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist, know that you are entering an in-demand and highly important field. Phlebotomy careers are also highly rewarding, making it a very appealing field. To stand out amongst other aspiring phlebotomists in Connecticut, it’s imperative for you to take the right next steps in training and earning your phlebotomy certification. We’ll walk you through the basics:

Phlebotomist Certification Requirements in Connecticut

Currently, the state of Connecticut does not formally require phlebotomists to be certified by a national agency or licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost all employers still prefer to hire phlebotomists who have earned professional certification and completed a postsecondary training program. Some employers require this of any phlebotomist candidates planning to apply for a job.

If you are looking to become a phlebotomist in the state of Connecticut, or even advance in your current role, it is recommended that you pursue your phlebotomy certification. This will vastly improve your job prospects, as well as your future earning potential. Most laboratories and health care clinics will not hire a phlebotomist without some level of certification. On the other hand, if you are a nationally certified phlebotomist, you can be employed at any laboratory, clinic or hospital.

There are several organizations today that offer national certification for phlebotomists, including:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)

Preparing for Phlebotomy Certification in Connecticut

Phlebotomy certification exams typically include written and practical components. To prepare for certification, therefore, phlebotomists typically need some extent of classroom education and clinical experience. A postsecondary phlebotomy certificate program, such as the one at Goodwin College, can provide you just this, bolstering you for successful completion of any certification exam.

Phlebotomy certification programs involve both classroom instruction and hands-on training, thus preparing you for a flourishing phlebotomy career. At Goodwin, for example, you can expect to:

• Gain a working knowledge of medical terminology
• Understand the fundamentals of physiology, anatomy, and venipuncture technique
• Perform CPR, first aid procedures, and basic crisis intervention
• Learn how to collect venous and capillary specimens effectively
• Perform basic laboratory testing using phlebotomy equipment
• Demonstrate HIPAA compliance and strong communication skills

In addition to the on-campus phlebotomy classes, you can also look forward to an internship at an active health care facility or clinical laboratory. Goodwin College has close, professional connections with many health care employers throughout this state. This internship will allow you to put your learned skills to practice, and help you master clinical phlebotomy procedures in prep for certification. It will also help you establish connections in planning for your future phlebotomist career.

Our Phlebotomy Certificate Program in CT

The phlebotomy certificate program at Goodwin College is designed with your success in mind. In fact, graduates of our phlebotomy program are immediately eligible to sit for the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Your phlebotomy certification is within arm’s reach – and you can get there in just a matter of weeks!

Unlike most phlebotomy schools in the state, Goodwin students have the option to take accelerated phlebotomy courses in a 7.5-week format. Combined with three class-starts per year, this flexibility allows you to start your education quickly and leap into the workforce fast.

And, if you really love health care and want to advance your education past the certificate level, you may also apply your phlebotomy coursework towards a Health Science degree at Goodwin. Your future in phlebotomy and health care tech is knocking – why wait?

Call Goodwin College at 800-889-3282 to learn about our many health care degree programs, or visit us online to see how we can help you earn your phlebotomy certification in next to no time at all.