Phlebotomy Certification Requirements for Alabama
Alabama has a population of approximately 4.8 million with its capital in Montgomery and its largest city in Birmingham. The Alabama Department of Public Health does NOT require phlebotomists to be certified although it is strongly recommended, as the majority of employers prefer certified technicians. You must have a High School Diploma or GED along with acceptable training and work experience to be a Phlebotomist in Alabama. The regulatory board, Alabama Department of Health and Social Services, recommends applicants become certified although certification is NOT a requirement in this state. Most employers will prefer their technicians to have passed a Phlebotomy exam and recommend that applicants become Nationally Certified.
Click on the links below for some basic information on national certifying organizations:
American Medical Technologists. Phlebotomist. Requires work experience, oral or written exam, renewal every three years through CEU and re-examination.
American Society for Clinical Pathology, Phlebotomy Technician (PBT, ASCP). Requires training or work experience, oral or written exam, renewal every ten years, can renew through CEU
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Phlebotomist. Requires practical exam, written exam, annual CEUs to maintain certification
National Phlebotomy Association. Phlebotomist. Requires oral or written exam.
There are many advantages to becoming certified, but the most important one is that you become much more competitive as a candidate. Depending on the program you choose and the types of courses you take, phlebotomy training in Alabama can take between several weeks to months. Just keep in mind that you should pick the school that gives you the most practical experience with the time you have. That is to say, the more “sticks” the better!
This is a list of Phlebotomy programs in Alabama (all require a High School Diploma or GED):
- 1. Calhoun Community College. Phlebotomy Course can be completed in one semester; requires proof of CPR certification.
- 2. Fortis Institute. The Medical Assisting / Medical Assisting Specialist Program provides entry level training for healthcare facilities. You will need further practical experience to be gain employment in Alabama as a phlebotomist.
- 3. Gadsden State Community College. Phlebotomy Training Program consists of one course (15 hours didactic, 45 hours clinical training) which can be completed in about 5 weeks.
- 4. Jefferson State Community College. Phlebotomy Training Program is 200 hours of both didactic and clinical training. While enrolled, students are required to participate in random drug tests.
- 5. Remington College. Medical Assisting Program’s scope is somewhat broader than you may be looking for, but enables you to be certified through the American Medical Technologists (AMT) exam.
- 6. >St. Vincent’s Jeremiah’s Hope Academy – Phlebotomist training lasts for 15 weeks, consists of 240 hours of classroom training and clinical lab experience in a hospital
- 7. Wallace State Community College. Phlebotomy Technician Training offers didactic and practical training and upon completion coordinates clinical externships to facilitate employment and professional relationships in the healthcare industry.