Phlebotomist Certification Requirements for Arizona:
Arizona, the retirement mecca, has a population of approximately 6.6 million with its largest city and capital in Phoenix.
The Arizona Department of Health Services does NOT require phlebotomists to be certified although it is strongly recommended as the majority of employers prefer certified a formally educated phlebotomist.
It’s really pretty straightforward to become a phlebotomist in Arizona. The best ones are friendly, flexible, well-organized and can deal with a lot of different people who may have a variety of problems and conditions. You will deal with healthy people too, but there tend to be less of them. Safety and cleanliness as well as attention to detail are among the most important traits in this business.
Even though there are no real requirements for a phlebotomist in the state of Arizona, the recommended protocols for hiring are modeled after the California regulations. You can be hired in Arizona immediately upon graduating High School or receiving your GED, but most agencies will prioritize someone who has additional training in addition to national (see below) or other accredited certification.
National Phlebotomy Certification Options:
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.
Fun Fact:
Professional phlebotomy certifications are different than postsecondary certificates (entry-level credentials) in that they certify that you have received specialized training through specific accredited organizations.
There are many advantages to becoming certified, but most important is that you become a much more valuable candidate. Depending on the program you choose and the types of courses you take, phlebotomy training in Arizona 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 Arizona (all require a High School Diploma or GED):
- 1. Arizona Medical Training Institute. A 220 hour course, followed by 100 hours of a clinical program, you must complete 120 successful collections. Upon completion of the program you may choose a certification examination that you want to take and you are assigned an externship supported by the Institute.
- 2. Central Arizona College. An 8 week didactic & 8 week clinical program. You must pass reading test, immunizations, tuberculosis test, background check and drug test. You will complete 100 successful venipunctures, have 180 hours in 8 weeks of clinics, and complete 10 successful dermal punctures.
- 3. Phoenix College. Phlebotomy Certificate program. You must earn a grade of C or better in all courses offered in the program and you must have achieved a grade of C or better in the prerequisite courses before applying for admission to the program.
- 4. Pima Community College. Phlebotomy Certificate enables you entry level requirements as a phlebotomist. You are strongly encouraged to become nationally certified and will require additional clinical experience.