Phlebotomy Certification Requirements in Georgia:
Georgia, the peach state and Empire of the South, houses its capital in Atlanta and boasts a population of almost 10 million. Named after King George II of Great Britain, Georgia was one of the original seven confederate states. It is the setting of several television shows, from the historically-famous Dukes of Hazzard to the more recent Vampire Diaries, which of course brings us to the subject of Phlebotomy!
A destination for vacationers and home to academics and business people, if you are living or want to live in Georgia and are interested in becoming a phlebotomist, here are a few things you should know:
It’s really pretty straightforward to become a phlebotomist in Georgia. The best technicians 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.
The Georgia Division of Professional Regulation does NOT require phlebotomists to be certified although a certificate for Phlebotomy is attractive to employers in Georgia since most prefer proof of quality and skill. So we highly recommend that you get certified! Once you complete your Phlebotomy training and pass a Phlebotomy certification exam you can apply for an entry level job to laboratories, blood banks, and hospitals.
Many employers require that you become nationally certified by one of the following agencies:
National Center for Competency Testing 145 test questions must be answered over 2.5 hours. Written evidence of clinical competency is required.
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 most important is that you become a much more valuable job candidate. A diploma program is required for future phlebotomists and depending on the program you choose and the types of courses you take, phlebotomy training in Georgia can take 3 – 6 months. In general, expect to:
Submit your High School or GED transcripts
Pass a background check and drug test
Complete up to 40 hours of didactic (classroom) training
Complete up to 40 hours of practical training
Prove that you are capable of as many as 100 venipunctures and 10 skin collections
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!
Even though there are no real requirements for a phlebotomist in the state of Georgia, you can be hired immediately upon graduating High School or receiving your GED, but virtually all agencies will prioritize someone who has previous training in addition to national or other accredited certification.
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 a number of phlebotomy training programs available in Georgia, these provide certification and licensure upon graduating:
Central Georgia Technical College. Phlebotomy Technician: 20 credit hours. Offers an approved Georgia Phlebotomy Training Program
Savannah Technical College. Phlebotomy Technician: year-long course: 24 credit hours. venipuncture, laboratory practices, medical ethics and physiology.