Phlebotomy Training and Career Guide Phlebotomy Training Resources and Guides for becoming Certified as a Phlebotomist!
Phlebotomy Certification in South Carolina (SC):
Boasting a rich history and incredible cultural charm, South Carolina is a coastal state
that offers the best of all worlds. Stunning beaches, picturesque mountains, amazing
lake and pristine forests are all waiting to be explored in this Southern gem.
With bustling cities and delightful suburbs, the state of South Carolina has a population
of more than 4,800,000 people. The state is home to a number of contributors that help
to keep the economy thriving. From major agricultural outputs that include dairy
products, tobacco, cattle, hay, soybeans, and more, to industrial outputs that include
paper, automobiles, and machinery, South Carolina is home to a wide variety of
economic industries.
Tourism also stands as a contributing factor to the thriving economy.
With this comes the need for qualified medical professionals, like certified
phlebotomists. The average salary for a phlebotomist in South Carolina is $30,000. This
of course can be impacted by several factors that include the location of the job, with
more densely populated areas leading to an increase in the cost of living. Other
contributing factors could include the availability of qualified candidates, and of course
whether or not you hold your phlebotomy certification.
Learning More about Phlebotomy Certification in South Carolina:
There are some states that have their own requirements for of phlebotomists for certification. South Carolina is not one of these states, and relies on the nationally approved certifications to govern acceptable standards for phlebotomists.
That being said, most medical professionals will be hard pressed to find a hiring medical facility that will not require proof of certification for phlebotomy. Even those who may have been successfully working as phlebotomists for years without certification could just find that their years of experience is not adequate to secure a new position.
With your phlebotomy certification in hand you will be able to secure a position with a medical facility a lot sooner than you would without. You will also be able to command a much higher salary than those who are not armed with their certifications can.
Your certification will also help you to secure a position outside of South Carolina if you plan on relocating at some point in the future. Be aware though that states with their own regulations and certification requirements could need you to complete additional training in order to legally work as a phlebotomist in that state.
Coverage of Topics in Certification Courses:
Not all courses are created equally, but if you are taking your phlebotomy training
course through an accredited school then you’ll be able to rest assured that you are
getting the right type of training to help you in passing your certification exams.
The majority of courses will be tailored around ensuring that you are prepared to sit the
exams. Here are some of the areas that are covered on the exams, and should be
covered in your training.
- Knowledge of the circulatory system.
- Blood composition
- Collection of specimens, and processes surrounding specimen collection.
- Handling, transporting, and processing of specimens, and procedures surrounding these three areas
- Safety and regulatory applications
- Non-blood specimens
Courses for phlebotomy certification are generally split into two:
The first part will involve a few hours in the classroom learning the foundations of phlebotomy.
The second part will involve hands-on clinical experience. You will learn to follow safety
standards, tie tourniquets, identify veins, work with challenging patients, and learn about
all of the equipment that is needed to safely perform the duties of your job.
Sitting your Phlebotomy Certification Exam:
Once you have successfully completed your training, you should feel confident that you
can pass the certification exam. You may need to provide proof of your age, you should
be 18 or older, and you may need to provide proof of your high school graduation, along
with proof that you passed the phlebotomy training course.
There are a few options for taking your test, including the following:
I. American Medical Technologists (http://www.americanmedtech.org)
II. American Society of Clinical Pathologists (http://www.ascp.org/)
III. National Center for Competency Testing (https://www.ncctinc.com)
IV. National Health Career Association (http://www.nhanow.com/phlebotomy-
technician.aspx)
The examination typically includes a series of questions, to be completed within a short
window of time. Questions are multiple-choice, and generally increase slightly in
difficulty as the correct answer is provided.
Maintaining your Phlebotomist License, and Further Education:
Once you have obtained your phlebotomy license, it will be valid for two years. It can be
all too easy to forget to renew your license, but it’s important to avoid allowing it to
lapse.
If it does lapse, you may find your job at risk until you are able to get it renewed. Rather
stay on top of maintaining your license, and keep on doing the job that you enjoy.
Phlebotomy does often serve as a great stepping stone toward a much more involved
career in the medical field. Whether you are planning on pursuing a career as a medical
assistant, a nurse, or potentially as a doctor, working as a phlebotomist will allow you to
earn a living while still working in the medical field around others as passionate about
healing as you are.
Do Some Extra Reading:
Find out where your favorite South Carolina city stacks up against others around the
state. If you are relocating to the state, this can help you with an idea as to where the
best salary options will be, for your skill sets and qualifications.
South Carolina Schools Offering Training Courses:
1. Aiken Technical College (ATC):
Aiken Technical College offers a phlebotomy technician program. Students need to
have a high school diploma or equivalency in hand as a prerequisite for this course.
During this course, students will learn to draw blood, collect specimens, and will also
learn vital customer service, clerical, and interpersonal skills. 80 hours of off-campus
clinical training is also required.
ATC’s official website:
http://www.atc.edu/Catalog/current/c7hc.aspx
2. Florence-Darlington Technical College:
Florence-Darlington Technical College offers a comprehensive training course that will
prepare students to sit and pass the phlebotomy certification exam. You will need to
have a high school diploma, or GED, and should be able to demonstrate that you are
fully immunized. Students are also required to hold a current CPR certification.
Website:
http://www.fdtc.edu/academics/programs/catalog/factsheet.asp?ProgramID=117
3. Forrest College:
Forrest College offers a phlebotomy course that can help you to confidently pass the
exam for certification, and can also help you on your way to pursue additional medical
credentials. Learn human anatomy, medical terminology, safety standards, and more.
Forrest College’s website:
http://forrestcollege.edu/diploma-program/#phelebotomy
