Major Accrediting and Certification Bodies
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
A good source of information on educational programs in phlebotomy is the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). The agency plays a lead role in accrediting and approving educational programs in clinical laboratory sciences and other similar health professions. Individuals seeking to enroll in phlebotomy programs may search for accredited and approved programs, through the NAACLS site. The site provides extensive information regarding the approval process for phlebotomy programs as well as guidelines for continuing education in the field. Familiarizing yourself with the standards for phlebotomy programs established by NAACLS helps to ensure that you make an excellent choice for your phlebotomy education.
Sources:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. (2008) National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Phlebotomy Approval Information. (2008) National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the largest society of its kind in the world, for pathologists and laboratory professionals, including phlebotomists. Various certification programs are offered by the ASCP for professionals in the field. ASCP certification has been the industry standard since 1928, for clinical laboratory professionals. Phlebotomists who obtain ASCP certification improve their job prospects significantly, enjoy higher income and earn the respect of their colleagues. For their continuing education needs, practicing phlebotomists may want to check with the ASCP. The agency offers various continuing education programs, professional development workshops, self-study programs, symposiums, and teleconferences, all of which enhance career development for professionals.
Sources:
About ASCP. (2011) American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Certification Benefits Laboratory Professionals and Managers. (2011) American Society for Clinical Pathology.
American Certification Agency
Phlebotomy instructors and technicians seeking to enhance their professional development may want to consider certification by the American Certification Agency (ACA). As a national certification agency, the ACA plays a major role in promoting high standards of quality in various healthcare professions. The agency achieves its mission through its certification programs, which recognize phlebotomy instructors and technicians, amongst others, who have attained established standards, both academically and professionally. Recertification programs offered by the agency help to ensure that phlebotomists remain current in practice and provide high quality services to patients. By adhering to the ACA professional standards, certified phlebotomists are able to demonstrate high standards of integrity and professionalism in the field.
Sources:
About ACA. Retrieved October 5, 2011. American Certification Agency.
Providing Certification for. Retrieved October 5, 2011. American Certification Agency.
American Medical Technologists
Phlebotomists seeking credentials for professional development may want to consider programs offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). The AMT is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a recognition that only a few healthcare certification agencies have earned. AMT certification exams are competency-based and developed using industry standards and state-of-the-art methodologies. Certification by the AMT is an assurance that a phlebotomist has the required education and work experience, to offer high quality clinical services to patients. Phlebotomists who obtain membership with the AMT also enjoy access to current information in their field, which promotes their career development. The AMT is recognized both nationally and internationally, which gives AMT-certified phlebotomists recognition wherever they choose to practice.
Sources:
Who we are. (2011) American Medical Technologists.
Why Certify with AMT? (2011) American Medical Technologists.
National
Center for Competency Testing
Phlebotomy technicians who seek to have their competencies confirmed may want to consider certification from the
Sources:
NCCT
American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) plays a key role in the certification and continuing education of phlebotomy technicians. Those who take the ASPT certification exam successfully enhance their professionalism in the field. The ASPT credentialing process tests the entire range of skills and knowledge that a phlebotomy technician possesses. Certified technicians are required to meet a 6-hour continuing education requirement, annually. The ASPT provides various continuing education programs for certified technicians, at an affordable cost. This makes it easier for technicians to maintain their certification. To ensure that continuing education meets the needs of the profession, the ASPT develops its programs in conjunction with selected institutions.
Sources:
About Us. (2009) American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians.
Welcome to the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. (2009) American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians.
National Phlebotomy Association
The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) plays a key role in developing phlebotomy education in the
Sources:
A Non-Profit Organization for Education and Certification of Phlebotomists. (2011) National Phlebotomy Association.
About Phlebotomy and our Goals. (2011) National Phlebotomy Association.