The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) has been nationally educating and certifying phlebotomist professionals for over thirty years. It was established to maintain the high set of standards and code of ethics for these unique health professionals to adhere to as well as offering outreach programs, career opportunities and continuing education. With over fifteen thousand phlebotomists certified and seventy five accredited teaching programs in hospitals, colleges and other health care training facilities, the NPA continues its stride toward developing a community of specialized medical experts in the field of phlebotomy. With this rapidly growing industry, founder Diane C. Crawford is committed to a global push for mandatory certification so every phlebotomist is treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve.
NPA Curriculum
The NPA offers a diverse curriculum in addition to its standards of practice. These include:
Education
Accreditation
Continuing Education
Research Information
Professional and Public Awareness
Certification Guidelines
To sit for any phlebotomy level certification testing program you must comply by a specific set of individual requirements compiled by each phlebotomy organization. At the NPA it is mandatory that you complete an Allied Health Program trained in 160 contact hours or 16.0 continuing education units. Documented evidence of clinical practice and the varied venipuncture techniques must be submitted prior to testing. 200 hours of practical experience either in a clinical setting, on mannequins or both is also required. In addition, a valid transcript of completed courses must be presented before testing is allowable.
Reclamation
The NPA also offers health care workers to be able to include phlebotomy in their resume skills by offering reclamation eligibility. There are five requirements for this eligibility which are:
Currently employed with phlebotomy included in daily duties.
One year or more of volunteer or salaried working experience not including clinical practice.
A letter of confirmation from your employer citing specific timeframes of your work experience must be accompanied with your application fee.
Once all documents are received your Proficiency Examination Form will be forwarded to your employer and you will be notified of your status.
Your employer must send back your Proficiency Examination Form to complete the verification process which may take up to eight weeks to complete.
Safety
The NPA is also steadfast in its plight for safety standard practices. The concern for infection while collecting blood samples has escalated throughout the years. Human health challenges such as HIV, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, staphylococcus aureus and other resistant bacteria have all been a major concern for on-site phlebotomist professionals. The NPA is a valuable resource for continuing information and remedial approaches to these and many other health concerns to their members.
Choosing the National Phlebotomy Association to maintain and advance your phlebotomy career will allow you to professionally forge your way through the medical community with grace, dignity and sought after talent.
Deborah D is a full-time writer with a pasison for health and wellness. She enjoys writing career guides for those interested in different medical careers and is currently working on a series of phlebotomy training articles.