Becoming a phlebotomist in any state is an exciting career move. Many people who register for the phlebotomy certification have already been working with venipuncture methods and understand that this is the right certification for them. However, researching what must be done in the state of Maryland before attempting to obtain the certification is always a good idea for anyone considering phlebotomy for a career. Every phlebotomist must be certified in the state of Maryland.
Maryland Phlebotomist Requirements
Maryland requires phlebotomy certification applicants to have attended an Applied Health Program which specifically included venipuncture techniques with a practical in clinical techniques. Proof of attendance must be presented to the National Phlebotomy Association from every applicant. Applicants must gather the correct paperwork and submit it to the National Phlebotomy Association to become eligible to take the phlebotomy test.
Program Specific Requirements
The National Phlebotomy Association will only accept the educational requirements from programs with specific offerings. The program must award each student with either 16 hours toward continuing education or have the same program offered in course form with a minimum of 160 contact hours in lecture, excluding phlebotomy practical. The training portion of the program must have a minimum of 200 hours of practical experience. This experience may use either mannequins, clinical practicum (real arms), or a combination of the two options. Finally, all students must have credits fro a program approved by the NPA curriculum requirements.
Necessary Documents
All phlebotomy students must present a transcript evaluation stating that the required courses have been completed at an approved facility. A copy of the transcript and a copy of the program must be handed in with the certification application. Every necessary document must be handed in before any student may sit for the examination in phlebotomy certification. Certificates of achievement are also accepted during the sign up process.
Reclamation Clause of 1989
Luckily, the NPA approved an amendment to the certification requirements which allows those who have phlebotomy in their job descriptions to become certified in phlebotomy. The guidelines for this clause are:
1. The applicant must have current employment which list phlebotomy duties in the job description.
2. The applicant must be employed for one year through either paid or volunteer working experience. Clinical experience will not be accepted under these terms.
3. A verification letter must be prepared to verify the length of the candidate’s experience from the supervisor or employer. A certification fee of $130.00 must be included.
4. After all required documents have been received, the NPA will send a Proficiency Examination Form to the candidate’s employer. The candidate will receive the results of the test.
5. After the Proficiency Examination Form is received from the candidate’s employer, the process will be pushed forward. The final parts of the application process will be completed by the NPA within 4 to 8 weeks of final reception of paperwork.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is necessary for every person in a medical setting, even phlebotomists. The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians helps keep American phlebotomists certified and current with education credits. Every phlebotomist must have six credits every year to keep the certification valid. A membership in the ASPT is also necessary for keeping a phlebotomist certification in the state of Maryland.
Salary and Job Duties
A Maryland phlebotomist can make approximately 32,000 dollars annually. Job duties include drawing blood from veins. Some phlebotomists can draw from arteries and will be referred to as specialists. Phlebotomists are responsible to know the safety precautions of working with needles and bodily fluids. Responsibilities also include understanding how to document a blood draw, keeping supply carts clean and stocked, and understanding an EMR system for general office or hospital use.