Healthcare Quality, and Phlebotomy Technician Certification

Quality Assurance and Improvement in Healthcare

  • Healthcare facilities have their own quality assurance and improvement policies.
  • In 2011, the US Department of Health and Human Services established the National Strategy for Quality Improvement in Health Care (National Quality Strategy).
  • The National Quality Strategy has three aims:
    • Better Care: Improve healthcare quality by making it patient-centered, reliable, accessible, and safe.
    • Healthy People/Healthy Communities: Improve health outcomes by addressing behavioral, social, and environmental factors.
    • Affordable Care: Reduce the cost of quality healthcare for individuals, families, employers, and the government.
  • Healthcare workers are trained in practices to meet these goals and achieve continuous quality improvement (CQI).
  • For Phlebotomy Technicians (PBTs), CQI focuses on:
    • Following procedures carefully to reduce patient harm.
    • Obtaining high-quality specimens.
    • Processing specimens appropriately.

Certification, Recertification, and Continuing Education for Phlebotomy Technicians

  • Many healthcare workers need a certificate or license to practice.
  • Certification ensures skills are mastered for specific positions.
  • Training programs are offered by schools or organizations to meet healthcare field standards.
  • A registry, maintained by the school, organization, or state government agency, verifies certifications.
  • Examples of healthcare workers who may need certification: Nursing assistants (NAs), patient care technicians (PCTs), and PBTs.
  • Certification laws vary by state.
  • No national laws exist for phlebotomy certification, but some states require it.
  • Many facilities require certification, which is advantageous for job seekers.
  • Several organizations certify PBTs, including:
    • American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
    • National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
    • National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
    • American Medical Technologists (AMT)
  • Before taking a certification test, students must complete a recognized training course or have clinical experience as a PBT.
  • Phlebotomy programs should include clinical experience for hands-on practice with patients.
  • Practicals/ Clinicals, may be arranged by the instructor and take place under the supervision of healthcare professionals. If not possible, a lab area may be set up for volunteers to have phlebotomy procedures performed.
  • Certification agencies require students to perform a set number of venipunctures and capillary punctures before certification. The number varies. Clinical experience can be gained at diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities.