The American Phlebotomy Association (APA) is a non-governmental phlebotomy agency. Established in 1990 to promote national standards in certification, the APA aims to maintain high standards and promote education and awareness. In addition to phlebotomy certification, the APA offers certification for clinical research assistants, patient care technicians, EKG technicians, medical laboratory assistants, advanced cardiac life support and health care instructors.
The APA is an Organizational Member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), an Educational Member of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), a Corporate Member of the National College Testing Association (NCTA), and an Affiliate Member of the Society of Clinical Research Affiliates (SOCRA).
APA has partnered with the Baltimore Allied Health Training Center to offer phlebotomy certification workshops. The workshops are designed for medical personnel or those with a background in biology and chemistry. To participate in the current pilot workshops, print and complete a registration form from the APA website (www.apa2.com) and fax it to 1-866-469-3688. The current cost for a workshop is $350. Credit card payments may be phoned in by calling 1-866-935-3339 extension 2.
Pilot workshops are being offered one weekend each month in Owings Mills, Maryland throughout 2010. The course runs from 9am to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday. The dates for 2010 are: January 9/10, February 13/14, March 13/14, April 10/11, May 8/9, June 12/13, July 10/11, August 14/15, September 11/12, October 9/10, November 13/14 and December 11/12.
The first day introduces phlebotomy theory, with topics covering flow of blood, order of draw, tube and test recognition, and specimen processing. The second day gives participants an opportunity to practice on mannequins and humans. Preparation for the certification exam will also occur on the second day. Participants are eligible to write the APA certification exam following completion of the workshop.
Following the pilot workshops, the APA will be traveling throughout the United States to offer more certification workshops. Medical and training facilities may book workshops through the APA. A minimum of 10 participants is required for each workshop. Organizations interested in hosting workshops should call 1-866-935-3339.
This is a great opportunity for non-certified phlebotomists and other medical personnel to acquire certification. Phlebotomists with certification demonstrate a thorough understanding of blood collection procedures as well as safety procedures and protocols. Practicing phlebotomists are not legally required to be certified, except in the states of Louisiana and California. However, the majority of employers will not hire non-certified phlebotomists. Therefore, having phlebotomy certification is an asset to practicing technicians.
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