How to Become a Phlebotomist in Maine

Phlebotomists are technicians who have been trained to draw blood specimens from patients. Most states, including Maine, do not have specific licensing requirements for phlebotomists. However, most health care employers do require certification. During the course of accredited phlebotomy program, students complete eligibility requirements and prepare for a certification examination. This exam is offered by several agencies, including the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma or GED

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Instructions

• 1

  Meet the minimal qualifications. You must be at least 18 years of age and have received a high school diploma or GED to become a phlebotomist in Maine. You will be required to pass a health assessment, which includes a recent tuberculosis (TB) screen. Finally, you will need a hepatitis vaccination before the start of the clinical portion of your course.

• 2

  Take a course at the Helping Hands Trade School of Maine (HHTSM) or other technical institute. HHTSM offers an 80-hour course that covers venipuncture, capillary puncture and the collection of blood specimens. You must demonstrate knowledge of infection control, safety procedures, basic anatomy and the physiology of body systems. This course is approved by the state.

• 3

  Obtain certification examination from one of several organizations, including the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). In addition to classroom hours, most organizations require a candidate pass a certification examination and complete 120 hands-on training hours and 100 successful, unaided blood collections. The ASCP also requires that the laboratory at which you intern be approved by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

• 4

  Find a job at the Southern Maine Medical Center or other health care facility. You will be expected to perform phlebotomies on in-patients and out-patients. You will be responsible for prioritizing blood collection work, processing blood specimens and preparing patient paperwork. You will also be expected to maintain a clean and orderly blood collection work area and assist in training new employees and students in phlebotomy.

• 5

  Obtain additional certifications. Some employers expect a phlebotomist technician to become certified as a urine drug screen collector and breath alcohol tester within a reasonable time period after hire.