Will Phlebotomy Certification Help in Finding a Nursing Job?

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Hi all! I am in an usual circumstance. Long story short, I was out of work several years ago, a friend of mine owned a medical clinic and needed a phlebotomist/lab tech, so they trained me on-site and gave me a job. I have been working as a phlebotomist/lab tech for four years now and enjoy it quite a bit. I recently got into a BSN nursing program, starting January 2013, so my questions are:

1) Do you believe it would be advantageous for me to go ahead and get certified in phlebotomy? Is it going to give me a little leg up when it comes time to find a nursing job, or would it not even be considered?

2) If I should get certified, do you have any recommendations on which organization to go with? There are several to choose from, such as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) and the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA). Most of them require either completed coursework or at least one year on-the-job experience, which I have the latter.

Your thoughts and recommendations are appreciated!

Thanks!

Jen

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I think your years of phlebotomy experience will be great, even without the certification. I wouldn't bother with it really, unless you have the money and time. :)

I have a friend who has been a phlebotomist during nursing school, and she has found it difficult to get a hospital job however. If you can find a nurse tech position after you finish your first semester, it may help you in the long run!

Congrats and good luck!!

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

The experience is valuable, the certification... not.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Nah. As a nurse you'd be expected to be able to do that anyway. I wouldn't go out of my way and spend any money on that. Good luck!

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Awesome! Thanks for the advice.

Jen

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