• Phlebotomists draw blood but can't give injections.blood sample image by Glenn Jenkinson from Fotolia.com
  
  Becoming a phlebotomist in North Carolina has two major components: education and certification. The educational component involves completing a phlebotomy certificate program offered by one of many schools in the North Carolina Community College System. The NCCCS is comprised of 58 colleges throughout the state, so you should be able to find one within driving distance. Certificate programs require completing both coursework and clinical evaluations. After receiving the certificate in phlebotomy, you will be eligible to apply for national certification.
  
  

Coursework

• Phlebotomy is more than finding a good vein.books 1 image by MLProject from Fotolia.com
  
  While it is possible to get a one-year diploma or two-year degree, prospective phlebotomists typically opt for the semester-length certificate program. The NCCCS Curriculum Standard for phlebotomy mandates that certificate programs require 12 to 18 semester credit hours in phlebotomy and related coursework. Twelve credit hours must include: PBT 100/Phlebotomy Technology, a three-credit-hour course; PBT 101/Phlebotomy Practicum, a three-credit-hour course; and one course chosen from a list of interpersonal skills courses, each of which is worth three credit hours. In addition, individual colleges may require up to six credit hours of general education courses such as computers or study skills.
  
  

Clinicals

• The certificate in phlebotomy is attainable in a semester.honors graduate image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
  
  After completion of PBT 100/Phlebotomy Technology, students are eligible to enroll in PBT 101/Phlebotomy Practicum. This course credit is given for completing clinical hours which provide hands-on experience in a professional health care facility. Each college in NCCCS maintains a list of approved clinical sites. Most clinical sites require a criminal background check and drug screening as a requirement to work in their facilities. If students are unable to meet the site admission requirements, they are dropped from the college's certificate program.
  
  

National Certification

• Upon successful completion of the required coursework and clinical practicum, students receive the certificate in phlebotomy. With this preparation, they should now take a national certification exam for phlebotomy technicians. One member of the NCCCS, the College of The Albemarle, "recommends the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry."
  
  ASCP Board of Registry
  P.O. Box 12277
  Chicago, IL 60612-0277
  312-738-1336
  www.ascp.org/bor
  
  Alternatively, students may go through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT):
  
  American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
  P.O. Box 1831
  Hickory, NC 28603
  www.aspt.org