Accreditations & Affiliations
The Phlebotomy Curriculum
prepares individuals to obtain blood and other specimens for the purpose of laboratory analysis.
What Is A.S.P.T.?
The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (A.S.P.T.) administers a Phlebotomy Certification Exam to our students upon completion of the course. A review session will be scheduled the morning of the exam date. The certification exam will be offered at Gaston College. This will consist of a theory and a practical (“hands-on demonstration”) exam. Upon passing the exam, the graduate may then sign his/her name as illustrated in the example below:
Jane Doe, CPT, ASPT
The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (A.S.P.T.) was incorporated as a non-profit organization. Founded in 1983, A.S.P.T. is the second oldest certifying agency for the phlebotomists. Although testing and certification is one of the organization’s most valuable functions, A.S.P.T. does more than just certify trained phlebotomists. The society provides materials for continuing education home study, membership newsletters, develops cross-training programs, and approves programs and their instructors for various programs.
The organization tries to give health care professionals more of a sense of professionalism, to help them feel more confident and more professional, and that feeling reflects back on the lab. The society stresses that professionalism begins with the certification process. In many states, health care professionals do not have to be certified, although lab managers prefer to hire certified personnel. Members who apply to take the certification exam, offered in both English and Spanish, receive a free official student outline to help them prepare for the examination. To ensure that certification participants receive the latest information and training techniques, the exam and study outline are edited and updated each year by various instructors throughout the country.
Health care professionals are an important part of the laboratory team, often the only part of the lab staff that a patient sees…the public relations people. ASPT strives to provide an atmosphere of professionalism and confidence, as well as sense of belonging and fellowship for these vital members of the laboratory staff. The role of the health care professional is changing dramatically. ASPT is continually developing new programs to meet these needs by offering our members the opportunity to cross-train in all areas in which they are now involved.. The purposes for which this organization was established are:
- Professional representation for phlebotomy personnel.
- Promotion, development and sponsorship of training and continuing education in the field of phlebotomy.
- Certification of Phlebotomy Technicians.
- Approval of phlebotomy programs and instructors.
