What Is Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy is the process of making a puncture in a vein, usually in the arm, with a cannula for the purpose of drawing blood. The procedure itself is known as a venipuncture, which is also used for intravenous therapy.
Entry Requirements To Study Phlebotomy In South Africa
High school diploma or GED
A minimum GPA while in high school
Immunization records
Background check
CPR certification
Once accepted into a program, students typically need to pay tuition and fees. These may or may not cover the costs for textbooks and a uniform. Also, students who drop out of a program after enrolling may be assessed a withdrawal fee.
When enrolling, students may wish to look for a program that is approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Nearly 60 phlebotomy programs nationwide are listed as approved on the NAACLS site as of October 2020, meaning that they have reached certain education standards in phlebotomy and that staff and faculty have attained specific education levels.
Requirements to be eligible to sit for a certification exam vary based on the testing agency. However, for all agencies, aspiring professionals must:
Complete a phlebotomy education course
Hold a current CPR certification
Have graduated from high school or have obtained a GED
Complete the required clinical training either with a required number of on the job training hours or a number of venipunctures
Students should ensure they verify the requirements with each testing agency to ensure they meet the requirements. Once requirements are met, students can apply to take the exam for certification. Top recognized certification agencies include:
South African Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals (SACA)
American Medical Technologists (SAMT)
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT/MMCI)
The South African Society for Clinical Pathology (SASCP)
South African Medical Certification Association (SAMCA)
National Health career Association (NHA)
Fees for these exams and the format of the tests vary. Fees range from R 889.18 to R3066.13. The phlebotomy exam through the National Center for Competency Testing, as an example, comprises 125 scored questions and 25 unscored pretest items. Students have three hours for testing and they may need to demonstrate practical knowledge of some skills, such as taking blood.
Schools Offering Phlebotomy In South Africa
University of Pretoria
University of Cape Town
University of South Africa
Where in South Africa can I study phlebotomy?
THE PATHCARE ACADEMY FOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
The PathCare Academy was the first centre in South Africa where phlebotomists were trained. We also developed courses for laboratory technicians and laboratory assistants
How long is a phlebotomy course in South Africa?
Phlebotomy Technician Learnership
This two year program offers the opportunity for permanent employment. Successful candidates are trained in a medical laboratory and participate in classroom and workplace learning.
How do I become a phlebotomist in South Africa?
The entry level criteria include Grade 12 with biology and mathematics, or maths literacy. Selection includes pre-interview testing and panel interviews. Successful candidates are paid an allowance and are employed on a two-year contract during their studies at the PathCare Academy.
What is a phlebotomist salary in South Africa?
An entry-level Phlebotomist with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R144,816 based on 7 salaries. An early career Phlebotomist with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R157,610 based on 74 salaries.
Can phlebotomists give injections?
Phlebotomists don’t usually give intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injections. Also, they do not administer intravenous drugs or any other kind of fluids for patients. As these things do not come under their expertise, trained nurses or physicians usually perform these tasks
Do phlebotomists do IV in South Africa ?
No, a Phlebotomist can not start an IV. It is outside the scope of their license. A Phlebotomist can only draw blood, and collect a few other voluntary specimens.