The Continuing Education Process
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Continuing education is of the utmost importance to the health care provider and the supervisor. A.S.P.T. feels that no organization should offer certifications without offering education, and it is for this reason that we also offer to develop phlebotomy continuing education and other lab tech education in conjunction with institutions. The major difference is that we ask for the institution's support in program development. Phlebotomists are an important part of the laboratory team, often the only part of the lab staff that a patient sees; the public relations people. The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc. (A.S.P.T.) strives to provide an atmosphere of professionalism and confidence, as well as a sense of belonging and fellowship for these vital members of the laboratory staff. The role of the health care provider, such as the phlebotomy technician, is changing dramatically. ASPT is constantly 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. These Include POCT, Paramedical Insurance Examiner, EKG Technician, Drug Collection Specialist, Phlebotomy and Patient Care Technician I, II, & III. After completion of each program, a Certification Examination is offered. Click Here for a list of scheduled ceu programs. (List subject to change. Contact ASPT office for an application / registration form.) ASPT will also customize any program to meet the needs of individual facilities in cross training their health care providers. ASPT offers help in arranging CEU Days so our members can obtain their required 6 CEU's, or 6 Contact Hours, annually.
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Mandatory continuing education is required for all certified members. Six (6) hours of CEU's yearly and membership renewal are required to maintain certification. If these criteria are met, recertification will not be necessary.
The health care professional's responsibilities are changing dramatically. In order to keep up with changing times and address the needs of the health care professional, ASPT has developed cross-training programs. These include POCT, EKG Technician, Paramedical Insurance Examiner, and Drug Collection Specialist. After completion of any program, a certification examination is offered. ASPT will also customize any program to meet the needs of individual facilities, in cross training their health care professionals.
Membership is a requirement to maintain ASPT certification. Certifications are not validated unless continuing education is validated through Allied Association of HealthCare Services. The cost of membership renewal is prorated for members who have joined in the last six months. The cost of membership is $20.00 for all others. There is no charge to validate phlebotomy certifications if continuing education credits have been paid for and validated through the Allied Association of HealthCare Services, and renewal fees have been paid to the ASPT. If the validation seal reads "Valid Through 2003", or any year prior, it means that December 31 of that year, the certification it is no longer valid.
If it is currently 2003, it is the active year 2003, you should be renewing for the active year 2004, if you renew. If you joined in 2003, you will not need continuing education but will need continuing education in 2004 for 2005, and each year thereafter.
Medically related In-Service education hours qualify as continuing education but must submitted as "Individual Non-ASPT CEU Credits" unless #4 is followed. (Medically related is any education which deals with patient care and services.)
Obtaining CEU's
For details current members should check their welcome/confirmation letters, certification cards, certification renewal cards, and newsletters which will ship in May and June.
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