Phlebotomy Certification Organizations - Which To Choose?

There are a number of organizations which offer phlebotomy certification programs and courses. However, not all are reputable or teach according to standards set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).

When deciding on a suitable phlebotomy certification training program, look for an organization that is accredited or approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), uses materials and examinations that reflect CLSI standards, and qualifies graduates for an examination through an external certification agency.

There are ten nationally recognized certifying agencies in the United States. Some of these agencies include the American Certification Agency, the American Medical Technologists, and the National Center for Competency Testing, the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the National Phlebotomy Association. The requirements to become a certified phlebotomist vary by agency and are outlined below.

The American Certification Agency (ACA) for Healthcare Professionals offers two types of certification for phlebotomists; phlebotomy technicians and phlebotomy instructors. To be eligible for the phlebotomy technician exam, applicants must have completed 100 clinical hours, 100 successful venipunctures and 10 successful dermal punctures (although 25 are required in Louisiana). The exam is written online in combination with a practical component. Phlebotomy instructor applicants must be phlebotomy certified or a registered RN or LPN. No written exam is required; however applicants must provide documented proof of three years phlebotomy experience and one year teaching experience.

The American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers phlebotomist certification. Applicants must have graduated from a phlebotomy program accredited by the US Department of Education, a program accredited by the Regional Accrediting Commission, a phlebotomy program consisting of 120 hours of instruction and 120 hours of clinical practicum, or have completed at least 1,040 hours of acceptable work experience in the last three years. In each case, the applicant must have completed a minimum of 50 successful venipunctures and 25 successful skin punctures. AMT offers a number of resources to applicants, including a downloadable candidate handbook, exam outline, reference materials, and practice test.

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) offers phlebotomist and donor phlebotomist certification. Both certification types require the applicant to possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Phlebotomy applicants must also be graduates of an approved phlebotomy program or possess one year of experience. The NCCT also requires a phlebotomy performance form. In California and Louisiana, additional performance forms are required. To become a certified donor phlebotomist, the applicant must possess six months of donor phlebotomist experience, including 80 successful donor collections. Applications can be submitted electronically or in hard copy, both forms are available on the NCCT website.

For more information on phlebotomist certification, visit the "Phlebotomy Certification Guide" website. Here you will learn how become certified, find jobs, and information about the phlebotomy certification organizations. If you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist, this is the site for you!

Massage Therapy Schools In Georgia

Interested in certification in massage therapy from a massage therapy school in Georgia? You can prepare for a massage therapy career in any of the fine Georgia massage therapy schools that can be found independently or in association with vocational and trade schools and community colleges. You can also find massage therapy schools housed in four-year private or state colleges and universities.

Programs in Georgia massage therapy schools will provide foundations of massage that can prepare you for employment as a massage therapist who provides therapies of various kinds for various purposes. You can learn the arts of Western massage for providing sports massage, spa massage, wellness massage, and medical massage. You will get extensive hands-on experience in the various massage techniques of reflexology, stone therapy, cranio-sacral massage, maxiofacial release, and kinesiology. Perhaps you will prefer to focus on the Eastern methods of massage, such as shiatsu, lomi lomi, and acupressure. It's all possible in your choice of massage therapy schools.

Programs of study may cover subjects of anatomy and physiology, making clinical evaluations, and providing medical, sports, and other forms of massage. Massage therapy schools in Georgia may also teach nutrition, effects of personal lifestyles on overall health, and ways of promoting optimum health. Oftentimes, a massage therapy education will touch upon other areas of natural healing, such as acupuncture or chiropractic, for instance.

Certification is required to practice massage therapy in the state of Georgia, but only after 500 hours of massage therapy education is obtained. Massage therapists are required to gain certification by passing NCETMB examinations. Information about massage therapy schools in Georgia and state requirements is available from the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. You should also ask about laws and requirements for practicing massage therapists.

To learn more about Massage Therapy Schools in Georgia [http://www.schoolsgalore.com/categories/1/massage_therapy_schools_georgia.html] and even Online Massage Therapy Schools, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Massage Therapy Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools, Chiropractic Schools and other Alternative Medicine Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

Use EMT Practice Tests to Pass Your NREMT Certification Exam

EMTs and Paramedics provide a vital service as they often are responsible for the urgent care and transport of the sick and injured to a medical facility. EMTs and paramedics are usually dispatched by a 911 operator to the scene where the often will deal with automobile accidents, heart attacks, childbirth, gun shot wounds and a variety of situations that require immediate medical attention.

EMTs have different duties and responsibilities based on their training and certification. An EMT's salary is often different based on their experience, training, and location. Typically, most EMTs are certified to one of five levels that are administered by NREMT, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. The five NREMT certifications are: First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate/85, EMT-Intermediate/99 and Paramedic. There are also state by state levels and licensure requirements that may differ from the NREMT's certifications.

The NREMT maintains multiple EMT certification levels that represent a ladder of increasing knowledge skills and abilities for an EMS professional. The different NREMT certification levels are summarized below:

NREMT Certifications

First Responder - Entry level EMS services. Provides basic first response first aid and patient management. Almost all police and fire agencies require their employees to be first responders.

EMT-Basic (EMT-B) - This certification level provides basic life support.

Intermediate/85 (EMT-I) - NREMT certification level based on the 1985 EMT-Intermediate National Standard Curriculum.

Intermediate/99 - (EMT-I) - NREMT certification level based on the 1999 EMT-Intermediate National Standard Curriculum.

Paramedic - (EMT-P) - This is the highest level of EMT certification supported by the NREMT. Paramedics can administer a wide range of medication, provide advanced life support, and perform advanced surgical and electrical therapies.

To do well on the EMT Test, it is important that you study smart - not hard! To study smart, you need to:

• Study when you are the most alert


• Understand what's on the test


• Focus on the material that you don't know


• Develop a flexible study schedule

Using EMT Practice Tests

One of the best ways to study smart for the EMT Test is to use EMT Practice Tests. It is vital that you practice for the EMT test as much as possible if you want the most confidence. To make the most out of EMT practice test, try some of the following approaches:

• Fully understand all the questions you got wrong by carefully reading the explanations on your score report


• Take exams with self-imposed time constraints - this will help you insure that you know the material


• Try to tackle one section of the exam at a time

You don't have to spend a lot of money for EMT practice tests - you can find plenty of free EMT Practice tests to get you started.

To help you further prepare for your EMT Test, please check out our free EMT Practice Tests.

Scott Mansfield, Test Editor for Test-Guide.com

Free Test Prep - Test-Guide.com provides free test prep for EMT, ACT, SAT, GRE, GED, CDL, GMAT, TOEFL exams and more. Helps test takers improve their scores. Find out test dates and how to interpret your test scores. Includes free practice exams, test taking tips, and study guides.

Game Software and Development Schooling Options

The interactive world of video games is a global industry that requires a certain skill set to make a concept come to life. In order to gain the proper knowledge students need to complete a level of education. There are numerous vocational colleges that offer schooling programs in game software and development to students.

Vocational schools are highly specialized leaving students with the ability to complete a certificate or an associate's degree program. Key subjects are covered inside both opportunities that teach students how to work with the industry's technology to create multi-layered video games.

*Certificate Programs

Students gain a broad skill set inside certificate programs. Certificate options can include short programs that last two to three months and focus on a particular skill or computer program. One-year programs center on providing students with a basic overall view of the field. A particularly important skill that longer programs center on is the ability to correctly identify and explain the entire life cycle of software development. Many programs prepare students to take on one aspect of the cycle and work to ensure accuracy within their section in a team environment. Working on game software testing can be one aspect that students learn. Some specific courses that are integrated into a program can include:

*Game Architecture

The fundamentals of game design and software are explored. Some core issues that are discussed include software and development in regards to the design of a video game. Production is examined in the beginning and final stages of a game and its continual development.

*Game Development

The conception methods, prototype practices, and game testing procedures are covered inside a development course. Students analyze the different operating systems and databases used to create a compelling game.

*Associate's Degree Programs

Students that work through an associate's degree program gain a wide knowledge base that covers the design, development, testing, and placing of the game product. These skills are gained by working through courses on flash game development procedures, animation software programs, computer graphics, and more. The information needed to successfully design and produce video games is learned when students complete a program. Most associate's degree programs teach students about the industry as a whole. A course inside a degree can include:

*Game Production

Students work with design and graphic computer programs to build their own game to gain practical experience. Information is centered on software and development design and usually incorporates 2D and 3D designs. The mechanics of game development and production are also covered.

The schooling options available at both the certificate and associate's degree level of education teach students to be successful inside the competitive industry. Finding an accredited game software development program is the first step to a rewarding career in the field. Full accreditation is awarded to quality schools and colleges by agencies such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design ( http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/ ). Students can find programs inside numerous vocational colleges across the country.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Renata McGee is a staff writer for PETAP.org. Locate Game Software and Development Schools as well as Online Game Software Development Schools at PETAP.org, your Partners in Education and Tuition Assistance Programs.

What Will You Learn at a School For Video Game Design?

Game design school is a great place to go if your career dreams lie in the field of game design and development. Because this is a relatively new and emerging industry, game design courses must be updated regularly. Many colleges simply do not update the course content as much as they should and as such subjects taught may be somewhat outdated. Specific game design schools on the other hand specialize in this subject only so they stay on top of new industry trends and technology. This is vital for the student who wants to leave school with relevant skills in order to become employed in this exciting industry.

Game designers must have many attributes. First and foremost you must be creative, innovative and intelligent. You should also have technical skills as even game artists use computer software. Programmers obviously must have the required programming skills such as C++ and other specified languages.

Game designers also learn to be team players at game design school. Being able to communicate with a team is the key to developing a great game. Because each person in the term plays an important role in the finished product, if communication is poor then the game will not come together as planned. Meeting deadlines is also a priority and game design schools will touch on that topic as well.

One of the best game design schools is the Collins College which offers a bachelor's degree in Game design. You will learn C++, Java, 3ds max and AI. You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to work within the game research and planning stage, character development, level design, modeling and project management.

The ITT Technical Institute offers a The Digital Entertainment and Game Design program and covers subjects like gaming technology, game design process, animation, and level design.

The Digital Media Arts College is a very well equipped technical college. At the DMAC, you can take advantage of industry-standard animation tools, 3D software, and imaging technologies and work with experts from such companies as SEGA, ImageWorks and Disney.

The best game design schools will have relationships with game development companies whereby work placement and even employment can be guaranteed upon completion of the course.

Choosing a great game design school will mean the difference between success and failure. Making the right decision is the best way to get a start in this highly competitive industry.

Interested in knowing what the average game designer salary is? Discover this and other game designer career information at http://www.careertoolkits.com

Herbal Certification Programs Today

Find Herbal Certification Programs in the United States and Canada. Today, herbal certification programs provide students with the potential to become natural health consultants, certified herbal consultants, professional herbalists and Oriental medicine practitioners.

Students who pursue herbal certification will find that a great number of natural healing schools and other healing arts schools provide comprehensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, herbal medical terminology, pharmacognosy, herb-drug interactions, nutrition and biochemistry, aromatherapy and even essential oils and flower remedies.

In addition, herbal certification programs often encompass studies in botany, iridology, herbal and natural health consulting, and herbal preparations and applications thereof. Successful candidates who have completed herbal certification programs will have acquired skills and knowledge to become healing arts practitioners who have the ability to treat common health issues and ailments with natural remedies.

On another note, individuals will also discover that Chinese medicine schools offer Chinese herbal certification programs that involve abovementioned studies in addition to Oriental medicine concepts, theories and philosophies. In this case, students can anticipate a course of study that may take up to two years to complete. However, depending on the course of study in which you choose to participate, herbal certification programs vary in length and skill level, so it is always wise to examine curriculums prior to enrollment to determine which studies meet your individual educational needs.

Overall, herbal certification is important as it lends to the credentialing of natural healthcare providers and enables these practitioners to practice the healing art of herbal medicine.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding herbal certification programs, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs [http://school.holisticjunction.com/clickcount.php?id=6634739&goto=http://www.holisticjunction.com/search.cfm] near you.

Herbal Certification Programs Today
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The CollegeBound Network
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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Herbal Certification Programs, Herbal Medicine Schools, and other Healing Arts Schools.

Four Steps in Successfully Passing Your PMP Certification Exam

Successfully passing the PMP certification exam may be your ticket to more job benefits, more job responsibilities and more job opportunities. Thus, it is of utmost importance that you achieve it regardless of its stress levels.

Fortunately, you can adopt these four steps towards the PMP certification exam. Of course, these can also be applied to any and all certification exams that you might take in the future.

Do Your Exam Research

You have to investigate the subject matters covered by the certification program administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) for project managers. You must also do your research about the depth and level with which you must study the subject matter, which will determine the areas you will need to pour more attention to.

Doing your research also makes it possible to identify strengths and weaknesses in your current knowledge. This way, you can improve on the weaknesses and refresh on the strengths, which ought to maximize your chances at passing the PMI-administered certification exam.

PMI only recommends one bible in its exams. This is called "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)", which is recognized by the American National Standards Institute. Just refer to the PMBOK and you are in good hands.

Study and Study Some More

You will need at least 35 hours of PMI-sanctioned project management education before you can take the PMP certification exam. In this training-cum-review course, you will be able to study all that you need to know to pass the exam. Just remember to look for a reputable company that offers this training course!

With 200 multiple choice questions to be accomplished in just four hours, the PMI exam is definitely not child's play. There are more than 40 formulas to be memorized and understood and many more acronyms and their meanings to be read and digested! Thus, diligent study is imperative for passing the PMP certification exam.

Assess Your Readiness

The hallmark of an excellent project management preparation course is the presence of practice exams. There must be at least two of these in order to hone your skills in answering the time-pressured exam.

You must aim for the passing grade and then add 10% to account for the nerves and excitement when taking the real exam. (Better safe than sorry) When testing your readiness, always make sure that you are closely mimicking the environment of the testing center including the time limits.

Prepare Yourself

Before the day of the actual PMP certification exam, there are things you must perform to prepare yourself. First, scout out the testing center. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the route and the room itself. You cannot afford to be late!

Second, get a good night's sleep. There is nothing worse than answering questions on sleep-deprived body and mind. Third, eat your breakfast. Not only is it the most important meal of the day but a low sugar level will adversely affect your concentration. And do your ablutions! You need to feel fresh and you cannot waste time on bathroom breaks once too often.

Fourth, don't bring anything you don't need into the testing center. You will only be distracted, which is definitely not good for you.

And now, you are ready to take the PMP certification exam and pass with flying colors!

Visit ThreeO.ca today to secure the best possible PMP exam preparation course to pass the PMP exam. And when you do pass the PMP certification exam, expect the doors of opportunities to open up for you!