Q1: What is the difference between the HOSA Phlebotomy Competition and the AMT Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) Certification?
A1: These are indeed two different things. The HOSA Phlebotomy Competition is sponsored by AMT and like HOSA’s other competitions it has 2 parts: There is a written test round 1, and a hands-on skills assessment round 2. Secondary (High School) and Postsecondary/Collegiate students start by participating at the HOSA local/regional level, and top winners move on to State, and then the International Leadership Conference to compete. Different, and separate from the HOSA Phlebotomy competition is AMT Phlebotomy (RPT) Certification. Certification from AMT does require
that you complete a phlebotomy program and meet certain requirements including a certain number of instruction hours for a program, as well as completing 50 venipunctures from human sources, and 10 capillary sticks. AMT encourages instructors and program directors to contact AMT to see if your program requirements meet the AMT RPT certification requirements. AMT encourages certification, but it is separate and is not required in any way to participate in the HOSA Phlebotomy competition.\
Q2: How do you sign up for HOSA?
A2: You are encouraged to first reach out to your local chapter HOSA Advisor. You can also look for your state’s Chartered Association HOSA Advisor to find out how/
when/where you could compete in your local area.
Q3: Is there an age requirement to compete in the HOSA Phlebotomy competition? Is there an age requirement to become certified as a Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) by AMT?
A3: The HOSA competition is open to ALL Secondary (High School) and Postsecondary/Collegiate HOSA members. However, the competition is NOT open to middle school HOSA members. There is also no age requirement for the AMT Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) certification. However, the certification does require completion of 50 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks from human sources. Most states allow those 16 and older to draw blood from human sources. A few states, and some organizations still have laws where they require one to be the age of 18 before, they can draw blood from human sources. So, in those few states, the required clinical sticks would need to be completed when the student is 18.
Q4: Would being a Phlebotomist help if you wanted to go to Nursing school or into another healthcare field.
A4: YES, absolutely. Working as a Phlebotomist allows you to earn while you work with other healthcare providers and allows you to network with others within your organization and see what you like. You may work with Nurses, Physicians, Medical Assistants, Patient Care Techs, etc. It may provide insights into other roles that may be of future interest to you. Being a Phlebotomist may be just your first step into a long career in healthcare.
Q5: Where can we get funding to pay for books and supplies?
A5: Work with your local HOSA advisor/instructors, as they may have some local opportunities. Local providers (schools, community colleges, employers, libraries) may also have resources they are willing to share with you at no cost. Also, search for used copies of textbooks on Amazon, and many publishers offer digital versions of textbooks at a reduced rate. Finally, your school’s library program may be able to obtain the textbooks for you.
Q6: What is the dress code for the HOSA competition?
A6: Competitors should follow the dress code explained in the event guidelines and in Appendix D of the HOSA website. For the round 2 skill portion, attire appropriate to the occupational area is required. Think scrubs.
Q7: What practice resources are available for the competition?
A7: Resources for the competition can be found on our website. At the forementioned link, you will find 2 resource textbooks, supply options for the clinical hands-on segment, a listing of topics on both the written exam and the skills assessment, and a link to the HOSA Event Guidelines where you will find all the skills assessment sheets: AMT also offers
some additional resources that may be helpful as study resources:
Q8: If I want to start a Phlebotomy program at my school, how do I go about doing so?
A8: Please reach out to AMT and we will be happy to discuss how to get you started. Email us at: accountcare@americanmedtech.org
Q9: I teach Phlebotomy and want to affiliate our school with AMT so that my students can take the RPT certification exam. How do I go about doing that?
A9: Contact our AMT experts at accountcare@americanmedtech.org and we can get you started.
Q10: I teach a Phlebotomy program and my students take another certification exam. Will they still be able to compete?
A10: Yes, certification is separate from the HOSA competition, so all Secondary and Postsecondary/ Collegiate HOSA members can compete in the HOSA competition, regardless of what certification exam your students take. If, in the future, you’d like to consider AMT certification for some or all of your students, please reach out to accountcare@americanmedtech.org to have your
program reviewed.
To learn more about the AMT phlebotomy competition, visit our HOSA webpage.
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