Becoming a phlebotomist in New York requires specialized training and certification. Many colleges and universities offer comprehensive phlebotomist courses that are designed to meet the needs of students who want to pursue a career in this field. These courses range from lecture and laboratory courses to courses that are tailored to meet the needs of students in different clinical settings. The American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) is a professional organization that works to promote the safety and quality of patient care in clinical pathology laboratories. To be recognized as a qualified phlebotomist in New York, an individual must become certified by the ASCP. To gain this certification, an individual must pass a written examination and demonstrate proficiency in laboratory practices and procedures. In New York, there are several organizations that offer phlebotomy courses. These courses provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to safely and effectively draw blood samples from patients. The courses typically include a combination of lecture, laboratory and field experiences, as well as supervised practice sessions. Courses typically cover topics such as clinical pathology, blood cell morphology and physiology, blood collection procedures, and general venipuncture techniques. Many of these courses also include instruction in developing patient screening information, organizing results and specimen testing. Before enrolling in a phlebotomist course in New York, it is important to make sure that the program is recognized by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). It is also important to check that the program is approved by the New York State Board of Nursing. Additionally, students should be aware of the hours of instruction and tuition fees associated with the program in order to ensure that they are prepared to pay the required costs.