THE CONTINUING EDUCATION PROCESS

Helen Maxwell

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 continuing 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 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.

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.

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

The following are methods which you may choose to obtain your continuing education. You must choose a method, and methods may not be mixed and matched. Only one (1) method may be chosen and must be followed precisely, or you will not get your validation seal.

Method #1 for Non-ASPT CEU credits:**(Best Choice)**
You may send your non-ASPT continuing education directly to Allied Association of HealthCare Services with a check, made out to Allied Association of HealthCare Services, for $20.00 and they will notify us if you meet the proper hours. Their Address is Allied Association of HealthCare Services, P.O. Box 2844, Hickory, NC 28603.      AND THEN
Wait two (2) weeks, then send in your renewal fee, payable to ASPT for $20.00, directly to ASPT. This allows processing time between Allied Association of HealthCare Services and ASPT and will cost a total of $40.00. If you don't want to pay $40.00 then follow Method #2.

Method #2 for Individual ASPT CEU credits:**(Next Best Choice)**
If you own a copy of "The ASPT Training Manual and Guide to Practical Phlebotomy" you may use that manual for up to three (3) years by purchasing CEU test from Allied Association of HealthCare Services. Each test is $25.00 and may be ordered from Allied Association of HealthCare Services, P.O. Box 2844, Hickory, NC 28603.
Submit each exam at least two (2) weeks prior to renewing with ASPT.
ASPT is offering a Phlebotomy Refresher Manual for $30.00, and two (2) CEU tests for $25.00 each. There is a $9.00 shipping charge on each order, so ordering the refresher manual and two tests in one order is less costly.

Method #3
Attend an ASPT sponsored event during the year just prior to the renewal, active year desired. Fees at these events range from $5.00 to $50.00 depending on the event. Submit the confirmation letter and/or receipt bearing the event number to ASPT with your renewal fee. ASPT will already have handed your fees to Allied Association of HealthCare Services. Send $20.00 renewal fees to ASPT, along with a copy of your receipt stating you attended and approved event.

Method #4
In services may be coordinated through ASPT and will apply to groups only. A representative of the institution must contact ASPT and submit the proper paperwork in the proper time frame. When the event is completed, a list of all the participants must be submitted at one time, with the fee of $5.00 per person to be submitted to ASPT in one check. The total renewal cost is $20.00 plus the $5.00 fee paid at the In-service. This paperwork must be submitted as a group.

Annual Membership Renewal

Annual renewal fees are due between November 15th and no later than 31st of December each year.
Fee structure is:

These fees are due according to the above information. CEU Home Study or yearly ceu's are required. NO validation seals will be given without fulfilling the CUE Requirements. PROOF IS REQUIRED.