Mar 14, 2024 
A bloodborne pathogens certification program trains you to safely respond to exposure to infected fluids and how to limit the risk of exposure in the first place. You can take a bloodborne pathogens class online or in person.
While there are lots of situations where exposure to bloodborne pathogens may occur, this certification is usually required and designed for workplaces where exposure is likely. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires bloodborne pathogen certification for employees whose workplace presents a hazard for this type of exposure.
Some professionals opt to earn a bloodborne pathogens certification online, while others opt to earn the certification through in-person training. Some of the professions where a bloodborne pathogen certification is required may seem obvious, but others may surprise you. These include:
List of Careers Requiring Bloodborne Pathogens Certification
Medical professionals.
Doctors, nurses, EMTs, and others who work in a healthcare setting are at heightened risk of coming in contact with infected bodily fluids every day, simply by the nature of their job. Positions that may require a bloodborne pathogen certification include:
- Doctors and nurses
- Paramedics and first responders
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Home health aides
- Medical students
- Medical assistants
- Dental hygienists
A wide variety of professional certifications are available online for those in the healthcare profession, including bloodborne pathogens certification online.
Teachers and trainers.
In some professions, you’re not likely to come into contact with bloodborne pathogens on a daily basis. However, when accidents happen, these people are generally responsible for making sure everyone is safe. These professions include:
- Teachers and coaches
- Personal trainers
- Staff at gyms and fitness clubs
- Daycare providers
- Camp counselors
As with medical professions, bloodborne pathogens training online is an option for those in education fields.
Jobs in law enforcement.
Law enforcement professionals have a higher than average chance of being in dangerous situations where they may come into contact with blood and other bodily fluids. Like teachers and trainers, they may also be the first on the scene in an emergency. Positions such as these may be require a bloodborne pathogens certification online or in person:
- Police officers
- Security guards
- Probation officers
- Bail bondsmen
- Probation officers
Due to the busy nature of their jobs, bloodborne pathogens training online is often an attractive option for those in law enforcement.
Tattoo artists and body modification artists.
Tattoo artists and other body modification professionals come into contact with blood and other bodily fluids on a daily basis. They also handle needles and need to be well versed in infection control. Professions in these areas may require a BBP certification online or in person:
- Tattoo artists
- Microblading and permanant makup artists
- Piercing artists
- Body modification artists
This is a profession where many earn their BBP certification online, and the certification is widely accepted in all 50 states.
Scientists.
Depending on the type of research, scientists may work with infected fluids on a daily basis. Working in a laboratory with infected fluids means that scientists may also have a higher than average chance of encountering needlesticks, spills, and other hazards. So it’s essential for those in these positions to have expertise in preventing and responding to bloodborne pathogen hazards. Some professions that this applies to include:
- Research scientists
- Forensic scientists
- Laboratory technicians
- Laboratory managers
- Blood bank technicians
A BBP certification online is often a preferred choice for those in research fields, due to its flexibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Other professions.
The above are by no means a comprehensive list. There are many other professions which involve a heightened risk of encountering bloodborne pathogens. These include:
- Firefighters
- Morticians
- Laundry workers
- Janitors
- Biohazard transporters
There are many professions that require bloodborne pathogen certification in order to keep their workplaces safe. These are only a few. If your employer doesn’t require this certification, it’s a good idea to be proactive and let them know that you need it to keep your workplace safe.