Get Started with a Phlebotomy Career

How to Get Started with  a Phlebotomy Career?

Everything you need to know!

The phlebotomy technician is in very high demand, so your chances of becoming a phlebotomist are excellent – [highlight]If you get the proper training! [/highlight]

What are the next steps you need to Get Started with a Phlebotomy Career ?

Deciding to work within the healthcare sector is a solid career move. According to the Board of Labor Statistics the demand for certified phlebotomy techs will rise by about 15% from 2013 – 2020. By enrolling in phlebotomy training classes, you will be making a excellent decision to move forward in one of the fastest-growing professions in the health care industry.

Obtaining your certification in phlebotomy is one of the easiest ways to get into the medical field. By enrolling in and finishing the right certification program you can be on your way to a rewarding career in this field in as little as 4 months!

We’ve pulled together all of the information you need in researching what is necessary to become a phlebotomist. Our goal is to make things as streamlined as possible for you.

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You might be wondering “What is a Phlebotomist” or “What does a phlebotomist do” and “What jobs are available for phlebotomists?” While a phlebotomist is a medical professional with training and experience to draw blood samples from patients for various lab tests, there are lots of jobs available for phlebotomists in hospitals and doctors offices as well as in medical laboratories and testing facilities. The need for phlebotomists is basic supply and demand. In large cities, more phlebotomists will be needed – in smaller suburban or rural areas the demand for phlebotomists is lower. So, most of your job opportunities are going to be in large suburban areas or cities. It is important to remember that the demand for phlebotomy techs is ultimately local and will depend on the local economic conditions.

How much can a Trained Phlebotomist Earn?

According to industry surveys the average hourly wage ranges from $15.00 to $20.08 or $41,766 per year. The salary you will be earning in this field will depend on the amount of experience you have and vary according to the location of your employer. Some states with higher demand for healthcare professionals will have a higher salary. Where you choose to live and work will have a large influence on your salary. Another important element that has a huge impact on your earning potential is your education and certifications. A registered nurse with 10 years experience who also possesses a phlebotomy certification will have a much higher salary than a brand-new phlebotomy Tech with little or no experience. But one of the biggest question people interested in this career path have is – “how can I become a certified phlebotomist?”

A Phlebotomy program you take needs to be certified by ONE of these authorities.

There are three certifying bodies which you can get certified by:

American Society for Clinical Pathology – ASCP requires:

• High school graduation or GED
• Complete 40 classroom hours and 120 hours hands-on training
• As well as 100 successful blood collections

Association of Phlebotomy Technicians  – (APT) requires: For new students with no prior work experience:

• Completion of accredited (APT) phlebotomy program
• 100 successful blood collections

National Phlebotomy Association – (NPA) requires: You will need to attend qualify training for NPA certification; Unless you have one year experiences.

• Venipuncture techniques and 160 classroom hours
• A internship with hands-on clinical experience

 

What is a Phlebotomist?

The simplest way to describe what is a phlebotomist, is to describe a person who draws blood.  A phlebotomist is a person who is trained to take blood from the vein of a person, or even from an animal.  The procedure that a phlebotomist uses to draw blood is called venepuncture, which is what is a phlebotomist trained to do.  There can be many reasons to draw blood from a patient, and a phlebotomist is trained across a whole range of procedures such as blood testing, blood sampling, blood donations, as well as blood transfusions.

What is a Phlebotomist and where do they work?

A Phlebotomist is a member of the medical profession, and generally work under clinical conditions.  This means that a Phlebotomist often works in consultation with a Doctor, or within a hospital environment.  A Phlebotomist is responsible for meeting face to face with patients who have been prescribed to undertake blood sampling or blood testing.  A Phlebotomist can also find employment within medical facilities and clinics where blood testing takes place.

What is a Phlebotomist required to do?

A Phlebotomist is not only required to draw blood from patients, but is also responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the blood samples.  What is a Phlebotomist required to do after drawing blood?  Firstly, the Phlebotomist must ensure the accuracy of the patient information.  When the blood samples have been collected, the Phlebotomist is required to accurately label each blood sample.   A Phlebotomist must have a sound understanding of the pathology requirements of each of the different types of blood testing.  The patient blood samples have to be treated according to the testing to be done, and this can means different sampling, different collection vials, and different labeling.

What is a Phlebotomist required to do with the blood samples?

Each of the blood samples must then be sent to the appropriate testing laboratory.  A Phlebotomist must have excellent attention for detail to ensure the correct collection, labeling and treatment for each blood sample.  Don’t forget, in some situations, this can lead to a serious diagnosis on behalf of the patient, and it can literally be a life or death situation.  A Phlebotomist is a vital link in the medical care of patient illness and diagnosis.

What is a Phlebotomist’s interaction with patients?

A Phlebotomist is often a vital link in the medical health system, and is responsible for the well-being of patients.  A Phlebotomist is responsible for explaining the procedure to patients, for keeping patients calm and relaxed, and for prevention of infection.  As we know, there is a risk of blood borne disease and infection, so a Phlebotomist is required to be competent in all aspects of First Aid.  A Phlebotomist is required to maintain cleanliness and sanitisation of the clinical environment to prevent the spread of disease.

What is a Phlebotomist stress level?

A Phlebotomist is expected to be able to work under pressure, and maintain a calm and relaxed manner with patients.  There is generally expected to be a large number of patients to be treated throughout the course of a day.  And when it comes to dealing with people, a Phlebotomist can expect that each patient will have a different personal circumstance and a different level of stress.  So what is a Phlebotomist stress level?  No matter how much stress a Phlebotomist may be under, a trained professional is required to stay calm under pressure.  A Phlebotomist must eliminate the possibility of making mistakes with patients, and to ensure the accurate treatment and labeling of blood samples.  At all times, a Phlebotomist is required to maintain their professionalism and follow the medical procedures for the successful blood testing at the pathology lab.

What is a Phlebotomist workplace like?

A Phlebotomist can work in a wide variety of clinical establishments from hospitals, medical clinics, blood donation stations, and even research facilities.  Generally speaking, this means that a Phlebotomist is fortunate to work in a clean and air conditioned environment, but this is not always the case!  Even though most medical facilities are clean and quiet, some hospital environments can be very busy, and there may be a large number of patients to treat.

What is a Phlebotomist work schedule like

In line with the nature of the medical care system, there can be a requirement to work at different times of the day, and even during weekends, according to the nature of the shift roster, and when patients need medical care.  So if you want to work as a Phlebotomist, then you should be prepared to work late nights, or during the weekends, depending on when the work schedule requires the Phlebotomist to be on duty.

What is a Phlebotomist training course?

A Phlebotomist needs to have completed a clinical training course, as well as have physical experience.  So a professional Phlebotomist is required to have experience with drawing blood from patients, as well as theoretical training.  Click into our right hand menu to see the range of Phlebotomy training courses on offer.

What is a Phlebotomist certification?

Upon completion of formal Phlebotomy training, a student will receive certification from a registered school of Phlebotomy.  In some states, it is a requirement to have formal certification in order to be able to be employed as a Phlebotomist.  In order to receive a formal qualification or job title such as “Certified Phlebotomy Technician” or “Registered Phlebotomy Technician” there is a requirement to undertake a formal Phlebotomy training course.

Phlebotomy Reference Videos:

 

Phlebotomist Salary – How much does a Phlebotomist Earn?

What is it like to work as a Phlebotomist?

What does a Phlebotomist do?

 

 

If you think you would like to read more about how to become a Trained Phlebotomist, be sure to click through the right hand menu to find the nearest Phlebotomy training courses on offer.

 

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