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Phlebotomy

Being a Certified Phlebotomist 

Being a Certified Phlebotomy Technician

Phlebotomy technicians, or simply phlebotomists, are professionals who draw blood from patients. They take these blood samples to pass to laboratory and further check for health issues, like diseases, bacteria, cholesterol, etc. In the meantime, phlebotomists can work in all kinds of medical facilities, from hospitals to private laboratories.
Phlebotomy assistant caring for patient

5 Reasons to Consider a Career in Phlebotomy

 

1. You’re a quick certificate away from your career.

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Most Phlebotomy Technician programs can be completed in a relatively short period of time. Some programs in the medical field require years and years of study. But a phlebotomy course is usually around 100 hours. Upon successfully completing the program, graduates are then able to seek employment in the health care field.

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2. It’s a door opener in the medical field.

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Since Phlebotomy Technicians can work in a variety of health care environments, they are exposed to many potential career options. For those looking to advance their careers, going back to school for additional certifications or even a college degree is not uncommon. 

Phlebotomy Technicians can eventually go on to become medical assistants.

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3. Phlebotomists do important work.

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Blood is an important health resource for pretty obvious reasons. Transfusions alone save millions of lives per year; without the careful and precise work of phlebotomy technicians, patients’ lives would be put at risk.

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4. Get experience working with people.

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It’s especially important that Phlebotomists develop strong people skills. They’re asked to comfort adults, teens and children through the blood-drawing process. There are people of all ages who are afraid of needles.

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5. The career outlook is good.

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More and more phlebotomist positions are created each year. Employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 25 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for phlebotomists was $31,630 in May 2015.

 

*According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor

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Phlebotomy Technician: What You’ll Do

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  • Collect blood samples from patients

  • Practice proper patient identification, especially when working on hospital floors

  • Label vials with patient names and dates

  • Decipher the best method for drawing blood depending on the specific patient

  • Transport all specimen samples to a nearby laboratory

  • Centrifuge blood samples, depending on if this is allowed in the state you are working in

  • Expect to work with a large number of patients varying in age and health status

  • Be friendly, courteous and sympathetic when it comes to working with patients

  • Keep your phlebotomy cart or station well-organized at all times

  • Practice infection control standards at all times when working with patients and equipment

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Phlebotomist Skills and Qualifications:

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Analyzing Information , Infection Control, Bedside Manner, Attention to Detail, Lab Environment, Procedural Skills, Quality Focus, Hospital Environment, Creating a Safe, Effective Environment, Performing Diagnostic Procedures, Informing Others

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Phlebotomist Job Responsibilities:

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A Phlebotomist serves patients by identifying the best method for retrieving specimens;

preparing specimens for laboratory testing; performing screening procedures.

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