phlebotomy

Phlebotomy Technician Overview

A phlebotomy technician is a healthcare professional that is responsible for drawing blood from patients and preparing it for further medical testing. Phlebotomy technicians are primarily stationed in doctor’s offices or hospitals, and will routinely work directly with patients and families. Because some patients have a fear of needles or blood, it is important for the technician to develop a sense of confidence and trust with the patient. Some states require a technician to be licensed or registered, while others do not. Because of the nature of the job, excellent communication skills are required to thoroughly explain procedures to patients. The average salary of a starting phlebotomy technician is $36,400. Phlebotomy training and certification procedure is relatively cheap compared to other medical professions.

Phlebotomy certification is done through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT). The cost to take the certification exam is $55. It is common for registered nurses to start out in phlebotomy in order to gain their training in the field up front before pursuing their chosen careers, mainly because phlebotomy is a requirement in many nursing professions.

Job Description of Phlebotmist

The activities of a phlebotomy technician are primarily hands-on, with the exception of tasks such as analyzing specimens and other computer automation. But, for the most part, their job involves physical duties more so than mental. The amount of responsibility a phlebotomist has is based primarily on the amount of education and experience they possess. Salary is typically based on the same factors, as well.

Here are some of the examples of tasks performed by a phlebotomy technician:

• Assembles the tools/equipment necessary for the procedure. This involves blood collection devices, needles, alcohol, gauze and bandages, tourniquet, etc. Usually these are assembled on a work tray on a per-patient basis.
• Verify the identity of the patient and confirm medical records are correct. Maintains a sense of comfort with the patient to instill an environment of trust.
• Responsible for locating the vein and swabbing with disinfectant, then withdrawing the blood into a collection tube or bag.
• Once the blood is drawn, the tech will then treat the punctured area and label and record the sample collected.
• Other duties can include pricking the finger to draw blood, taking vital signs, interviewing patients, withdrawing test samples to screen donors at a blood bank, etc.
• As you can see, a phlebotomy technician is required to learn a specialized skill and master it. Handling blood at a hospital or doctor’s office is not taken lightly, and can be very dangerous if not performed properly. A phlebotomy training can help with certificaton and career progress as long as the employee is willing to take the necessary steps and put in the effort to get there.

How to get Phlebotomy Certification ?

One of the best and most frequently asked questions regarding phlebotomy is how you can go about becoming a certified phlebotomist. To answer this, it is critical to start by looking into the specific requirements in your state. Some states, like California, have very strict education and experience requirements for certification, while other states, such as Arizona, do not have any state mandated requirements at all. It is important to realize, however, that even if your state does not have specific requirements, your best chances for employment will almost certainly come from gaining certification that shows that you already possess the skills and expertise needed to do the job properly.
If you are interested in gaining phlebotomy certification, you will want to start by seeking out accredited programs in your area. There are some online certification programs that offer valuable learning experiences as well as the chance to gain clinical experience in a lab or clinic near you. Hands on experience should always be a part of any quality certification program, and when you are able to find a course that enables you to learn how to physically draw blood, handle samples and specimens, and perform vital first aid measures, you will find that you are much better prepared to enter into your job search.

Should I Become a Certified Phlebotomist?

Wondering whether the decision of becoming certified phlebotomist right for you?  This is certainly not a job for people who are afraid of needles or who panic at the sight of blood. It is also not ideal for people who are not healthy, as it frequently involves performing tests on sick patients. If, however, you are a healthy individual who can handle blood and needles, it is certainly a great paying career that offers a significant number of opportunities to those who are able to do it properly.
When you become a certified phlebotomist, you will find that you get to interact with a variety of patients of all ages. This is a great option for people who have strong social skills and who are capable of helping people to feel calm and relaxed in stressful situations. Many phlebotomists also find that the career leads them to want to further their medical studies down the line, with many becoming nurses or even doctors. The medical industry is certainly recession proof and it is one that will always be in high demand. If medicine seems like a good fit for you and you are seeking a job with many opportunities and significant stability, why not consider the idea to become a certified phlebotomist. There are certainly many perks, and the health care field is a top place to work given today’s economy, especially in hospitals that offer excellent health care benefit packages.
The Red Cross is certainly a great location for a certified phlebotomist, and there are also a large number of jobs available at hospitals around the country. Many phlebotomists also seek employment within clinics and doctor’s offices around the country. Diagnostic labs and other facilities also regularly employ phlebotomists.
The Employment Outlook for Phlebotomists : After you have received phlebotomy certification, you will find that there are a large number of job opportunities available. According to the bureau of labor statistics, jobs within this field are also expected to rise rapidly within the next decade or so. Most of the available jobs will still be found in a hospital setting, but other phlebotomy jobs will see a sharp increase as well. Employment opportunities and job prospects are predicted to be quite excellent, and the number of available positions is expected to remain larger than the number of people seeking these positions. For employees who are willing to relocate, the job prospects increase even more.