The current demographical and socio-economic environment of the United States and many other developing nations has continuously increased demand for medical services. Anyone with a high school degree and the willingness to learn can apply to become a phlebotomist anywhere in the country. Only California and Louisiana require that phlebotomists have certification, and candidates can apply to any medical institution for a phlebotomist job. Although this is the case, most candidates have successfully completed phlebotomy training courses and usually have certification from the major phlebotomy associations. Participating in this growing industry is a lucrative and stable career decision for those who are finding it difficult to land a satisfying job.
Where Can I find Phlebotomy Job Information?
Universities, nursing schools, and community colleges offer phlebotomy technician job information to their students, with various certification programs and recommended schools to prepare for the phlebotomy certification exam. The Internet is also a primary tool to research about job information on certified phlebotomists. With the ever growing demand of medical practitioners in hospitals and clinics, it will not be difficult for certified phlebotomists to find open positions within most local areas. The employment center or HR department of hospitals and even smaller medical clinics will have plenty of job information for phlebotomists, regarding job description and benefits.
Also, accredited private phlebotomy schools will work with students to find the best available job information. The success of their students will determine the quality of phlebotomy schools, and the instructors and advisors will provide excellent job information, especially after the students pass the certification exam. It takes about 6 months to a full academic year to complete a phlebotomy training course from such schools, which is much shorter than attending a college for a bachelor’s or associate degree. The most important criteria in choosing a phlebotomy school is to find out if the school is accredited by major medical associations, and if the school has a proven track record of successful phlebotomy graduates.
What does a Phlebotomist do?
The primary task of a phlebotomist is to effectively draw blood from patients for further testing. The advancement of phlebotomy technology has required that medical personnel have specialized and professional knowledge about collecting blood samples. Phlebotomists are such specialists in collecting blood samples for lab testing, research, and other diagnostic purposes. Phlebotomists must collect and preserve the blood appropriately and label them for further lab testing. Because blood is considered as a biohazard (the patient’s blood may be inflicted by a contagious disease), the phlebotomist has an important responsibility of safety for all those around. Proper labeling and adequate disposal of the blood samples are extremely important responsibilities of the phlebotomist.
How Much does a Phlebotomist Make?
The salary of a phlebotomist will differ based on experience and seniority. Phlebotomists with certification and higher education are likely to have higher pay, compared to those without such backgrounds. Currently, phlebotomists generally earn between $20,000 to $48,000 per year, although the amount can greatly differ based on the size of the employer. The exact figures are available through employer phlebotomy technician job information. Phlebotomists who work in large hospitals and medical institutions are likely to earn more, with other health and employment benefits. The increasing demands in the medical field may potentially augment the average pay for phlebotomists in the near future.
Where can a Phlebotomist Work?
As mentioned above, phlebotomists usually work in hospitals or medical clinics to perform blood collecting procedures for testing. The demand for specialized technicians is continuously growing due to the aging of the Baby Boomers, and most hospitals and general medicine clinics will need blood testing. Specialized diagnostic centers are also large employers of phlebotomists and nurses. From attaining blood samples, urine samples, and hair samples, the phlebotomists can perform various tasks in diagnostic centers. Lastly, certified phlebotomists have job opportunities in pathological labs and other medical research facilities for human medicine. Large pharmaceutical corporations have subcontracting labs that test various drugs, which require human blood samples. Phlebotomists can work in these research labs to collect blood and participate in the procedure of testing for future medicine.
What are the Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist?
Even before searching for phlebotomy technician job information, candidates need to have fulfilled the qualification criteria that are set forth by the major phlebotomy associations. Although the number of hours and frequencies differ, all three associations (ASCP, ASPT, and NPA) require that potential certified phlebotomists have completed accredited phlebotomy training programs, have direct experience in collecting blood from veins, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Compared to other professions in the medical industry, the requirements to become a phlebotomist are relatively much less exacting, and the costs to complete a phlebotomy course and exam are minimal. It will be also beneficial if the candidate possesses social qualities, such as building rapport with patients easily.
