If you've been to a hospital, doctor's office or clinic, then you've no doubt seen scrub-clad employees carting around an interesting assortment of medical equipment, including glass vials and hypodermic syringes. Those common members of the medical team are called phlebotomists. Ever wonder what a phlebotomist does, or if you could be a phlebotomist? Phlebotomy is an ideal entry point into the medical field and, if you don't mind the sight of blood and the thought of needles, it could be a great career for you. Here are five things you need to know to become a phlebotomist.
Job Responsibilities
Phlebotomists are responsible for the process of drawing bodily fluids, called venipuncture, from the beginning to the end. This involves much more than just taking a patient's blood. As a phlebotomist, you must record the patient's history, disinfect the injection site, store the blood (or other fluid) sample, take measures to ensure the sample's purity, label the sample, clean the puncture site, and deliver the sample to the appropriate lab or technician.
Training Options
There are many ways you may go about receiving your phlebotomy training. Many high schools offer phlebotomy certification courses that can be taken as part of the traditional high school curriculum. Vocational and technical schools offer certification programs that can be taken during, instead of, or after high school. Online training programs are a convenient option for those who must work their training into their existing work and home schedules. Additionally, it is possible to find on-the-job phlebotomist training programs if you acquire a phlebotomist position with an employer who is willing to train you and put you through to certification.
Length of Training
Phlebotomy is often considered an entry-level job because of the relatively short amount of time it takes to train to be a phlebotomist. Some training programs may be completed in as few as six months, while others last up to a year.
Choosing the Right Training Program
It is important that you receive your phlebotomy training at an accredited school, or else you will not be able to sit for certification. Find accredited programs and schools online.
Work Environment Options
As a phlebotomist, you have many options when it comes to your work environment, and each environment offers different schedule and atmosphere options. You may find phlebotomy work in doctor's offices, hospitals, labs, clinics, research firms, pharmaceutical companies and blood banks. Consider all of these options and decide which is right for you before you commit to a position.
As you can see, you may become a phlebotomist by taking some simple steps and committing to an education. However, once you are ready to go to work, it is important that you put some serious consideration into your options in order to make the right decisions regarding your phlebotomy career.
Deborah Dera is a full-time writer with a background in and passion for health and wellness. She enjoys writing career guides for future healthcare professionals, including those considering phlebotomy training.
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