A phlebotomist is a trained medical professional responsible for drawing blood samples for various kinds of tests. The typical tasks of a phlebotomist, as listed by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics are:
- “Draw blood from patients and blood donors
- Talk with patients and donors to help them feel less nervous about having their blood drawn
- Verify a patient’s or donor’s identity to ensure proper labeling of the blood
- Label the drawn blood for testing or processing
- Enter patient information into a database
- Assemble and maintain medical instruments such as needles, test tubes, and blood vials
- Keep work areas clean and sanitary”
How to Become a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists do not require certification in every state, though some states do require it. You are advised to check with your state’s medical board, regarding the certification requirements. That being said, most employers look for people who have completed a phlebotomy certificate program and obtained professional certification in this field. They basically know all about drawing blood samples but also could wrap a sprained ankle or could help with other injections as well etc.
Educational programs are available at vocational schools, community colleges, and technical schools, which offer courses in health care areas like physiology, anatomy, and medical terminology, along with practical clinical experience. It usually takes less than a year to complete the program, at the end of which students take a certification exam. For more information on the certification exam, candidates are advised to visit the websites for organizations like the American Medical Technologists and the National Center for Competency Testing.
To become a phlebotomist, you have to follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Fulfill the Education Requirements
The minimum amount of education you need to become a phlebotomist is a postsecondary nondegree award from a phlebotomy program.
Step 2: Fulfill the Training Requirements
If you choose to enter this profession with just a high school diploma, you can get the required training on-the-job. No matter what the education level, phlebotomists receive specialized training from their employers with instructions regarding labeling, tracking, and identifying blood samples.
Step 3: Fulfill the License and Certification Requirements
There are numerous organizations that offer phlebotomy certificate programs – The National Center for Competency Testing, the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the National Phlebotomy Association, the American Medical Technologists, and the National Healthcareer Association. Certification exams are usually written tests and may include some practical components. Certification requirements vary from state to state. Phlebotomists in California, Washington, Louisiana, and Nevada are required to be certified by the state.
Can Anyone Become a Phlebotomist?
Now that you are aware of the process to become a phlebotomist, you might be wondering if it is easy, and can anyone become a phlebotomist? The answer to that is mainly yes. As compared to other medical professions, becoming a phlebotomist is relatively easier. It requires little specialized education and does not have mandatory licenses or certifications. In addition to that, it does not require a detailed understanding of the intricacies of the healthcare industry.
That being said, however, becoming a phlebotomist does give you a taste of the fast-paced, intense, and constantly evolving world of healthcare. Some days are hard, while others are easy. It all depends on the setting you work in. For instance, if you work in an outpatient center, you are likely to get all sorts of different patients. However, if you are working in a hospital setting, most patients you deal with will not be so healthy. That might be challenging for you to deal with. You may even be a part of a code blue team, where you are faced with a life or death situation, which can be very challenging.
Work Environment for a Phlebotomist
37% of the phlebotomists in the US were employed by state, local and private hospitals in 2018, as per data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Phlebotomists who collect blood donations may have to travel frequently for their work in order to set up and operate donation centers.
Phlebotomists often have to stand for long periods of time and have to be very careful when handling blood samples, needles, and other medical equipment. They have to work as full-time employees in different medical facilities and may also be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends.
If you are interested in this field, you can definitely become a phlebotomist.
How Much Can I Make as a Phlebotomist?
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomists in the US made an annual median salary of $34,480 per year.
