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What Is A Phlebotomist? 5 Surprising Reasons to Become A Phlebotomist

If you are interested in a career in medical support, you should consider becoming a phlebotomist. This professional path is not well-known. But people interact with these experts frequently in clinics, hospitals and plasma donation centers.

In general, a person who draws blood is called a phlebotomist. Nurses, clinicians and doctors can draw blood because their training includes this course. However, specialists are often needed to ensure efficiency in patent treatment.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

A career in phlebotomy is not complicated. But there are numerous duties and responsibilities. The core role of the professional is to take blood in the right quantities.

This blood should be labeled, and the information must be recorded. The phlebotomists are also responsible for cleaning, assembling and maintaining equipment.

These processes are crucial for preventing contamination and infection. It is important for experts in this field to be comfortable with blood and needles.

Looking to work towards a medical career and don’t know where to start? Click here to learn how to become a phlebotomist (and why you should become one).

Uncomplicated Education

The educational demands for a career in phlebotomy are not tough. In general, a potential candidate must complete four years of high school. If you have a high school diploma or a GED, you will be eligible.

After that, you can enroll in a phlebotomy course. It is important to choose an approved institution of learning such as Ultimate Medical Academy. A phlebotomy program over other medical support careers is beneficial because the training is not long.

In simple terms, the course work will take less than one year. Sometimes, students will complete the course in eight weeks or more. The specific period will depend on the specific program chosen and the school type.

The course will cover the essentials of blood collection medical practices. These include human anatomy, proper blood drawing techniques and blood handling and storage. Students must also learn about safety practices and precautions.

It is important to note that employers will favor candidates with relevant certification.

The certification is provided through special professional organizations like American Medical Technologists and American Society of Clinical pathology. The document will improve your career opportunities.

Also, you will be able to work outside your current state. You will become eligible for certification after completing the training. However, a national certificate might demand experience.

Good Financial Reward

The amount of money earned after commencing a career as phlebotomist is often goo. But, like other careers, the specific salary a person stands to earn depends on some factors.

For instance, the location of work, in terms of state and even city, will affect the annual earnings. Salaries will also increase as a phlebotomy expert gains experience.

In addition, if you have a certificate from a medical organization, you will be considered more valuable. So, the earnings will be higher. In 2018, the estimated median annual salary was $34,480.

You can maximize your earnings after finishing your training by making the right decisions for your career. The obvious step is getting certified and participating in continuing education programs.

It is also advisable to discuss the benefit options for your job when taking a position.

Health benefits, stock options and 401k can help you increase get the best out of phlebotomy. In addition, consider taking up contact work in other places to increase total earnings.

Great Job Satisfaction

If you are planning on being a person who draws blood, you must ensure that the job is fulfilling for you. Most people work until they are in their 60s. If your job is not fulfilling, you might get frustrated.

For a lot of individuals, this career is satisfying on a personal level. It gives a sense of contributing to the betterment of the society. The work-life balance is average.

The job can be demanding, but the effect on personal life is not too heavy. There are opportunities for advancement as a phlebotomist. But this will depend on the willingness to participate in additional training and continuing education.

Available Opportunities

The career outlook in the field of phlebotomy is great. In fact, the opportunities for phlebotomist are expected to keep growing.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that employment will increase to twenty five percent by 2026. This is a much higher percentage than other careers.

So, if you choose to be a person who draws blood for medical purposes, you will have a secure future. Still, it is important to find a place in which you will find the best career growth.

Hospitals have the highest demand for phlebotomy specialist. The demand is high because blood samples are always needed for analysis. It is unlikely that this demand will decrease.

Hospitals are not the only places where a phlebotomist is needed. You can choose to work in a blood donor operation. There are dedicated donor centers which operate around the here. You can also participate in mobile blood donation drives.

Simple Requirements

The requirements for success in phlebotomy on a personal level are quite simple. In general, an ideal candidate should be interested in working to help people. If you choose this path, you will not treat patients.

But you will need to work on a close level with them. So, it is important to have compassion. There are many people who are not comfortable with blood collection. A good phlebotomist should show patience and understanding towards patients.

Dexterity is a favorable characteristic in a person who draws blood for donation or medical analysis. Lack of dexterity will lead to unnecessary distress for the patient.

For instance, if a person cannot find a vein and insert a needle in the right position, some damage might be done. The result is unnecessary damage to a blood vessel.

A good phlebotomy technician should be also attentive to details. Carelessness is unacceptable. Mistakes such as mislabeled samples, blood contamination and incorrect blood quantities can cause a lot of problems.

Begin a Career in Phlebotomy

If you are ready to become a phlebotomist, it is crucial to prepare for your training program. You should plan on consulting your chosen school. Learn about the areas and subjects which will be covered during the course.

This will allow you to prepare for your education. Also, inquire about the fees, material requirements and the plans for practical work like externships. If you are uncertain about your path to phlebotomy, contact us for more information.