How To Become Phlebotomist | SkillsAndTech

A phlebotomist is a person who draws blood for medical purposes. They work in hospitals, blood banks, and other medical facilities. In most cases, phlebotomists are certified through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT).

If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist, there are a few things you should know. In this blog post, we will explore how to become a phlebotomist, including what training and certification you need. We will also touch on job outlook and salary expectations.

Table of Contents

What is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a patient for diagnostic testing. A phlebotomist is a medical professional who is trained to perform this procedure.

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There are many reasons why a doctor may order blood work for a patient. Blood tests can be used to check for things such as infections, anemia, and cholesterol levels. They can also be used to monitor conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

In most cases, the phlebotomist will use a needle and syringe to draw the blood from the patient’s vein. This procedure is called venipuncture. The phlebotomist will clean the area with antiseptic before inserting the needle. Once the blood has been collected, it will be placed in a tube and sent to the lab for testing.

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Some patients may feel faint or dizzy during or after venipuncture. If this occurs, the phlebotomist will have the patient sit or lie down until they feel better. Phlebotomy is generally a safe and painless procedure. However, there is always a slight risk of bruising or infection at the site of injection.

The Different Types of Phlebotomists

There are many different types of phlebotomists working in healthcare today. Here is a look at the most common types of phlebotomists and what they do:

Hospital Phlebotomist

A hospital phlebotomist is responsible for collecting blood samples from patients in a hospital setting. This can be done through venipuncture or skin puncture. Hospital phlebotomists typically work in the laboratory department of a hospital.

Clinic Phlebotomist

A clinic phlebotomist works in a outpatient setting, such as a doctor’s office or community health clinic. They collect blood samples from patients and send them to the lab for testing. Clinic phlebotomists may also be responsible for performing basic lab tests on-site.

Mobile Phlebotomist

A mobile phlebotomist travels to different locations to collect blood samples from patients. This could include going to patients’ homes, workplaces, or nursing homes. Mobile phlebotomists typically work for blood banks or clinical labs.

Industrial Phlebotomist

An industrial phlebotomist collects blood samples from employees at factories, mines, and other industrial settings. The purpose of this is to screen workers for potential lead poisoning and other health hazards. Industrial phlebotomy is typically performed by trained nurses or occupational health technicians.

Pros and Cons of Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is a medical procedure where blood is drawn from veins for the purpose of testing, transfusion, or donation. It can be performed by trained professionals, such as phlebotomists, or by untrained individuals.

There are both pros and cons to phlebotomy. Some of the pros include that it is a relatively quick and easy procedure with minimal discomfort for the patient. It can also be done at a variety of locations, such as hospitals, clinics, or blood banks.

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However, there are also some cons to phlebotomy. For example, if not done correctly, it can lead to bruising, pain, and even infection. There is also a small risk of fainting or passing out during the procedure.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

A phlebotomist is a medical professional who draws blood from patients for diagnostic testing. Phlebotomists are often employed by hospitals, clinics, and blood banks.

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The main job of a phlebotomist is to collect blood samples from patients. To do this, they must first clean and sterilize the area where the blood will be drawn. They then insert a needle into the vein and draw the required amount of blood. Once the blood has been collected, they remove the needle and apply pressure to the area to stop any bleeding. The phlebotomist then labels the sample and sends it off to be tested.

In some cases, phlebotomists may also be responsible for taking other types of samples, such as urine or tissue samples. They may also be required to perform basic tests on the blood, such as checking the hemoglobin level.

Phlebotomy Training

If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist, you’ll need to receive training from an accredited institution. There are many online and offline programs available, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs.

During your training, you’ll learn about the proper techniques for drawing blood, as well as how to handle and store blood samples. You’ll also receive instruction on safety procedures and infection control. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be eligible to take the certification exam offered by the National Phlebotomy Association.

Alternatives to Becoming a Phlebotomist

If you are interested in a career in the medical field but are not sure if phlebotomy is the right fit for you, there are a few alternative options to becoming a phlebotomist. One option is to become a certified nurse assistant (CNA).

CNAs provide basic patient care and can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. Another option is to become a medical assistant (MA). MAs perform both clinical and administrative tasks in medical offices and clinics.

They may also be responsible for taking patient vital signs and performing basic laboratory tests. If you are interested in working with children, you could consider becoming a Pediatric nurse. Pediatric nurses care for infants, children, and adolescents up to age 21. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.

If you have an interest in the business side of healthcare, you could pursue a career in healthcare administration or management. Healthcare administrators plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services.

Conclusion

They may work in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, or insurance companies. Alternatively, if you are interested in research, you could pursue a career as a medical scientist. Medical scientists conduct research to develop new treatments for diseases and disorders.

To become a phlebotomist, you will need to complete an accredited phlebotomy training program. Once you have completed your training, you will be required to take and pass a certification exam. Upon passing the exam, you will be officially certified as a phlebotomist and can begin seeking employment in this field. With the right skills and training, becoming a phlebotomist can be a rewarding career choice.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)

What does a Phlebotomist do ?

A Phlebotomist is a medical professional who is responsible for collecting blood samples from patients. They may also be responsible for other tasks such as preparing the samples for testing, and providing information to patients about their condition.

Phlebotomists typically work in hospitals, clinics, or laboratories. They may also be employed by blood donation organizations. In some cases, phlebotomists may be able to work from home.

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The duties of a phlebotomist vary depending on their employer, but often include:

Drawing blood from patients
Labeling and storing blood samples
Preparing blood samples for testing
Providing information to patients about their condition
Maintaining equipment and supplies

How much do Phlebotomist make ?

The average salary for a Phlebotomist is $31,084 per year in the United States. However, salaries for Phlebotomists can vary depending on experience, geographical location, and type of employer. For example, entry-level Phlebotomists make an average salary of $25,872 per year, while experienced Phlebotomists make an average salary of $36,316 per year.

How much does it cost to be a Phlebotomist?

The average Phlebotomist salary in the United States is $32,854 per year. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

How many hours of Phlebotomist Work ?

In order to become a phlebotomist, one must complete an accredited phlebotomy training program. The length of these programs can vary, but most take between six and twelve weeks to complete. After completing the training program, the individual must then pass a certification exam in order to become certified.

Most phlebotomists work full-time hours, although there are some part-time positions available. The hours can be variable, as many facilities offer evening and weekend hours in order to accommodate patients’ schedules. Some phlebotomists may also be required to work on-call shifts, which means being available to work at any time, day or night.

How long does it take to become a Phlebotomist?

It takes around 2-6 weeks to become a certified Phlebotomist. The certification process usually involves completing a training program and passing an exam.

How To Become Phlebotomist | SkillsAndTech

What is Phlebotomy?