Phlebotomy is the medical practice that involves the extraction of blood for the purpose of diagnosis, donation and transfusion. Phlebotomists are trained in the different techniques available to draw blood from adults, children or infants, as well as the proper care of the equipment involved.
Most phlebotomists are trained in a program exclusively for phlebotomy and drawing blood is their focus, as opposed to doctor’s, and nurses who learn to draw blood as part of their overall medical training.
Phlebotomy jobs are found in just about every area of medicine and are one area of medical practice that is increasing in demand.
Phlebotomy jobs are found in clinics, hospitals, research laboratories, blood banks, nursing homes, Doctor’s offices and other health care facilities.
Phlebotomists are also employed by insurance companies, facilities of incarceration and mobile clinics. According to the Bureau of Labor, phlebotomy remains to be an up and coming field that will only increase despite the fluctuation in the economy and the job market.
Acquiring a phlebotomy certification will give the job candidate a step ahead of those without a certification. Obtaining a certification allows the phlebotomist to demonstrate their capability of achieving a certain level of work, often surpassing the standard benchmark.
As the field of lobotomy becomes more competitive, employers are using the phlebotomy certification as a measure of competence.
Phlebotomy Careers
Phlebotomy jobs are typically 40 hour a week employment. If a phlebotomist is employed in a hospital or other care facility, the phlebotomist will work 40 hours, but the work schedule may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
Hospital emergency rooms typically have phlebotomists on all shifts to accommodate the around the clock arrival of patients. This allows the Doctor to make a diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
The benefits that come with phlebotomy jobs may include a competitive salary, health benefits, paid vacation and sick time, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, parking privileges, if applicable and uniform allowance.
Sometimes the benefits are negotiable, and the applicant may be able to wheel and deal more vacation time if they are not taking the company health insurance plan.
When applying for phlebotomy jobs, be sure your resume is in order. If you are just out of school, include a copy of your transcripts and a copy of the diploma, certificate or degree.
If you are already a certified phlebotomist, include a copy of your certificate. If you are scheduled to take the exam in the near future, be sure that is noted on your resume.
Once you have interviews for phlebotomy jobs, prepare for the interview by reviewing your classes or past work experience. No doubt the interviewer will ask about certain procedures and techniques and how to handle a patient that experiences certain effect such as shivering prior to or after drawing blood.
The interviewer might ask you to expand upon your experience as well as discuss why you are the best candidate for the job. Arrive early for the interview.
That will give you a few minutes to relax and collect your thoughts, as well as review your resume and any other paper work in your portfolio.
Phlebotomy Training Centers
Training to be a phlebotomist is not a time-consuming process, but sometimes finding the time to take the necessary classes can be a challenge. Phlebotomy classes are usually less than 6 months in duration and include classroom instruction as well as hands on, clinical training.
Phlebotomy training centers were developed to provide the necessary training for the busy professional who may have to hold down a full-time job, in addition to attending school.
Phlebotomy training centers offer a combination of online/offline class room settings. The program also includes working an intern or externship program. The home study portion of the program allows students to schedule their class work around the other day to day responsibilities they have.
This is the ideal program for busy professionals and parents who are not always available to attend regularly scheduled classes. It is an ideal program for those who cannot find a conveniently located school. In addition to the classes, the student will be required to perform clinical applications at a hospital or laboratory.
Phlebotomy schools that offer on site classes often combine lectures and clinical work in one learning package. The students will often perform blood draws on each other under the supervision of a Certified Phlebotomist or a Nursing Instructor. The students are also required to attend all classes.
Online classes usually have to be completed within a certain time frame, but the student is still able to create their own learning schedule. The clinical training will require students to perform a certain number of veinpunctures in a clinical setting, in the allotted time frame.
Upon success completion of the class studies and clinical applications, the student will receive a diploma, certificate of completion or efficiency or an associate’s degree, if it is a degree program. The student will also be qualified to take the state certification exam to become a certified phlebotomist.
To qualify for enrollment in Phlebotomy training centers, the student must be at least 18 years of age and have a high-school diploma or approved equal. Students from foreign countries must demonstrate English competence.
Phlebotomists must have the necessary dexterity and body mechanics to perform proper blood sampling techniques. Phlebotomists must be able to work under pressure as blood sampling is often critical in diagnostic procedures.
Before choosing school make sure they offer an accredited or certified program and follow the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute for teaching and laboratory procedures.
Check if the program also follows the guidelines for safety and quality assurance set forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), which has recently changed its name to The Joint Commission (TJC).
It is important the staff at the Phlebotomy training centers is certified phlebotomist who also works in the field of phlebotomy. It is crucial instructors be up to date with the latest techniques and methods to perform veinpunctures as well as the latest regulations and safety standards.
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