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Medical Careers & Phlebotomy technicians

If you are looking to get training in medical field jobs this website has a directory of schools and state by state information on becoming a phlebotomist.

Phlebotomy technicians are medical professionals who collect blood from patients. These blood samples are collected for the purpose to test health issues. Phlebotomists can work in federal hospitals, private laboratories, clinics and health care centers. 

Being a Phlebotomy technician you will work with GPs, nurses, healthcare assistant. It is regarded as an entry-level medical career but later you can purse you career in becoming a nursing assistant or a doctor. 

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, work prospects for clinical research center experts, a bigger group of phlebotomists are individuals, will develop generously and keep on being promising in the coming years.

Phlebotomists can become a good career but you need to set some aims and objectives if you want to become a good professional phlebotomist. 

Education & Grades

There are no strict grades requirements for applying in phlebotomy training program but having good grades in science subjects will give a little edge over others. Minimum age limit is 18 years if you want to apply in phlebotomy training program.
 

Trainee Requirements

To become a trainee phlebotomist, you just need to give two GCSEs as there are such no strict rules or requirements. Employers usually prefer BTEC qualification in health care.

Employers often ask for relevant work experience. Even where this is not specified, it would be an advantage if you have worked in health or social care, in either paid or voluntary work. There are traineeship programs in healthcare that would give you relevant experience to apply for a trainee phlebotomist position. 

There are also no such experience requirements in a trainee program, but if you have some prior work experience than it will give you some benefit over some others. You can also work as a health care assistant for some health care centers.

During your training days, you will learn some basic techniques and some health & care codes and ethics. 

Cost & Expenses

The cost for phlebotomy training varies. In some states, it will cost you $600 while in other states it may cost you $2500 per semester. Vocational colleges are expensive as compared to other colleges. Community colleges usually offer reasonable prices, but always do some research before selecting a training college.

Training Classes & Learning

In your Training College you will learn following aspects as a phlebotomist

  • You will lean your importance as a phlebotomist in the pathology department
  • You will lean various techniques of collecting blood samples
  • You will also learn methods and techniques for blood sampling
  • Health and safety issues regarding patients
  • As a phlebotomist you will also learn various standards codes of ethics

Precautions and Safety Measures

Medical is regarded as one of the most responsible field in the world because hundreds and thousands of patient’s lives are depending on you. A small mistake can cause you a bigger problem which might end in finishing your promising career. There are some safety measures that Phlebotomists should take. These are as follows:

  • Treat you patient with patience
  • Always use new injection
  • Dispose your injection immediately after taking sample
  • Take proper blood sample
  • Samples should be properly and carefully labeled
  • Deliver blood samples to the lab
  • Store your blood sample
  • Good communication skills
  • Use Proper sterilized instruments

Training Certification

There are various certifications in phlebotomy such as American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Health career Association (NHA). Although there is no such requirement to become a certified Phlebotomists but being a certified Phlebotomist will boost your career. Certified Phlebotomists can also earn more than an uncertified technician. There are also some states in U.S that have some certification requirements in order to work in laboratories and private or public hospitals.

Employment

Finding a job of your choice is not an easy task. You need to develop your personal development skills as well as professional skills. Give your experience details to a good and reputable recruiter. Socializing will also help in getting your dream job and lastly and most importantly make a nice and professional resume.

Characteristics & Qualities

Phlebotomist should have good communication skills. It is very important for you to listen to your patients and understand their issues.
 
Phlebotomy requires long duty hours and you need to have a good stamina because long hours will make you rude, but you need to be patient and have strong professional abilities
 
Have attention to detail and you should take care while collecting blood from the patient’s and to avoid any confusion you must be careful to label it properly.

You’ll need to be kind with your patients, because some time patients may not allow you to give their blood samples but being in the medical field you need to be patience with them.
 

Other Skills

In order to become more successful in your field than you can also add Data entry skills and other medical software skills in your resume.

Salary

According to a survey, the average rate for a Phlebotomist is $14.06 per hour. If you have over 20 years of experience in Phlebotomy than there will be an increase in this per hour rate. It ranks at number 19 in Best Health care Support Jobs. In Uk Phlebotomist can earn £21,000 a year and £10 – 15 per hour. According to PayScale, the average wage for a phlebotomist is $13.63 per hour and as per year2012 annual salary in United States is $29,730 after deducting dental, vision and medical benefits. By adding more experience and additional training you can further increase your salary

High Demand

Phlebotomists is currently one of the most prominent and promising career for many reasons. Medical profession is changing rapidly because of the increase in more viruses and diseases, researchers will need to examine blood samples and as a result there will be more employment opportunities for Phlebotomy technicians. 

Being a phlebotomist you need to work really hard to improve your expertise and skills. In order to be successful in this field, you need to have good socializing skills because you need to meet new people every day. Phlebotomy is a rewarding profession but it will judge your patience.