You're a What? A Phlebotomist!
by Ysolt Usigan
While most people don't know what a phlebotomist technician does, they're a necessity in the medical field. These clinical lab techs basically draw blood from people to test, transfuse, donate, and do research. A phlebotomy technician also has to perform diagnostic procedures on blood samples and study the results. Think of it this way -- a phlebotomy tech helps save lives. It's a messy job, but someone's gotta do it.
Choosing Phlebotomy as a Career Interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician? If so, that would be a good choice because they're in demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the demand for skilled phlebotomists is expected to be larger than the supply of qualified applicants over the next few years. This means, you won't have trouble finding a job once you've completed your phlebotomy certification.
What are students in for at phlebotomy schools? Since phlebotomists work in the laboratories of hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices, students must become familiar with these environments just like doctors and nurses. While education and certification requirements vary from state to state, phlebotomists pretty much usually have high school diplomas and specialized training from phlebotomy schools or an allied health agency.
Phlebotomy on the Job Once aspiring phlebotomists have completed their phlebotomy certification, these allied health professionals will begin working in a lab collecting patients' and clients' blood specimens. To do so, the phlebotomist must collect blood from a vein. But it's not as easy as just poking someone -- phlebotomists must apply microcollection techniques, such as using a sterile lancet for piercing.
And a phlebotomist isn't a one-woman or -man show. They usually work under the direction of physicians, nurses, medical technologists, or laboratory managers. Aspiring pros in this field will learn to interact with colleagues and specific procedures for working together while enrolled in phlebotomy schools.
Why Become a Phlebotomist? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Quarterly, one of the top reasons why people choose to become a phlebotomist has to do with job flexibility -- phlebotomists often can set their own schedule and choose their hours with the clinical labs they work at. Even better, a job as a phlebotomy technician also means good pay, perks, and benefits. They also point out that there are more choices of employment options when it comes to being a phlebotomy tech. For instance, phlebotomy techs have the opportunity to work per diem, by contract staffing, temp to hire, or direct placement. Should you have extra time on your hands, you can work extra weekends during the month for extra compensation.
Choosing Phlebotomy as a Career Interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician? If so, that would be a good choice because they're in demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the demand for skilled phlebotomists is expected to be larger than the supply of qualified applicants over the next few years. This means, you won't have trouble finding a job once you've completed your phlebotomy certification.
What are students in for at phlebotomy schools? Since phlebotomists work in the laboratories of hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices, students must become familiar with these environments just like doctors and nurses. While education and certification requirements vary from state to state, phlebotomists pretty much usually have high school diplomas and specialized training from phlebotomy schools or an allied health agency.
Phlebotomy on the Job Once aspiring phlebotomists have completed their phlebotomy certification, these allied health professionals will begin working in a lab collecting patients' and clients' blood specimens. To do so, the phlebotomist must collect blood from a vein. But it's not as easy as just poking someone -- phlebotomists must apply microcollection techniques, such as using a sterile lancet for piercing.
And a phlebotomist isn't a one-woman or -man show. They usually work under the direction of physicians, nurses, medical technologists, or laboratory managers. Aspiring pros in this field will learn to interact with colleagues and specific procedures for working together while enrolled in phlebotomy schools.
Why Become a Phlebotomist? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Quarterly, one of the top reasons why people choose to become a phlebotomist has to do with job flexibility -- phlebotomists often can set their own schedule and choose their hours with the clinical labs they work at. Even better, a job as a phlebotomy technician also means good pay, perks, and benefits. They also point out that there are more choices of employment options when it comes to being a phlebotomy tech. For instance, phlebotomy techs have the opportunity to work per diem, by contract staffing, temp to hire, or direct placement. Should you have extra time on your hands, you can work extra weekends during the month for extra compensation.
Sound Off! Post Your Comments
You are not currently logged on. Please login to add a comment.
Request Free Information
on Colleges Near You
Find
