Cardio-Phlebotomy Tech: Duties and Salary

A person with an interest in health care may look into the growing field of cardio-phlebotomy technician. Heart disease is still the number one killer in the United States and cardio-phlebotomy technicians are on the front lines of the battle to help save lives.

Cardio-phlebotomy technicians perform EKG's for doctors, as well as being trained to draw blood, carry out venipuncture procedures, and control infections. Cardio-phlebotomy technicians work in busy doctor's offices, health care clinics, hospitals, or long term care or public health facilities.

People interested in a career as a cardio-phlebotomy technician must have a high interest in health care, possess an aptitude for anatomy and physiology, and have the skill set to be compassionate and caring with patients. Students interested in becoming a cardio-phlebotomy technician will also most likely learn life-saving skills in CPR.

Candidates for most cardio-phlebotomy technician programs must have a high school diploma or GED, as well as pass a physical exam that will include making sure you are up to date on all vaccinations since you may be working with children and elderly patients.

For a rewarding career as a cardio-phlebotomy technician, you can expect to devote from nine to 24 months to a training program. The courses you will undertake will include anatomy and physiology, which includes study of the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, and muscular and skeletal systems; blood and cell compositions, which includes learning how blood and cells are affected by infection and disease is at the crux of the phlebotomy field; and blood sampling procedures.

Additionally, you will be required to take courses in professional behavior, quality control, legal and ethical issues, computer training, and especially laboratory safety, which helps you and your co-workers stay safe in the event of a spill or contamination.

In the EKG portion of your education, you will learn the art of conducting non-invasive heart tests such as the EKG, as well as reading the reports and working with nurses and doctors to establish a diagnosis.

Completion of an education as a cardio-phlebotomy technician will entitle you to a certificate of completion. Depending on the state, some other state licensure exams may be required.  

Draw a rewarding career as a cardio-phlebotomy technician
A cardio-phlebotomy technician working in a doctor's office or public health environment can expect to work a general 9-5 schedule. Sometimes doctors have extended hours one day per week or on Saturday mornings. Those seeking a career in a long term care facility or a hospital may be expected to work any of the 24/7 hours in which the facility operates.

The world of health care is fast-paced and growing. As the population continues to age, more health care workers in all areas will be needed. As heart problems tend to worsen with age, the need for skilled cardio-phlebotomy technicians will grow as well. A person educated to work as a cardio-phlebotomy technician can expect to work in a professional environment directly with nurses and doctors assisting patients.

The median income for a cardio-phlebotomy technician is about $26,000. The salary is dependent on the skill level, as well as the environment and size of the facility.

If you're interested in a fast-growing career in health care that will put you on the frontlines of heart disease, find a cardio-phlebotomy technician school near you today and get started "drawing" your own career path.

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