Learn About Phlebotomist, Phlebotomy Technician Schools, Training, Jobs, and Careers

What is a Phlebotomist?
Almost all of us have been stuck with a needle. Some of us put on a brave face and act like it doesn’t hurt while others go from quivering to fainting.

If you are a college basketball fan, you know of the story of the fabulously gifted Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. As a freshman in college, he led the University of Memphis Men’s basketball team to the national championship game.

During the tournament, he sustained a cut over his eye. He was so afraid of the needle that he refused to have the cut stitched. The cut had to be taped closed because of this.

The moral of the story is that a phlebotomy technician can tell you a thousand and one of this kind of stories. When the doctor orders blood work on a patient, the phlebotomist is the one that has to stick the needle into the patient to get the blood. He or she will do the following in a typical work day:

1. Explain the procedure to the patient
2. Collect blood, urine, and fecal sample from patient
3. Send blood, urine, and fecal samples to the laboratory
4. Process and analyze specimen
5. Update patient’s medical record
6. Prepare reagents and stains
7. Clean and sterilize laboratory equipments, machines, and devices
8. Etc.

The phlebotomist must enjoy working with people. Since some people are scared of the need, he or she must have the skills to put them at ease.

The phlebotomy technician must also be safety conscious. The last thing you want is to stick yourself with the needle you used on a patient. Doing this could lead to you getting the disease they are being tested for, like HIV or AIDS.

How to Become a Phlebotomist:
Most phlebotomy technicians have a high school diploma. You should study science courses, like chemistry, physics, biology, and algebra.

You can then go to a school that has phlebotomy program. Such program will last from 3 to 12 months. The courses you take will cover such things as:

a. Phlebotomy Techniques
b. Circulatory System
c. Human Anatomy
d. Human Physiology
e. Vein Puncture Techniques
f. CPR
g. Skin Puncture Techniques
h. Etc.

The phlebotomist can also learn on the job. You will be trained by experienced phlebotomy technicians. This is one way some people gauge their interest in the medical field. If they like it, they can then go on to other medical professions, like nursing or medical assistant.

You can decide to have certification. This is purely voluntary. Certification can be done through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians or the American Society of Clinical Pathology, or the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel.

Phlebotomist Salary:
Phlebotomy technicians make fairly decent pay. The average salary is $25,000 per year. We have seen salary as high as $37,000 per year. This is not bad for a career that takes 3 to 12 months to complete. When you factor in that you can learn on the job, you begin to see this is not a bad deal.

Phlebotomist School:
One of the best ways to find a phlebotomy technician school is to do a search on the internet. You can narrow the search to your preferred location. Just click this link to begin your search.

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