The Ins And Outs Of How To Become A Phlebotomist

On surface, to become a phlebotomist doesn't seem like something too complicated

. After all, the discipline supposedly covers only the science of drawing blood. Phlebotomy is indeed a subject that observes, teaches and trains a person the process of drawing a blood sample. The process, however, includes handling different types of patient, explaining the procedure, choosing the right technique from the many available to draw blood, preparing and sterilizing the equipment as well as proper labeling and storing of said sample. It is a lot more than simply injecting a syringe and extracting blood from a patient. People who like working with people, have steady hands and an interest in health care definitely finds phlebotomy to be extremely interesting.

The Career of a Phlebotomist

A phlebotomist is a health care professional whose work is to draw blood from a patient or donor for the purpose of medical testing. When you become a phlebotomist it is important to remember that, aside from your main job of drawing blood sample, you are also in charge of detailing the procedure to the patients, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, preparing reagents and stains, taking blood pressure, respiration and pulse rates, sending samples of urine and fecal for the purpose of laboratory testing and updating patient records.

Phlebotomy Courses

To become a phlebotomist, it is important that you first have your GED or high school diploma, after which you will be eligible to complete an accredited phlebotomist program. This kind of program usually takes about one semester until one year diploma or certificate. Courses to become a phlebotomist typically comprise classes of anatomy, biology and physiology - to be combined later with practicum and supervised training in a hospital or a private clinic.

Phlebotomy Certification

To become a phlebotomist, it is highly recommended to have certification since most employers ask that you have it, even though becoming certified is actually optional. Organizations which offer national testing and certification include the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT). These organizations award the title Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) upon completion of programs and examination. Keep in mind that maintenance is required every year in the form of re-certification.

Expected Salary of a Phlebotomist

Average annual salary of a phlebotomist is $27,040, according to The American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Based on a 40-hour work week, this renders a phlebotomist the wage of $13.00 per hour. Starting out as you become a phlebotomist can be discouraging, in terms of financial reward. Many phlebotomists however swiftly branch out to become technicians in the lab or one who handles EKG, lab supervisors, or even climb the administrative ladder. In a supervisory position, a phlebotomist stands a chance to earn a salary of approximately $35,000 per year according to the above survey.

Phlebotomists are always on demand as well as being a career which is capable of diversifying itself into other health care related professions. Compassionate and scientifically oriented individuals will definitely find that to become a phlebotomist is really something worth considering.

by: Tami Atila

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