Phlebotomists are responsible for collecting and preparing blood samples that will undergo laboratory testing. They must have the knowledge and understanding of the safety precautions needed to be followed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases when handling and collecting blood samples. Phlebotomists must be familiar with skin punctures, venipunctures and different collection techniques. It is important for them to know what tests are needed to be done and what medications and diets can affect the result.
Phlebotomy technicians must complete a phlebotomy education and training that consist of hands on training and lectures. Programs for a phlebotomy training are available in different community colleges, vocational and technical school. Training for phlebotomy technicians consist of safety, handling and collection of blood specimens and skin puncture techniques. The training in becoming a phlebotomist varies. The coursework includes subjects on anatomy and physiology regarding the circulatory system, respiratory, urinary, muscular and skeletal system. Phlebotomists study about blood cells and its composition. Practical hands on phlebotomist training are also an important part. Students will be able to learn how to get blood by venipuncture. There are also techniques that are used for different ages. Additional hands on courses also includes specimen handling, labeling, sorting and preparation. All of these are intended to keep the process as organized as possible. Phlebotomists should also learn on how to handle the specimens properly you protect the integrity of the samples to have a better outcome.
Phlebotomist’s follow a standard work schedule of typically 40 hours a week for five days and required to work in three different shifts which is day, afternoon and night. Phlebotomists do not require a large amount of physical activity like heavy lifting’s but most of their time is spent on walking and standing. Becoming a phlebotomist varies but generally a high school education is required to become one. A lot of programs are available through colleges and vocational schools. These programs help prepare phlebotomists for their responsibilities and the things that may encounter on the job.
Students enrolled in a phlebotomist school receive both classroom and clinical instruction including blood collection, blood storage, procedures and tests. These phlebotomy trainings prepare the students for national certification exams. This is to help them qualify the certification exam. A certifying and licensing exam will prove how competent and ready you are to take the next step and entering the world of health care.
The median salary for a phlebotomist is about $29,000 to $30,000 a year like of the radiology technician. Phlebotomist also makes a starting hourly wage of around $10 to $12 with those having 5 years of experience. Most of these phlebotomists earn a salary between $25,000 and $31,000 a year but these factors still depends on the place of the employment. Hospitals with a lot of employees pay the highest amount of salary for their phlebotomists which are $15 an hour with a top pay of $17 an hour. With experience, phlebotomists can advance to supervisory positions or medical administrative management and make a higher salary.
