Career Profile: Why Pursue A Phlebotomist Career?

Also called Phlebotomy Technician.

Job Description:

Are you interested in a healthcare profession that deals with the collection of blood? If so, then a career as a phlebotomist might just be right for you. In general, a phlebotomist is a trained medical professional who is tasked to obtain blood samples or collect blood from patients. The blood taken from the patients is usually intended for blood donation or laboratory analysis.

A phlebotomist typically draws blood from the patient with the use of tourniquet and needles. There are also instances that a phlebotomist takes sample blood by means of skin puncture, which is done by pricking the patient's finger. This is typically used when determining blood type or testing blood sugar levels.

Some of the vital duties and responsibilities of a phlebotomist include the following:

• ascertaining that equipment used for blood collection are properly sanitized
• proper and accurate labeling of blood samples
• effective storage and appropriate handling of collected blood
• preparing needed equipments such as needle, tourniquet, gauze, cotton and alcohol
• verifying the identity of the patient or the blood donor

Work Environment:

Phlebotomist professionals are typically employed in clinical laboratories, nursing homes, community health centers, blood donation centers, and doctor's offices. They work under the close supervision of a medical professional or a laboratory technologist. Since they are constantly dealing with blood and needles, they have to adhere to safety precautions to prevent the incidence of acquiring infectious diseases such HIV, and hepatitis. Moreover, they must be able to safely and accurately do their blood-collecting duties even when under pressure. Phlebotomist professionals typically work in shifts in a stressful environment.

Education and Training Requirements:

Phlebotomist aspirants can satisfy either an associate or bachelor's degree. There are plenty of schools offering phlebotomist course programs but be sure to find those with accredited curriculums. Those with a background in biology and other related sciences will have an advantage.

Although requirements vary from state-to-state, it is advised that phlebotomist aspirants acquire a license to increase their chances of finding good job offers. Participating in apprenticeship and internship programs is also highly recommended to gain relevant experiences.

Salary Range:

The annual earnings of phlebotomist professionals vary greatly depending on years of experience, educational background, practice setting, and location. On the average, they earn around $22-034 - $35,529 annually. Meanwhile, those who are licensed and gained valuable trainings can receive more than $40,000 yearly.

Job Outlook:

Employment outlook for phlebotomist aspirants are quite good. In fact, the surge in the demand for licensed phlebotomist professionals will continue to rise since blood testing is increasingly used for diagnosing diseases.

Do not waste time and start your training today by browsing through our comprehensive list of phlebotomist schools!

California Schools
	(Santa Clara) - Lab Assistant, EKG Technician/Phlebotomist
	(Citrus Heights) - Lab Assistant, EKG Tech/Phlebotomist

Florida Schools
City College	(Gainesville) - Phlebotomy

Illinois Schools
Northwestern Business College	(Bridgeview, Chicago) - Phlebotomy, Phlebotomy Technician Training

Kentucky Schools
	(Lexington) - Phlebotomy

Maryland Schools
	(Hagerstown) - Phlebotomy

Nevada Schools
Northwest Health Careers	(Las Vegas) - Phlebotomy

Pennsylvania Schools
	(Broomall, Southampton) - Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy

Texas Schools
Kaplan Career Institute	(San Antonio) - Phlebotomy / EKG Technician

*Program Availability Varies By Location and Often Changes. To get the most up-to-date information, use the links we provide to request additional information from a local campus representative.

* DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. AC0060. DeVry University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus - 3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37211 Program availability varies by location.©2010 DeVry Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved