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Also called Phlebotomy Technician.
The role of a phlebotomist in health care is a small one, but one that can prove to be very important in treating patients. Phlebotomists draw blood from patients in order to provide samples for testing, for transfusions and donations, and research, and may do so through venipuncture, skin puncture (also known as a finger stick), or arterial collection. Phlebotomists are trained to use the utmost care and precaution when collecting samples in order to prevent transmission of infectious diseases, and are usually bound by strict rules of operation. Upon collecting the samples, phlebotomists then prepare them for the trip to the lab, labeling them and making sure that they remain stable to prevent any outside contamination as well as prevent the blood from contaminating other specimens or anything else. They may also be asked to perform some data entry and computer duties in the lab.
Phlebotomists work in hospitals, commercial laboratories, private practices, public health departments, clinics, or blood banks. The hours vary according to the capacity in which they are employed. Some may work a regular 40 hour week, and some may work evening or night shifts. They may also be needed to work on weekends and holidays as well. Their salary also varies as to their employment as well, and also according to the area in which they work. Some phlebotomists make minimum wage or just above, and others may make $40,000 or more a year.
The education requirements for phlebotomists also vary. Some areas have a training program of one day, others may have a program of a few weeks or months, and some colleges offer programs lasting one to two years. Other places have in-house training programs, where the trainee learns on the job. The only requirement needed to obtain phlebotomist training is a high school diploma. Certification requirements vary from state to state, so it is best to contact your local board of health or state government in order to determine what certification is needed.
The outlook for phlebotomists is very good. According to a report from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, phlebotomists are in very high demand. The demand is highest for those working day shifts, as they have become the most difficult position to fill. The demand is expected to increase, but to level out in the near future, as simpler diagnostic tests will make it easier for one person to do several jobs. |
California Schools
Institute for Business and Technology
(Santa Clara) - Lab Assistant, EKG Technician/Phlebotomist
National Career Education
(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
Spencerian College
(Lexington) - Phlebotomy
Maryland Schools
Kaplan College
(Hagerstown) - Phlebotomy
Nevada Schools
Northwest Health Careers
(Las Vegas) - Phlebotomy
Pennsylvania Schools
CHI Institute
(Broomall, Southampton) - Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy
Texas Schools
Kaplan Career Institute (San Antonio) - Phlebotomy / EKG Technician
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