Phlebotomist |
Who Are Phlebotomists?Is This Program in My Area?What Do Phlebotomists Do? Phlebotomists work closely with doctors and medical laboratories. Phlebotomists collect blood samples from patients to test blood type and to prepare the blood for testing for certain ailments or conditions. Phlebotomists also collect blood from donors during blood drives and in blood banks to use for donations and transfusions. Phlebotomy Training Those interested in phlebotomy training are able to receive it through phlebotomy classes offered by vocational schools, technical colleges, trade schools, junior colleges, allied health schools and specialized phlebotomy schools. Some students prefer enrolling in phlebotomy classes offered by phlebotomy schools that are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Phlebotomy education programs include training in blood collection, microbiology, hematology and safe collection methods. Phlebotomy classes also include hands on training for practical experience in blood collection. Phlebotomy Certification For professional minded people, phlebotomy certification is offered through all 50 states. In order to obtain phlebotomy certification, the candidate must complete formal phlebotomy education or phlebotomy classes from an accredited school and pass an examination. Phlebotomy certification isn’t required but it does reflect the phlebotomist’s credentials and improve employment prospects. Phlebotomy Job Prospects Professional phlebotomists enjoy working in several medical settings including hospitals, doctors offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood banks or for non profit medical organizations. Others work for ambulance services, emergency services or other health care services. Some phlebotomist return to school to continue their training to become nurses, medical assistants or clinical laboratory technicians. Phlebotomy Job Security and Salary The job opportunities for trained phlebotomists are stable. The Bureau of Labor is projecting the demand for phlebotomy to grow by 14 percent over the next 8 years. Those completing phlebotomy training in phlebotomy classes at accredited phlebotomy schools can expect to earn salaries ranging from $24,000 to $32,000. |