More often than not, people complain of inaccurately jabbed veins and pain after a venipuncture. Had the task of drawing blood from veins been elementary, phlebotomy technicians would be out of jobs in a jiffy. A phlebotomy technician’s job is to collect blood samples from patients and send them to laboratory for running tests on them. As superficially easy as it may sound in its character, phlebotomy is an indispensable part of the medic world.
Phlebotomy course can be undertaken at a Phlebotomy Technician school, by anyone who has a background or experience in the field of medicine. It is mandatory to acquire a certificate in this course in order to practice it in the United States. The certificate is awarded to those who successfully undergo training in Phlebotomy and pass the final exam, which is a vital part of the academic syllabus.
This short course not only includes theoretical class work but hands – on training as well. A real clinical laboratory provides an environment to gain practical knowledge associated with the Phlebotomy Technician Training. Not only does it teach to merely puncture veins but also to gain expertise in the subject matter and to be able to communicate effectively with patients. Conversing and developing a comfort level with patients is a tact a Phlebotomist learns of, while training. It is seen as an essential in this profession that the medic does not feel nauseated at the sight of blood. Discomfort on the part of the medic can make room for mistakes that may fall heavy on the part of the patient.
This course helps increase a medic’s employment opportunities and rocket their career graphs by making them more marketable. Also, a substantial increase in the pay scale can be seen. An average Phlebotomy Technician earns $ 18-22 an hour. A phlebotomist, after having acquired the designation, can work in Hospitals, Clinics, Nursing Homes and Laboratories.
It is advised to undergo Medical Assistant training before taking on Phlebotomy. It is the most direct and fastest route to becoming a professional Phlebotomy Technician. As a medical assistant, a medic becomes conversant with the entailments of a medical environment, which acts as an added advantage in respect to their career as a Phlebotomist.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2014-2015) states that the average annual salary of a Phlebotomist is $29,730. This profession is picking up pace in terms of growth and Job opportunities. Medics should definitely opt for this course to expand their arena of expertise and knowledge.