Phlebotomy Programs

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One question you may have is how phlebotomy technicians are generally classified. In point of fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor puts them into the category of "Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians," which comprises, but is not limited to, workers such as pharmacy aids and dental and medical assistants. All in all, the employment estimate for such workers stands at somewhere over 300,000.

Phlebotomy basically involves the drawing of blood from patients for transfusion and/or analysis via a method commonly known as venipuncture. Once the blood is drawn, the phlebotomist is responsible for clearly labeling and documenting the specimens.

But while this kind of recordkeeping is a phlebotomist’s primary responsibility, this is hardly their sole function. A phlebotomist must adhere to strict standards to ensure both their own safety and that of their patients, and this requires them to wear face masks, vinyl or latex gloves, headcaps and gowns.

Moreover, pursuant to complying with such strict safety standards, phlebotomists must handle their tools and special equipment with extreme care, which means knowing how to properly dispose of same. Phlebotomists demonstrate a thorough understanding of procedures and safety standards through a rigorous certification process.

But while there are four major phlebotomy certification agencies here in the United States, only California and Louisiana alone, out of all the states of the nation, actually require phlebotomists to be certified. Phlebotomists work with all manner of patients from infants to senior citizens.

And since many people are often nervous about having to have their blood drawn, one of a phlebotomist’s responsibilities is knowing how to reassure a patient and put him or her at ease. In fact, having good interpersonal skills is a must for a phlebotomist, who must deal with both patients and doctors, which means taking their phone calls, scheduling appointments and delivering or retrieving specimens.

Phlebotomists generally don’t do a lot of heavy lifting or other forms of strenuous physical activity, but they do have to engage in a lot of walking and standing. While phlebotomists’ salaries can range widely, especially from state to state, the average salary for a phlebotomist is usually about $26,710 per year.

Typically speaking, phlebotomists generally work a standard 40-hour work week and may have to work different shifts. While there are different ways to become a phlebotomist, the job generally requires a high school education at minimum. There are many phlebotomy programs at colleges or vocational schools all over the country, all of which prepare a potential phlebotomist for every conceivable responsibility with which they may be charged while on the job.

Besides being taught the procedures for blood collection and storage, phlebotomists may learn first aid, CPR, anatomy and physiology. Phlebotomy students are also prepared for national certification exams, although it is possible to prepare for such exams even if you don’t graduate from a phlebotomy training program. Such individuals, however, should have at least one year of full-time phlebotomy experience and must have successfully completed a standard number of venipuncture procedures.