Collecting Blood for a Career

Phlebotomists collect blood from the patients. They also work in a variety of different capacities to collect blood samples. Another big part of their job is to prepare the blood samples for a variety of different tests and procedures.  Phlebotomists also have an ability to work well with their patients and to keep them calm is an aspect of phlebotomy where most people forget to realize how important this is. Phlebotomists must explain the procedures to the patients and they must provide a calm and trusting environment as they draw blood. Since a lot of patients are anxious when their blood is drawn, having a good personality is important. Phlebotomists are not only responsible in taking blood but also prepare the area where blood is drawn. Phlebotomist must clean the area then apply pressure and make sure that the area is safe and clean after.

Phlebotomists are also responsible in storing the blood for whatever purpose and this involves different processes and procedures. This involves putting the blood in their proper containers, adding stains and place the important data needed for evaluation and analysis. Phlebotomists are also responsible in monitoring the patient’s vital signs as they work with a group of medical professionals. Phlebotomists also have to check the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate. They must also know how to update all the patient’s records with every information needed.  They must also do the inventory and restock all materials and tools used during the process of collection.

In becoming a phlebotomist, having a phlebotomist training and education is the first step to take. After completing the training program, the certification exam is another step in becoming certified phlebotomists. This exam is given by an accrediting body of the state like the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. They offer a comprehensive exam that test on all areas of phlebotomy. This knowledge also includes areas on anatomy and physiology, the circulatory system and different tests and procedures. Hands on training are also an important asset after the certification that can be done in any hospitals and clinics. Depending on the State, certification may or may not be required. But having a certification is mostly recommended by health care employers. This will prove that one has taken up all the trainings before completing the process of having a certification. After all of this, you are now ready to take the next step which is being employed in a health facility.

The annual average phlebotomist salary can range around $24,000 to $40,000. The job outlook for phlebotomists is excellent. The job opportunities in this field are still expected to grow faster compared to other average occupations. Phlebotomists are in high demands and a lot of vacancies are still there that makes phlebotomy an excellent career to break into. The demand for these phlebotomists also increases as the advancements in the medical and laboratory field increases. Hospitals need phlebotomists and it is expected to grow faster in medical laboratories. The phlebotomist’s salary depends on the level of experiences, education, location of the employment and the geographic location.