If you are interested in working in a healthcare department and do not know where to start, then phlebotomy is the best choice for you. Many people are afraid to consider a medical profession as they believe it would demand a lot from them, but that is not the case every time. There are certain jobs available that require minimal experience and are easy to learn too. Among these jobs, phlebotomy is considered the most sound. You can even get training online or there are courses available in many great colleges as well.
We are going to list you the benefits of taking phlebotomy as a career and its scope throughout the U.S.
What are Phlebotomists
Phlebotomists collect blood from the veins for multiple procedures such as blood transfusion or laboratory tests. They do this with a procedure called a venipuncture, in which you must puncture a vein with the help of a needle. Although, this might seem to easy for you, special training programs and degrees are required to become a phlebotomist. You also need to be comfortable working in a busy environment or with a lot of people.
How much are they Paid
If you are thinking about a career in phlebotomy, then you must know what the minimum wages are available for them. The minimum hourly wage of a phlebotomist is around $16-17 per hour, which makes it an annual income of about $35,500.
Top paying states for phlebotomists include California, New York, Columbia, Washington, and Alaska. The highest employment level is found in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Ohio. If you are in one of these states, then phlebotomy is a great starting career for you in the field of medical science.
Possible Workplaces
People also believe that a phlebotomist does not have many options when it comes to the workplace. They are completely wrong; phlebotomists are in high demand due to the advancement in modern science and thus that also increases their number of workplaces.
The most common options are a clinic, laboratories, healthcare industry, hospitals, blood donation centers, nursing homes and even working in a private organization. Depending on your experience and education, you can get the best wage possible and have a comfortable working environment.
Qualities Required
Before you consider a future in phlebotomy, they are certain qualities required to master this field.
One of the most common qualities required is your interaction with people. You must be friendly and be able to put the patient at ease. You will have to deal with people of all ages and thus that requires all your people skills to be on their best.
A phlebotomist also needs to be able to work under high pressure and not let a busy environment get the best of them. They also need to be attentive and accurate in their operation and make sure no mishap happens.
Phlebotomists Training
A phlebotomist training is not as time-consuming as other careers in the medical field, but the time limit can vary depending on the program or college you are choosing. Generally, phlebotomy training programs are for a few months to a year. It is also important to get a diploma along with clinical training before getting a job. Just to give yourself an edge, it is great to think about bachelor’s or masters in this degree to further solidify your career.
All courses are the same and cover topics such as anatomy, handling and labeling of samples, venipuncture, blood transfusion, and lab procedures.
Online Training
Thanks to online courses, you do not even have to live anywhere near these institutes to get a certificate. Online courses for phlebotomy are available but you should always take extensive measures to make sure the course you are looking for is legitimate. Thus, it is preferred to get training from an accredited institute. Once you get done with your line course a clinical experience is required to get you ready for a job.
A career in phlebotomy is beneficial for your future and great as it saves a lot of time and money than the other occupations in the healthcare industry. You can easily get your certificate within a year and land a stable job.
Resources:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319097.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm
https://www.phlebotomyexaminer.com/phlebotomy-courses-and-training/
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