Job opportunities for Phlebotomist specialists are estimated to increase by 24% in a decade. It is much rapid than average for other occupations. Actually, a phlebotomist draws blood for research, tests, transfusion or blood donations, so in the start it seems that this career is limited. The fact is that with experience and advanced education, you can open doors to new career opportunities.
Education needs to become phlebotomy technician
You will need –
- A high school diploma or college degree in medical technology
- Short training program to get professional certification from accredited institution
- CPR training is also a necessity
- Constant education is needed to renew certification [every year]
You will learn the proper and safe technique of drawing blood causing less pain. Drawing blood is painful but following safety protocols, it can be made painless. It will depend on the skills and practice level of the phlebotomist technician. Students will also learn how to communicate and comfort patients as well as safely deal with bio hazardous materials like blood samples and used needles.
Duties and Responsibilities
Blood samples look same, so the phlebotomist has to be very careful in labelling and entering the sample drawn in their database. In blood donation scenarios, blood from variety of donors get collected, so it is the responsibility of phlebotomist to maintain instrument and work area sanitization. In addition, make sure that the medical instruments like blood vials, needles, and test tubes are assembled and maintained methodically.
Job options for phlebotomists
Besides becoming a phlebotomy specialist, there are several good opportunities for phlebotomists but will need more education and experience of 7 to ten years.
MLT or Medical lab Technician
You will need training to analyze blood and body fluids. You will study about the different blood types, compatibility and cell count necessary for understanding the kind of blood used for transfusion. There will also be a need to know the different kinds of lab equipment used for in-depth analysis. There are advanced computerized tools employed to conduct multiple tests simultaneously. The analysis report will be given to the medical physician or surgeon.
Travelling phlebotomist
For those, who find working in different atmosphere appealing than travelling phlebotomist is the right career option. You can work with elderly people in their homes. As majority of registered nurses don’t have phlebotomy training, employers may be keen to higher you at high wages. You can even volunteer with Red Cross. Thus, you get a chance to gain extra experience and exposure.
Donor phlebotomy specialist
A donor specialist determines if donor is eligible or not. If they are then you will collect the blood and take it to lab for advanced testing, so it can be used for transfusion whenever necessary.
Phlebotomist supervisor
More advanced training is necessary to supervise every technician and ensure safety protocols are adhered to. This job needs you to work with blood donor organizations or healthcare workers to ensure that samples collected are labelled properly as well as appropriately process and scheduled.
Hematology technologist
The technologist collects, analyzes blood samples for abnormalities, and checks blood-borne diseases. The report of the finding is given to the doctors.
There are several ways to progress in phlebotomist’s career. Opt for the preferred direction and move up in that profession.