Is a Career in Phlebotomy in Your Blood? |
 |
July 17, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
If you're looking for a medical profession that has more job openings than qualified workers, think of pursuing phlebotomist training. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts strong job growth for phlebotomists through the end of the decade.
Phlebotomist Training is Vital
Phlebotomist jobs are expected to become available across the country in our many hospitals, clinics, medical offices, private laboratories, blood banks, and research labs. You'll need at least a high school diploma or GED to get into most phlebotomist training programs at a dedicated medical technical schools or community colleges. Some hospitals also offer phlebotomist training courses.
Your school work may focus on basic circulatory system, physiology, and anatomy courses, as well as standardized patient procedures including taking vital signs, blood pressure measurements, and respiratory rates.
To perform lab tech work as a phlebotomist, you may need additional training in sterilizations, stains and reagents, data logging, and clerical procedures. Some medical institutions require completion of undergraduate science degrees in medical technology for work beyond basic phlebotomy.
Certification in Phlebotomy
According to the BLS, employers may require professional phlebotomist certifications. Many phlebotomist training courses are specifically designed to help you prepare for certification examinations by The American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians, and American Medical Technologists. Exams lead to designation as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT). Depending on your state and the institution providing the phlebotomist jobs, you may be required to maintain your certifications through annual exams or refresher courses.
Phlebotomists Draw Salaries, Too
Many phlebotomist jobs go to persons who complete as little as a one-year training program, with entry-level salaries above $20,000, according to the BLS.
Though not for the faint-hearted, a career in phlebotomy can be wonderfully rewarding. When you're helping save lives by drawing blood, there are very few drawbacks.
Source
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, University of Alaska, and Old Dominion University.
|
Related Articles |
 |
|
|
| |
