Phlebotomist

Written By Itz.Tiffany .

Definition: a healthcare professional who is trained to perform blood draws (Cleveland Clinic).

At the doctors office, it is routine for one to get blood samples. Maybe your birthday just passed (if it is a happy birthday to you), and you are getting your yearly check-up, or you’re giving a blood donation. Maybe you are applying for a program and a certain test, which requires a blood sample. If any of these situations apply to you, your blood tests were done by a Phlebotomist.

blood test blood taking

How do I become a Phlebotomist?

To become a Phlebotomist, you must ( typically ):

To be accepted into a phlebotomy program, one should have:

  • high school diploma or GED.

From this point, one should apply and complete an accredited Phlebotomy program, which ranges from 8-52 weeks. Students will study:

  • anatomy

  • medical terminology

  • physiology

They will also be exposed to classroom and laboratory work/hours which will further advance their knowledge in their field of study. In some states, a minimum number of supervised blood draws is required before a certification can be obtained. State requirements and exams may also be required before a certification can be obtained.

After all of the above has been completed (phlebotomy program and/ or state exam/ certification), it is optional to pursue a national certification. Receiving certifications from national organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology and, American Medical Technologists, are beneficial way to achieve employment.

Let’s talk about locations

Flight paramedics can work in many different locations in and out of the hospital, some of which include:

  • Air ambulance services

  • hospitals

  • trauma centers

  • Government agencies

  • private medical transport companies

drawing blood needles red blood skin

But what do they do?

Phlebotomists don’t only take blood, some of the tasks that they do include:

  • retrieve blood test through venipuncture, finger pricks, heel pricks, etc

  • Read the blood test

  • track and store a blood sample

  • Properly sanitize equipment

  • Inspect all equipment used for blood draws/and or transfusions.

Not only does this job involve taking and reading blood tests, they are also responsible for easing the nerves of those who may have a fear of needles or the sight of blood (Cleveland Clinic).

blood pressure and needles and stress ball

Let’s talk about locations

Overall, the career of a phlebotomist is very rewarding and something that does not take an extremely long time. With such a career, you would be able to work in many places throughout the medical field, such as:

  • Hospitals

  • Blood donation centers 

  • Medical/Diagnostic Laboratories

  • Assisted living facilities 

  • Private home care 

 Being a phlebotomist requires a personable attitude, so if this is you, consider the field of phlebotomy!

Work Cited

Cleveland Clinic. “What Is a Phlebotomist? What They Do & Training.” Cleveland Clinic, 2 Aug. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23916-phlebotomist.

“How to Become a Phlebotomist.” MTS, 2012, www.medicaltechnologyschools.com/phlebotomist/how-to-become-a-phlebotomist.

“NPA | Certified Phlebotomist.” Www.nationalphlebotomy.org, www.nationalphlebotomy.org/Certified_Phlebotomist.

Itz.Tiffany .
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