Phlebotomist Education and Career Pathway

This post provides detailed information on the phlebotomist educational requirements and career pathway to help you learn what you need to do to become a phlebotomist and excel in your career.

Why Choose Phlebotomist Career?

The career of a phlebotomist offers many advantages. Here are some reasons why you should consider this job:

1. It can be very rewarding.

Many people find that they enjoy helping others by giving them their own blood samples. Some people also like working at hospitals because they get a chance to interact with sick people.

2. You’ll have a flexible schedule.

Most phlebotomists work full time but there are also part-time jobs available. Because most phlebotomists do not need to come into contact with patients’ blood, they can choose when they want to work.

3. There are lots of opportunities for advancement.

Although the salary may vary depending on where you live, the average annual income for a phlebotomist ranges between $20,000 and $40,000.

4. It’s easy to learn.

With proper training, anyone can become a phlebotomies technician. What you need is to have at least a high school diploma or GED.

5. It’s relatively safe.

Since phlebotomists don’t handle any dangerous substances, they are less likely to get hurt than doctors or nurses.

However, if you’re concerned about safety, then you might want to look into becoming a nurse instead.

Phlebotomist Education Requirements

To become a phlebotomist, you must first complete a formal education program. In addition to earning a high school diploma or equivalent, you will need to earn your certification as well.

To qualify for certification, you must pass both written and practical exams.

Here are the minimum requirements for certification as a phlebotomist:

1. High School Diploma or Equivalent
2. 2 years of experience as a phlebotomy assistant
3. 1 year of additional training.

 Phlebotomist Continuing Education

Continuing education programs provide phlebotomy technicians with new skills and knowledge.

These courses include topics such as anatomy, physiology, nursing, pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, hematology, transfusion medicine, and more.

If you want to advance your career, you should enroll in these classes. They could help you gain valuable insight into how to improve your job performance.

Phlebotomist Certification/License

You may also want to pursue certification. Certification is usually required by employers so that they know that you meet certain standards. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), and other organizations offer certifications.

In order to practice as a phlebotomists, you will need to obtain a license from your state board of health.

Depending on which state you reside in, you may need to take additional tests. For example, in California, you will need to pass a fingerprinting test before being licensed.

Phlebotomist Career Opportunities

There are several career opportunities for a phlebotomist, these may include:

1. Medical Technologist

Medical technologists perform medical laboratory testing. This includes performing routine lab tests like urinalysis, blood chemistry analysis, and electrocardiograms.

Medical technologists also perform specialized procedures like drawing blood samples, taking X-rays, and administering injections.

2. Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner provides primary care services. He or she manages patients’ medical problems and helps them prevent future illnesses.

Nurse practitioners often work closely with physicians. They diagnose illness and prescribe medications.

3. Pharmacist Technician

A pharmacist technician works at a pharmacy counter. He or she dispenses prescription drugs and composes prescriptions.

Pharmacists typically have a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Pharmacy technicians often have an associate’s degree.

4. Radiology Tech

Radiology techs assist radiologists during imaging procedures. They operate x-ray equipment and administer contrast agents.

Radiology techs also record images and interpret results. They typically hold Associate’s degree.

5. Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists help people who suffer from respiratory diseases. Their duties include assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating lung disorders.

Respiratory therapists must be trained to use ventilators and oxygen tanks.

Other career opportunities open to phlebotomists include:

• Registered Nursing Assistant
• Medical Transcriptionist
• Physical Therapy Assistant
• Medical Billing Clerk
• Blood Bank Technician
• Health Information Management Specialist.

How to Advance your Phlebotomist Career

Looking to advance your phlebotomist career? Here are some tips to consider:

1. Get the Right Training

If you want to become a successful phlebotomist, it is important to get training. You can start your way to the career by attending a community college.

Community colleges offer basic courses in phlebotomy. Then, you can transfer those credits to a four-year school.

2. Build Relationships

You should build relationships with your coworkers. It is important to develop friendships with those around you because you may need their help anytime.

3. Seek Out Opportunities

Look for opportunities to learn new things. There are many educational programs available that will teach you how to draw blood safely.

If you are interested in learning more about this field, look into online classes.

4. Network

Networking is key if you want to succeed in any profession. Make sure you network with other professionals in your field.

Ask questions and find out what they do. Find ways to connect with others so you can stay up to date on current events.

5. Be Flexible

Be flexible. The job market is always changing. Your employer may decide to change his or her needs. You should be able to swiftly adjust.

How to find a Good Phlebotomist School

There are many schools that offer phlebotomy training. However, not all of these schools are good choices.

It is critical to select a renowned institution. Here are some ideas to help you pick a good school for phlebotomy education:

1. Accreditation

Ask about accreditation. Look for accredited schools. Accredited schools provide quality education.

2. Class Size

Class size matters. Choose a small class size. Smaller classes allow you to receive individual attention.

3. Faculty Experience

Look for faculty members with experience. This shows that the school has been operating for a while.

It also shows that the instructors have hands-on experience working as phlebotomists.

4. Location

Location matters. Choose a location near where you live. Also, make sure the school offers transportation services.

5. Tuition Fees

Tuition fees matter. Choose a school that charges reasonable tuition fees.

How to be Successful in your Phlebotomist Career

Here are some additional tips to follow if you want to be successful in your phlebotomy career:

1. Stay Current

Stay current with technology. Technology changes rapidly. Therefore, you should keep yourself informed about the latest trends.

2. Follow Up

Follow up regularly with clients. They expect prompt service from you. When they call, give them an answer immediately.

3. Be Professional

Be professional at all times. Do not use profanity or inappropriate language. Maintain professionalism.

4. Be Friendly

Be friendly with everyone. Remember, you are there to help people. Show compassion and empathy.

5. Develop Skills

Develop abilities that will serve you well in your future job. For example, you could take a CPR course. This would prove beneficial during emergencies.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

Once you’ve completed your education and passed your certification exam, then you can start looking for a job.

As a phlebotomist, you will perform several different tasks. These include collecting blood samples, labeling the tubes, transporting the specimens to the lab, performing quality control checks, and preparing reports.

See detailed phlebotomist job description.

Qualities of a Good Phlebotomist 

These qualities are necessary for success in the phlebotomist occupation:

1. Knowledgeable

Knowledgeable phlebotomists know how to properly collect blood samples and prepare them for laboratory analysis.

2. Patient

Patient phlebotomists are willing to work long hours. They understand their responsibilities and are willing to put forth extra effort to meet deadlines.

3. Flexible

Flexibility is essential because the job requires you to be ready to work any time day or night.

4. Organized

Organization is crucial since you must organize your work area so that it’s easy to find supplies and equipment. You must be able to successfully manage your time.

5. Responsive

Responsiveness means being available to customers 24/7. If someone calls while you’re on duty, then you must respond promptly.

Phlebotomist Salary

According to Salary.com, the starting income for a phlebotomist ranges from $32,929 to $40,827, with an average starting salary of $36,557.

Phlebotomist Job Outlook

As predicted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomists are expected to experience growth in employment by 22 percent between 2020 and 2030.

On average, 19,500 phlebotomist job opportunities are expected per year during the next decade.

Conclusion

If you are interested in the phlebotomist career, this post has provided the educational requirements you need to meet to become one, as well as other information to boost your knowledge of the phlebotomist job.