Phlebotomy schools give the training that students need to become phlebotomists, medical professionals who draw and collection blood from patients. Phlebotomy training involves specialized coursework and generally leads to phlebotomy certification.
Phlebotomists draw blood from people to use for transfusions, tests, blood banks and research. They work along with nurses, doctors and medical assistants. Most of the blood is drawn intravenously, using venipuncture. Along with their main job, phlebotomists verify patients’ identity, label blood vials, check vital signs and obtain patient information.
The job of drawing blood used to fall to doctors and nurses. But a specially trained professional was needed as the healthcare industry became more complicated and bureaucratized. Phlebotomists have taken over much of the work, especially in hectic settings where nurses and their assistants don’t have time to draw blood.
Phlebotomy is used as a job by many medical students and by people who are looking for a way to enter the healthcare industry. It can be a good way to get into other similar fields, such as blood diseases.
Phlebotomy training traditionally lasted only a day. But in many states prospective phlebotomists must now take several months worth of phlebotomy classes and successfully pass a phlebotomy certification test, in addition to a minimum of a high school diploma.
Courses at phlebotomy schools cover anatomy, patient interaction, safety precautions, biohazard issues, basic first aid, patient rights and privacy, and blood-drawing techniques. Phlebotomy training is offered at many vocational and trade schools, community colleges, and some four-year colleges. There are also some programs available online. The average cost for phlebotomy classes falls between $1,500 and $3,000, which typically covers the cost of the certification exam.
The courses usually include a 40-hour externship at a medical or other facility where blood is drawn, giving students a chance to develop techniques before they enter the field. Medical professionals oversee students during these externships, often registered nurses. Phlebotomy schools, including the externship, can take as little as four months or as long as a year or more, though the length varies substantially from school to school. Vocational and trade school usually have the shortest courses.
After classes are completed, prospective phlebotomists can take a Phlebotomy Certification Exam, though it’s not required in every state. They have three chances to pass; after a third failing attempt, they must retake the entire training course. Employers tend to view certification as a gold standard, so even if it’s not required it can command better jobs and higher incomes.
There are three criteria, one of which must be met in order to qualify to take the exam, thought the criteria vary somewhat between states. Students must finish an accredited phlebotomy course, work for year in a job that involves hands-on experience with phlebotomy skills, or already be certified by another certifying board recognized by the American Certification Agency.
They pay for phlebotomists is relatively low, especially at the beginning, but a number of factors influence salary levels, including education, certification, experience, geographic location and place of employment. On average, a phlebotomist starting out in the United States makes between $20,000 and $26,000 a year. With five to nine years experience, that increases to $30,000-$35,000, and at more than 20 years it hits $50,000 on average.
Certification is important to salary, since employers see it as an initial seal of approval. Education also matters, including continuing education once on the job. Hospital setting tend to produce better salaries than doctor’s offices, and the government pays even more than hospitals, generally speaking.
Phlebotomists need technical know-how and some limited medical training. But they also need to be good at dealing with people, including people who have a hard time around needles and blood. And the job requires the ability to carefully observe health safeguards, both for the phlebotomist and the patient.
The phlebotomy field is growing, and it’s expected to grow even more as the healthcare industry continues to specialize. Phlebotomy schools play an essential role in any path to a phlebotomy job, and they can be a good way to enter the medical world.
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