Allied Health Career Spotlight of a Phlebotomy Technician

Phlebotomy is a medical term primarily used to describe the act of drawing blood from a vein and the professionals who are trained to collect blood in a clinical setting are known as phlebotomists or phlebotomy technicians.

Overview

Phlebotomy technicians are important members of the health care team who usually work with physicians, laboratory staff, nurses and patients. They are healthcare professionals who are trained to obtain blood samples from patients. Generally, defined as phlebotomists, at times their responsibility also revolves around taking finger-prick hemoglobin tests, which doesn't involve using a needle. Their primary role is not just confined to collect blood for accurate and reliable laboratory testing. In fact, their responsibility also includes venipuncture or capillary collection.

Moreover, they may even be expected to perform medically related routine laboratory responsibilities as well as some clerical tasks. They may even require performing other duties such as the collection of donor blood, bleeding time tests, therapeutic phlebotomies or specimen preparation. They act as life guardians with their services at the blood banks encouraging blood donation campaigns. They also monitor blood pressure and pulse in different conditions like blood transfusions or blood donation at the blood banks.

Employment Scope

Phlebotomy technicians are mainly employed in hospital and clinic settings, but at times they may also require performing their duties in private home care and the insurance industry or research institutes or nursing homes. Adding to this, these days many private clinics and laboratories are also recruiting phlebotomy technicians. However, today if we look at the job prospect of phlebotomy technicians then as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the opportunities are further expected to grow by 14% between 2006 and 2016. This increase is expected because of the frequent invention of new types of medical tests and growth of the population.

Salary Outlook

In terms of salary, phlebotomy technicians can earn a decent salary in comparison to any technician who works in heath care industry. Usually the normal salary of phlebotomist varies from $21,356 to $25,779. Nevertheless, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomists can earn from $18,720 to $25,168, with a median salary of $21,944. Though certification is not a major requirement of employment for phlebotomy technicians, but it may help them in increasing their earning. These days, there are several national organizations, including the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Sciences (NAACS), offer certifying examinations. Apart from this, the salary levels may also be affected depending upon the occupational setting (hospitals, blood banks, and private laboratories), experience and state/area of residence.

Requirements to Become Phlebotomy Technician

Becoming a phlebotomy technician usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent and three month or more of specialized training, either on-the-job or through a formalized health care program. Today there are many universities and schools that offer Phlebotomy Technician programs. During these programs, a student learns how to draw blood and how to cooperate with patients. Once a student completes the programs, he or may choose to become certified professionals. These days, certifications are available from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the American Association of Medical Personnel (AAMP). In terms of phlebotomy training, it generally includes venipuncture, record keeping, and sample safety.

Certainly, working as a phlebotomy technician is an outstanding career opportunity if you are looking to move into a different health care career. The rewards are plentiful and the in long-standing profession you may find great satisfaction in helping other people who might in desperate need of your medical support.

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