Phlebotomists are needed to draw blood samples from the patients. This process can happen anywhere, usually in a local clinic or an international hospital, however can take place in the comfort of one’s home. Traveling phlebotomists, also recognized as mobile phlebotomists, do this process at the patients’ homes or work. For those who entering the phlebotomy profession, traveling phlebotomy jobs may be the perfect fit.
How to Become a Travel Phlebotomist?
To become a phlebotomist, you have to receive a phlebotomy diploma or certificate from an accredited program. Also, you have to complete the NCCT Phlebotomy Certificate to be eligible to apply for lots of positions. State licensure is not needed. However, it is helpful to be competitive in the field, and staying abreast of the requirements in the state you want to practice. You have to know that traveling phlebotomists do not require any additional training. Depending on the position, you need to have a valid driver’s license.
A traveling phlebotomist will be able to be a rewarding career if you have the desire to assist other people and do not mind your work environment changing on a regular basis. This healthcare career field needs the person to perform phlebotomy-related functions at many locations, which could include:
- Mobile Blood Labs
- Nursing Homes
- Residential Homes
- Community Health Fairs
- Multiple Lab Testing Locations
In several cases, and with experience, one may discover chances to travel nationally or internationally as a traveling phlebotomist.
What Education is Required?
To become a phlebotomist, whether you are interested in traveling or working in a fixed healthcare facility, you have to complete specific phlebotomist courses in NYC or your local area. After completion of your coursework, you also need to pass a national certification exam. Aside from that, you may have chances to work as an intern in a variant of healthcare settings after your certification. Internships are a good method to develop your skills while deciding what kind of setting you like the best.
Keep in mind that both phlebotomists and traveling phlebotomists have similar job responsibilities and duties. The main responsibility is to draw blood samples from the patients. Also, several phlebotomists may be needed to collect urine samples. Besides these two duties, other duties you will need to be able to perform include:
- Processing collected blood samples by using the appropriate laboratory and testing equipment.
- Storing blood samples safely until they are able to be processed.
- Maintaining accurate information on the patients’ medical records.
- Educating the patients on what they need to do prior to their appointment, such as fasting for 12 hours.
- Having ability to calm the patients that are nervous or have a fear of needles or blood.
- Being personable and approachable so the patients will feel confident in your abilities.
- Making the blood draw collection process as comfortable as possible.
- Prior to become a traveling phlebotomist, you should get some on-the-job experience. Initially you may want to work in a lab, clinic, hospital, or another such facility. After you get several experience, then you are able to start to look for traveling chances.
Reason You Need To Get Experience First
The reason you want to get experience first is that being a traveling phlebotomist will have added job tasks, such as:
- Having ability to work unsupervised.
- Safely transporting blood samples to a lab for processing.
- Processing samples in a mobile lab.
- Arriving on time at many locations to collect blood samples from the patients.
- Keeping detailed and accurate records of the daily activities.
- Keeping areas cleaned where you work.
- Good interpersonal communication skills for working with different nurses, doctors, and people.
- Filling out the time and expense reports.
Another great method to gradually work toward becoming a traveling phlebotomist is via volunteer work. For instance, you can be a volunteer to help the Red Cross at blood drives in mobile labs throughout the city or in other places.
What Are The Benefits of Being a Travel Phlebotomist?
Now, you may want to know the benefits of being a travel Phlebotomist. Need to know that the main benefit of travel phlebotomy is the ability to travel. This component gives great flexibility. The travel phlebotomists are able to choose their days and hours to accommodate their schedules. With such flexibility, the travel phlebotomists have the chance to network and collaborate with the hospitals across the nation.
Another advantage of this job is the constant job security. The training for travel phlebotomy does not take long to complete, approximately six months to a year. It allows individuals who want to work in the medical field to do that more affordably.
Is Traveling Phlebotomy The Right Job For Me?
To be a travel phlebotomist, you have to be flexible and willing to travel. If you do not enjoy traveling, then a phlebotomy job in the hospital, lab or clinic may be more suitable for you. For the traveling phlebotomy jobs, the phlebotomists manage their own schedules and schedule appointments with their patients. They have to be willing to be in a different setting each day and meeting and have reliable transportation.
Travel phlebotomists are self-motivated and having the ability to collaborate with a team. Even though they are alone on the road, the travel phlebotomists are expected to communicate regularly with their supervisors and laboratory technicians to exchange the client reports and blood samples. Most travel phlebotomist positions expect at least 6 months to a year’s worth of experience when applying. Thus, travel phlebotomist is the most common entry level job that the students get upon graduation.
Regarding the skills, travel phlebotomists have to be organized, timely, cleanly, and detail-oriented. They have to possess the proper equipment on hand at all times and make sure that everything is sanitized and disposed of responsibly to prevent the transmission of HIV or AIDS, hepatitis, and other needle-borne diseases. Also, they are responsible for correctly labeling and storing all blood samples and giving them to the lab in an efficient way.