Do you want to be a phlebotomist? If so, you may want to make it fast. However, as you know, to be someone which means that to be a profession that you want, there is a range of processes that you have to take like graduating from a certain program in college, taking certification, training and many more. So, here I will give you the information about how to be a phlebotomist.
How To Be A Phlebotomist
There are several steps that you have to take if you want to be a phlebotomist. According to the Indeed site, here are the steps that you have to take to be a phlebotomist.
- You must graduate from high school or you can get a GED. If you want to be a phlebotomist, you need to have at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and you have to be at least 18 years old. It is important for you to note that a high school diploma usually takes four years of study. People usually prepare to take a GED exam for about three months.
- A phlebotomy training program must be completed by you. You have to research and select the phlebotomy training program which is suitable with your budget and schedule. You have to make sure that you enroll and successfully complete all coursework and practical training. You may select a certificate, diploma or Associate Degree program in Phlebotomy from a lot of different schools and hospitals. For your information, if you take phlebotomy training courses, it ranges from about four months to a year.
- You have to get certified by a recognized body. After you complete your training, you are able to look for certification from a nationally recognized certification organization like the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT). If you become a certified phlebotomist, it can increase your opportunities for being hired. It also shows your commitment to your field and connects you to a network of other professionals who are able to help you in your new career. How long do we take to be certified? It varies. However, after you have studied for, taken and successfully passed the certification examination, your official certification should be received by you in about two weeks.
- You have to apply for positions and get a job. If you have completed your coursework and practical training and you have professional certification, now you are ready to be a phlebotomist. If you want to find a position, you are able to take advantage of employment resources your school offers. You are also able to use online job search sites, your personal and school networks and professional organizations and certifying bodies to find the position that you want.
- Lastly, you need to stay current because your industry changes. When you work as a phlebotomist, you have to continue to read about advancements in the field, network with other medical professionals, join professional organizations and keep your certifications up to date.
What Is A Phlebotomist and How Long to Become a Phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a medical professional whose main job is to draw blood samples from patients for testing. This profession usually works in private medical practices, testing laboratories, assisted living facilities, public and private hospital systems and other clinical settings.
Besides drawing blood, phlebotomists also do the things below as explained on Indeed site.
- Phlebotomists explain blood draw procedures to patients.
- Phlebotomists comfort nervous or anxious patients.
- Phlebotomists help patients who have adverse reactions to blood draws.
- Phlebotomists protect the integrity of paperwork trails.
- Phlebotomists manage the chain of possession of samples.
- Phlebotomists label samples properly.
- Phlebotomists perform transfusions.
- Phlebotomists collaborate with nurses, doctors, other medical technicians and patient management staff.
You may wonder how long you need to be able to be a phlebotomist. According to the Indeed site, to be a phlebotomist, it will take anywhere from four months to a year and a half depending on the school and training program that you choose and certifications that you apply for. It is explained that you are able to expect to spend three months to a year studying and doing practicum training hours and an additional 20 to 40 hours of coursework for certification. Usually, about two-thirds of your phlebotomy training is in the classroom and one third is spent in practical training through internships and externships. In the phlebotomy training that you will do, it will include physiology, anatomy, medical terminology and hands-on training.
Skills That You Need to be a Phlebotomist
If you become a phlebotomist, besides technical training, here are the skills that you need according to the Indeed site.
- Organization
If you become a phlebotomist, you will be responsible for maintaining a sterile and organized workplace. - Attention to detail
As a phlebotomist, you have to pay attention to sample amounts, sample labeling, data input and also sample tracking. - Soft skills
If you want to be a successful phlebotomist, you have to use interpersonal skills such as empathy, verbal and nonverbal communication to patience so that you are able to provide good experiences to the patients. - Hand-eye coordination
If you want to be a phlebotomist, you need to have steady hands and good coordination to do smooth blood draws and minimize patient discomfort.
The Cost That You Spend to be A Phlebotomist
The cost that you spend to be a phlebotomist varies. As explained on Indeed site, it depends on many factors such as school and state that you choose. If you choose an accredited online training program, it may cost at least $300 or $700 to $800. The cost for in-person classroom phlebotomy training is anywhere from about $700 to $1,400 or more.
On Indeed’s site, it is also explained that there are some employers such as hospitals and the Red Cross who offer training to their employees at little or no cost. The cost for initial phlebotomy certification ranges from about $80 to $150 with certification renewal charges varying. There are also books and other materials for training that you have to buy so that you have to consider the cost for them as well.
