If you have great people skills and you’re not uneasy at the sight of blood, a career as a phlebotomist is for you. Although an entry-level healthcare career, phlebotomy is still a rewarding career.
Working closely with patients, phlebotomists work in several different types of environment, including outpatient care centers, hospitals, diagnostic labs, care facilities, clinics, and blood donation centers.
What is Phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy is a process of making a puncture in a vein, usually in the arm to draw blood. Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood from a patient, for a variety of medical tests, procedures, donation, transfusions or research.
How to Become a Phlebotomist?
Training Programs: Although a college degree is not required, a formal phlebotomy training is a must. Students will gain focused training on medical terminology, venipuncture, anatomy, vascular physiology, skin puncture techniques, safety procedures and specimen handling.
The main component of any phlebotomy training programs should be hands-on training on simulation equipment for practicing blood draws. A healthcare setting with professional supervision will help you learn quickly, make you familiar with medical laws and ethics.
Phlebotomists work with patients, doctors, nurses and lab technicians, thus, need good interpersonal skills and professional attitude. Thus, focus on soft skills during the training programs is a must.
Job Description
To be successful, you need to be through with the following responsibilities:
- Knowledge of testing protocols and the use of testing equipment.
- Accurate patient identification and understands medical history.
- Assessing patient needs and determining the reasons for drawing blood.
- Selecting gauge needles and preparing veins for blood drawing.
- Using the right methods for drawing blood – venipuncture or fingerstick.
- Preparing specimen for transportation, labelling accurately and matching samples to patients.
- Maintain records of patients’ names, the volume of blood drawn and diagnostic findings.
- Cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment and order supplies as required.
Interesting Facts about Phlebotomists
They are Calm
Many people fear needles and can lead to a stressful situation. A patient may become difficult to handle, or may even faint. Phlebotomists are trained to deal with awkward situations and calm patients to get the job done.
Pain is Avoided
They understand that puncturing skin is a fearful experience, certified phlebotomists select equipment wisely to ensure less pain.
Variety
Phlebotomy career offers flexible hours and freedom to move between departments. It is a busy role but can offer job opportunities in several different locations.
Safety is Priority
They work with patients who are very sick and test blood for a variety of conditions and infectious diseases. Phlebotomists don’t take any risks, meticulous approach and protocol following is their second nature.
Job Outlook for Phlebotomists
Phlebotomy professionals are in-demand in Ontario and job outlook for the next three years is fair in the Toronto Region.
The hourly wage for trained phlebotomists in Canada is C$19.79/ hour, and experience professionals can earn up to $24.79/hour.
Let your Skills Set You Apart
If you think phlebotomy is something that interests you, getting certified will be your first step.
Paramedic Academy offers extensive phlebotomy certification training that equips you with essential knowledge of the procedure and skills to draw blood and other specimens in medical settings, using proper techniques and precautions.
You will gain hands-on practice using vacutainers, butterfly needles together capillary puncture. Blended learning environment offers you both theoretical and practical know-how.
