Phlebotomist Training
What is a Phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a necessary nurse in the RN business. They draw blood from patients on a daily basis, but they also must be skilled with psychology, chemistry, anatomy, engineering, and some administration.
What job requirements does a phlebotomist have?
The day in the life of a phlebotomist begins when a doctor orders a blood test for a patient. Since so many patients fear needles, the phlebotomist must be able to keep the patient at ease while disinfecting and tourniqueting the patient, and must try to insert the needle with as little pain as possible. They need to be able to understand the labeling system on a blood vial, in order to correctly test a patient.
A phlebotomist needs to be ready for anything. Patients can have a variety of consequences from getting a blood test, such as allergies, anxiety, or even a misdraw on the phlebotomists part.
What they need:
- a calm demeanor, personable attitude, and attention for detail
- discipline and respect for procedure
- knowledge of equipment, patient psychology
Most phlebotomists start at part-time positions and, based on their aptitude, build a career.
What is required to become a phlebotomist?
You don’t need a ton of education to become a phlebotomist, and the job is fast-faced with some excitement. An aspiring phlebotomist can choose between three degrees: a medical certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s. If you go for a certificate, it is the quickest option, giving you the basic foundation of physiology, technique, procedure, terminology, and equipment necessary to become a phlebotomist.
If you go into an associate program, your general education and overall knowledge foundation will expand. Your future career doesn’t always have to be phlebotomy: you can go into a position as a medical assistant or laboratory technician.
A bachelor’s degree prepares the phlebotomist for a supervisor role in the field, or perhaps even to go further and become a medical technologist. A phlebotomist must also pass a Phlebotomy Certification Exam.
