What do Phlebotomists Do Every Day?
Phlebotomists are responsible for tapping into veins and gathering blood from patients without causing excessive injury, pain or undue stress. A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional that deals directly with the patient, while other laboratory technicians work in the background.
What Kind of Training Is Involved?
On the job training was most common until recent years. The need to have more skilled workers has been recognized by doctors and hospitals. If the blood for a test is not drawn correctly, the results may be inaccurate. Inaccurate tests may need to be repeated, causing more stress on the patient.
The shortest phlebotomy training course lasts for three days. This type of course might be recommended for someone who already has work experience but would like to have a certificate to qualify for more jobs.
A longer accredited phlebotomist training program might last as long as two years. A person that invests that much time in education can expect to earn an associate in science degree or an allied healthcare professional degree.
The training involved varies depending on which course or courses you decide to take. In most cases, you will learn the basics of blood analysis. A great deal of your time will be spent drawing blood. In order to be certified, you will need to have a number of successful blood draws. Depending on the program you choose, you should be able to get some or all of those draws during the clinical portion of the program.
What is the Average Phlebotomist Salary?
According to the US Bureau of Labor, the national average rate of pay for a phlebotomist in 2008 was $12.50 per hour. Remember that the average salary is a median. Some first year phlebotomists earned as little as $9.75. Those with 10 or more years of experience earned as much as $16.00 per hour.
Most employers offer paid holidays and vacations. Overtime is paid at time and a half in most institutions and overtime is often available in most hospitals because the policy is to hire the minimum number of phlebotomists, nurses and other professionals.
Many hospitals pay a premium for those employees that are willing to work night shifts. So a phlebotomist salary could be higher than average for many reasons. Overtime and premium pay are just two things to consider. Another thing that many phlebotomists do is cross-train in other fields in order to increase their income and their job opportunities.
What Are the Job Prospects for Phlebotomists?
According to the US Bureau of Labor, the job opportunities are numerous and they are expected to increase. A 14% increase in job opportunities is expected between 2006 and 2016. Like other healthcare professionals, phlebotomists will continue to be in demand.
You can expect that the average phlebotomist salary will increase, especially if the demand for phlebotomists exceeds the supply. This could happen because many phlebotomists are unlicensed. Some have never received professional training. Certifications are being required by many employers.
If this is the career you want, it would make sense for you to get all of the training available and invest in the certifications, even if they are not currently required. Once you become certified, you should keep up with your continuing education because technological advancements will affect this field of medicine. You can expect to earn the highest phlebotomist salary as time goes by if you keep up with the latest advancements.
Where can you find a Phlebotomy Training Course?
Training courses are available from community colleges. There is more than one online phlebotomist certification program. Some vocational or technical schools offer classes. For example, one of the vocational schools in Gainesville, Florida offers training. There are plenty of options for someone who wants to become trained and certified in phlebotomy.
Try to remember that the average phlebotomist salary is only one thing to consider. There are jobs that pay more and jobs that pay less. The most important thing to consider is whether or not you like the work.
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