The healthcare sector employs different professionals beyond doctors, specializes, nurses and physicians. A phlebotomist is in charge of extracting and preparing blood samples from patients, for further testing, studies, donations and transfusions. Phlebotomists mostly work at hospitals, laboratories,and outpatient centers as full-time or part-time employees. The word “phlebotomy”, or Flebotomia, basically means drawing blood. If you are interested in this career, here are some things about phlebotomists.
What’s the role of phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists are critical for managing labs, medical facilities like outpatient centers and hospitals. Their role at the healthcare facility typically remains the same. From taking details from patients and prepping them for blood collection, to explaining the transfusion process and carrying out blood draws and transfusions, they do it all. Some patients may have critical issues or reactions to blood drawing, so aphlebotomist also does all possible to calm and manage such people. They also handle the labeling and tracking of samples taken and maintain inventory at clinics. They can also order blood collection instruments, if allowed.
Why consider phlebotomy as a career option?
Phlebotomists are always in demand. As the healthcare sector expands, the need for phlebotomists will increase with increase in testing. The blood collection process is critical, because phlebotomists often need to deal with infants and newborns, as well. For infants, blood is drawn from the heel. Beyond blood collection and managing samples, phlebotomists are trained for doing blood tests and urine tests. Note that phlebotomists are typically not responsible for admin tasks or jobs like administering medication to patient, like nurses. This is a demanding career for sure, but also a surprising one, and the job outlook and wages for phlebotomists in the US are great.
The future ahead
New phlebotomists don’t have as many roles as experienced professionals. However, as you learn more on the job, you can take up senior roles, like becoming a lab technician, or training to become a RN. You can also hold higher positions in blood donation centers and blood banks. Phlebotomists also get to travel at times, especially if they are working for a nursing care center, or are expected to be at home with patients, especially the elderly.
Check online to find more on phlebotomist courses, and don’t shy away from asking relevant questions when you look for a college. Your training can help you find a well-paying job early on, from where you can expect to expand further in career.
