Phlebotomists – Blood Drawing Professionals Of Healthcare Industry!

Healthcare industry has millions of jobs and multiple professions. Phlebotomy is one of these many professions. Phlebotomists are the medical professionals who perform blood related tasks at healthcare centers. They usually work under professionals such as nurses, physicians etc. For students, who want to enter this profession, phlebotomy courses are available in NYC and other cities.

Work Hours – These professionals usually work in shifts, from 9 to 5. Sometimes, they also work in a 12-hour and night shifts. They work for 36 to 40 hours a week. They work on weekdays, five days a week, from Monday to Friday. Some of them also work for part time and over time in healthcare centers.

Salary – Annual salary of these professionals is between 28,000 to 35,000 US dollars. Their wages depend on their education, experience, performance, location etc. Those who are still new in this profession may get lesser wages but with experience, their salary also increases.

Training – For entering this profession, one needs to complete proper training. In this course, one will learn about various procedures of drawing blood, venipuncture, use of different medical tools like hemogloginometer or glucometer etc. They learn which vein to choose, how to make proper puncture, how to mend it after process etc. They also learn to prepare samples for lab tests. Usually this program consists of classroom as well as clinical training.

Certification – After completing this course, institute provides proper certificate. State certification exam in America is required only in four states. These four states are California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington. There are several certification agencies, which are providing certification exams. Some of these agencies are National Credentialing Agency (NCA), National Healthcareer Association (NHA),
American Certification Agency (ACA), and American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Work – At healthcare centers, phlebotomists perform various tasks like:
  • Their main task is drawing blood samples from patients. They collect sample and prepare them for different lab tests. For drawing blood, they use various techniques such as venipuncture.

  • They check glucose and hemoglobin level of patient by using equipment like glucometer.

  • It is their responsibility to make proper puncture, draw blood, and then take care of puncture.

  • They also prepare patients for this procedure, talk with them, and take them in confidence. It is also a phlebotomist’s responsibility to provide information about this process.

  • Before venipuncture, they check patient’s histories, records, and identity. They also check vitals of patient before and after procedure.
After completing training, one can get job at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, blood banks, physician’s offices etc.

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