If you are considering a career in medicine, you should seriously consider phlebotomy as the discipline that you should follow. The reasons for this is are varied and the outlook is very positive for those who are able to qualify as a certified phlebotomist. Overall, the health care industry is growing in the United States year on year; the demand for certain disciplines is currently outstripping supply. The medical sector is constantly seeking qualified phlebotomists and is prepared to pay attractive market rates for those people who offer the required skills and certificates.
Why is the demand for phlebotomists so high?
Phlebotomy in its current form is a relatively new form of medical discipline, as the tasks and duties of a phlebotomist have been extended to more than just taking blood samples. As is often the case in an emerging discipline, the number of qualified personnel available to meet the market demand leads to a supply gap that will take some years to be filled. For this reason a decision to follow a career as a phlebotomist makes perfect sense.
Where will a trained phlebotomist work?
As a phlebotomist you will be required to be able to draw blood for analysis in order to treat and cure various health problems that patients may be suffering from. As a trained phlebotomist you will be expected to work in either a clinic or a hospital. You will be dealing with either in-patients or out-patients who require your services. Both hospitals and clinics prefer and look for the services of a person who has qualified as a phlebotomist. You will be suitable as you have followed a recognized training course and you will have successfully passed the exams.
How long does phlebotomy training take?
In order to become a qualified a phlebotomist, you will need to follow one of two different training course options. A one year phlebotomy course is available from vocational and technical schools that will reward successful students with a phlebotomy diploma. If you want to go for something more you should apply for an associate’s degree program. This course will take 2 years to complete and you will normally follow this course at a community college.
What else should you do after qualifying?
You should check whether the state where you plan to follow your career requires you to be registered or licensed in order to pursue a career as phlebotomist. You will be able to get good comprehensive information from the college you plan to use for your course or from the state department of health. You can also make enquires at any board of occupational licensing; they will be able to advise you about the requirements.
On the job or certified phlebotomists options
Although your chances of getting the phlebotomist position you are seeking will not be disqualified by only having on the job training, having a certificate gives you a distinct advantage. As there are a large number of courses that are recognized and accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), it is important to double check that the course that you plan to follow will be recognized in the state where you would like to practise your profession.
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