The health care industry boasts many phlebotomist employment opportunities which are made to be highly sought after because it’s much less likely to be susceptible to economic fluctuations. Depressions or recessions have little – to no – impact on career prospects. For those interested in patient care, a job as a phlebotomist offers satisfaction and reasonably good remuneration.
Phlebotomy is the practice of collecting bodily fluids, usually blood, for analysis. Phlebotomists are responsible for collecting, labeling, and storing specimens but does not perform any of the specimen analysis, they do, however, interact with their patients. In a laboratory setting, the phlebotomist may be the only person the patient deals with. Some patients may be anxious or difficult about having blood drawn; phlebotomists must interact with patients in a professional and comforting manner and should always reassure patients that the minimum amount of blood needed for analysis will be drawn.
Phlebotomy training allows you to become knowledgeable of human anatomy and physiology, blood collection and storage techniques, administrative duties, first aid and CPR. Many phlebotomists are nationally certified. Certification is not legally required of practicing phlebotomists, except in California and Louisiana; however, many employers prefer to hire only certified employees. Certification is obtained by writing a nationally recognized certification exam through an organization like the American Phlebotomy Association or National Center for Competency Testing. Phlebotomy training can be completed in as little as 12 weeks. Associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are also available.
Phlebotomy jobs are related to laboratories which perform the specimen analysis. Phlebotomists work in association with nurses and doctors and can find employment in a variety of settings. They can work in hospitals, private health care clinics, laboratories, and blood banks. A phlebotomist may work on a mobile basis for a hospital or blood donation clinic.
Phlebotomy technicians are in demand and there are lots of opportunities for employment. The United States Bureau of Labor estimates a 14 percent increase in employment opportunity from 2006 to 2016. With growing advancements in the medical field, the need for certified phlebotomists is on the rise.
One could argue that a phlebotomy job is better than other opportunities in the healthcare industry. The majority of phlebotomists work 9 to 5 throughout the week and only in hospitals may they be asked to work shifts. Phlebotomists can also opt to work part time hours, but this does not mean they’re any less experienced than full time phlebotomists. The duties of full time and part time phlebotomists are the same, only the hours have been reduced.
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