Overview
Phlebotomy is nothing more than the process of drawing blood from the patients for diagnostic or transfusion purposes. Physicians and other allied health professionals, for instance paramedics, nurses, medical assistants, and etc. are all trained in phlebotomy in the course of their medical training. However, phlebotomists are specially trained and certified to carry out this duty in hope to aid the doctors and their assistants.
Apart from taking blood samples, a phlebotomist also interact with other medical staff for other duties available. Some of these duties are such as:
- Testing the patient’s blood pressure.
- Explaining the blood drawing process to the patient so as to make them comfortable.
- Maintaining the correct patient’s medical records.
- Ensuring that the blood drawing equipments are clean and sterilized after taking the blood samples.
- Sending the blood samples to the appropriate laboratories for further medical procedures.
There are numerous phlebotomy training options in Los Angeles. Listed below are some well known phlebotomy schools in LA area:
- Allied Medical and health Service in Glendale, Los Angeles
- Meridian Institute in Los Angeles, LA
- Central Nursing College in Los Angeles, LA
- LA Vocational Institute in Los Angeles, LA
- Northridge Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles, LA
- Platt College in Los Angeles, LA
- American Career College in Los Angeles, LA
Top cities in Los Angeles hiring phlebotomists
- Vernon
- Temple City
- South Gate
- South El Monte
- Santa Fe Springs
- Maywood
- Malibu
- Downey
- Culver City
- Alhambra
Essential training and certification
Getting certified as a phlebotomist is the easiest way of showing the other medical practitioners that you possesses a certain skill standard. Consequently, the majority of phlebotomy training programs are tailored to ensure that the outcome match the certification requirements. The phlebotomy study duration is based on the training program you enroll in. It may last for 3 – 12 months prior to getting the phlebotomist certification. The training program normally provides an extensive coverage of the necessary coursework, ranging from the science of safely drawing blood and theoretical class work to the laboratory procedures. After completion of the training period, a candidate is availed with a phlebotomy certificate.
The following agencies are mandated with phlebotomy certification processes in Los Angeles:
- The National Phlebotomy Association
- The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
- The American Medical Technologists
- The American Society of Clinical Pathologists
- The American Association of Medical Personal
The program a candidate is undertaking has to be accredited by any one of above named accreditation agencies. Apart from being accredited, the program has to be recognized by the state you are planning to work in.
Personality and skills required for this vocation
Phlebotomy is a medical field that requires a high level of cleanliness. And because most patients are really scared of needles, it is the duty of a phlebotomist to create a relaxing atmosphere so as to reduce the resultant tension. Phlebotomist should be people who have of strong conviction ability as this reassures the patients. Trustworthiness, reliability, ready to learn and strong resolve are some of the desired traits of a successful phlebotomist.
Salary expectations and career prospects
According to a recent salary survey, the median salary of a phlebotomist in Los Angeles is between $18,000 and $25.000 while that of a phlebotomist supervisor averages $ 35,000 per annum. Furthermore, most clinics pay almost 40% higher for weekend and night shifts. Additionally, some phlebotomists in Los Angeles work on an hourly basis.
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