Phlebotomy Training in Maryland

Overview

If you want a more stable career in the medical arena, or you want to change jobs, then you may want to consider becoming a phlebotomist. Those medical professional who draw blood or take urine and stool samples from patients are known as phlebotomists or phlebotomy technicians. Thus, phlebotomy is the science of collecting bodily excretions and blood samples for a further medical analysis. Generally, a career in phlebotomy can be very rewarding for those who love working in a medical environment. This is because as a phlebotomist you get to meet different types of people while working. Apart from this, you work with different types of medical professionals while carrying out your normal duties. Phlebotomy technicians basically work in drug testing facilities, blood banks, hospitals, clinics, training medical institutes and so forth.

Because phlebotomy technicians have a high potential of getting exposed to blood-borne diseases and other contaminants, thus they must exercise caution while executing their duties at all times. This is vital for their safety as well as for the others who might get exposed to the body fluids they collect. Under the able direction of a qualified medical doctor or any other licensed medical professional, the phlebotomy technician duties are such as; drawing and safely storing blood samples either for transfusion or further testing, collecting urine and stool samples from the patients for medical analysis and so forth. Before collecting these specimens, it is their duty to ensure that the working environment and all instruments are sterile and haven’t been used before.

Top cities in Maryland hiring phlebotomists

• Annapolis
• Baltimore
• Frederick
• Columbia
• Bethesda
• Dundalk
• Silver Spring
• Glen Burnie
• Rockville
• Westminster
• Salisbury
• Wheaton

Essential training and certification

There are many colleges offering phlebotomy training in Maryland. The course duration is normally 3 to 12 months. Apart from the normal certification, many colleges also offer associate degree in phlebotomy. On top of being certified as a phlebotomy technician, you must also obtain the necessary registration and licensing in Maryland.

Phlebotomy training programs combine both the theory (classroom lecture) and the hands-on training (demonstration). Once you have gotten a solid grasp of the theory, the instructor may allow you to practice drawing blood on dummies or on fellow students. After you are through with the training, you are required to obtain the phlebotomy certification from any recognized certifying body. Some of the reputable certifying bodies are such as:

• National Phlebotomy Association
• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• Association of Phlebotomy Technicians
• American Phlebotomy Association

Personality and skills required for this vocation

A phlebotomist should be caring, have strong interaction skills, be able to work under pressure, good presentation, and have good communication skills. Apart from this, they are required to be well conversant with various computer applications.

Salary expectations and career prospects

Basically, a certified phlebotomy technician can expect to earn an annual salary that ranges between $20 000 to $50 000 with an increase in demand for phlebotomy services expected through 2012. Due to this, more medical facilities will require the services of qualified phlebotomy technicians. To reduce the impact of liability, most medical facilities require that all potential phlebotomist to obtain phlebotomy pre-certification.

No related posts.