Why Become A Phlebotomist

doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff depend heavily on those around them with a particular specialty. without their help, any healthcare system would simply seize functioning. phlebotomists are one such medical professionals.

phlebotomy
phlebotomy is a procedure which involves removing blood from the body. a health professional who performs this procedure is called phlebotomist. phlebotomists draws blood for a variety of reasons like blood testing, donations, transfusions and research. furthermore, they explain the blood-drawing procedure to patients.

why become a phlebotomist
a phlebotomist does simply more than drawing blood from the patient. he/she employs his/her cognitive skills to perform the job. therefore those who would enjoy doing the following on regular basis must think about becoming a phlebotomist:

• dealing with patients - phlebotomy is not a mechanical procedure; patients are real people who need to be handled with care.

• working with computers - using computers and computer systems to enter data and process information.

• communicating with people - including communicating with co-workers, and supervisors, in all forms, written, in-person and e-mail.  

• training and teaching others - teaching or instructing others, while those in instructional positions may be asked to develop formal educational or training classes or programs.

• ensuring compliance with standards - phlebotomy is a scientific procedure which must conform to certain scientific standards.

a phlebotomist with the following personal traits and qualities is more likely to succeed then the one without:

• initiative
• attention to detail
• adaptability/flexibility
• independence
• cooperation
• self control
• concern for others
• stress tolerance
• dependability
• integrity

phlebotomist salary
in addition to drawing blood for a variety of reasons, phlebotomy also attracts people because of what it offers in return, salary. onet quotes an annual salary figure of $29,730 (median salary in 2012).

job outlook
the number of phlebotomists jobs are expected to grow at the rate of 10%-19% between 2010 and 2020. therefore those who are thinking of pursuing a career in healthcare without spending too much on schooling, should think about becoming a phlebotomist.

how long does it take to become a phlebotomist
if you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist then the good news is that you may not need extensive college education, if at all. you can join a vocational training school after graduating from high school and become a phlebotomist. a phlebotomist program may last anywhere from eight weeks to six months. there may be an alternative. it may be possible for a hospital to hire you without prior phlebotomy education or training and then train you on-site. the american society for clinical pathology hires people, trains them for one year and then allow them to test for certification. certification, however, is not mandatory to work as a phlebotomist. but a field which does not require much in terms of qualifications, it enhances one's job prospects if a phlebotomist certification is acquired.

if you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist then there isn't much that you need in terms of formal education. your employer may train you and then ask you to go for a certificate. phlebotomists aren't the most highly paid individuals but they also don't spend much on themselves in terms of college education.