You do not have to be a superhero with superpowers to save people’s lives. Sometimes, a career in phlebotomy is all you need. Phlebotomy is the medical procedure of acquiring blood from a vein. Thanks to phlebotomy technicians, the process no longer requires cutting open a vein and letting the blood flow into a container. All the patients and donors need to do now is sit still and follow simple breathing instructions.
This article will tell you more about a phlebotomy technician’s role and the things you need to know if you are interested in entering this career.
The Role of a Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist plays an essential role in the medical setting. They ensure that the blood samples required for medical assessments are accurate and appropriately stored. They help ensure that test results will be correct and reliable. Besides those, here are the other vital roles they fulfill:
- Responsible for drawing blood from patients and blood donors
- Ensures that their patients or donors are calm and at ease the entire process
- Provides correct labeling of blood samples
- Keeps the database updated with patient information
- Makes sure that work areas are clean, disinfected, and sanitary
- Maintains and assembles medical instruments used in the process
The Requirements
If you are interested in getting into this field, you must first undergo a Phlebotomy Technician training program. Here are the basic requirements that you need before entering such a program.
- Age: At least 18 years of age
- Educational Background: Need to have a high school diploma or have taken the GED (General Educational Development) Test
- Other Requirements:
- An applicant should be able to pass all drug tests.
- An applicant will undergo a background test.
- An applicant must be updated with all their vaccinations.
Other requirements depend on the school or institution you are applying for. Make sure to contact them and ask for the complete prerequisites to determine what else you need to prepare.
About Phlebotomy Technician Courses
- On Cost
The cost varies depending on the type of school you are attending. There are many institutions to help you kickstart your career in phlebotomy. You have choices, such as entering a technical school or pursuing a degree in a community college or university. Check your options to see what works for you. The program fee ranges from a hundred dollars to a thousand dollars.
- On Duration
The duration also depends on the institution you applied for and their design program for their students. You can finish a course in a few weeks or a year. Some institutions also offer flexible setups to accommodate students who have other commitments and responsibilities. Schools award certificates or diplomas to students based on the program they provide and finish.
- What to Expect After
After earning your certification, you need to take and pass the certification exam to expand your career opportunities and get higher pay. This National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT) exam is administered by The National Center for Competency.
Conclusion
A career in phlebotomy can be an exciting profession that can give you a rewarding experience. By drawing blood from patients and donors, you help detect diseases, infections, bacteria, and other threats to people’s health. Your role plays an integral part in blood donation, especially in saving people suffering from blood clotting and autoimmune problems.
If you are comfortable working with blood, needles, and different types of people, this career will be an excellent choice for you. Medical Career Academy is a trusted and well-respected phlebotomy school in Indiana that can give you the training, skills, and knowledge you need. Earn your certification now.