Why Choose a Career in Phlebotomy?

Interested in healthcare? Discover the benefits of becoming a phlebotomist. Learn Why Choose a Career in Phlebotomy.

Choosing to pursue a career is an important decision with significant impact on your life. And, there are so many choices out there. Making the decision to choose one career over another requires some consideration and a lot of introspection. Your personal interests, skills, values, job availability, location, salary, and growth potential are some key points to ponder upon. 

In lucrative healthcare careers, phlebotomy has become quite popular in recent years. It is a great career path for those wishing to enter healthcare. Phlebotomy plays a crucial role in the medical testing process. It is a career that provides a sense of fulfillment for those who enjoy helping others and being part of the healthcare industry. 

Becoming a phlebotomist can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for you. But, why are phlebotomists important, and Why Choose a Career in Phlebotomy? Continue reading below to find out…

Why are phlebotomists important?

A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who specializes in taking blood samples from veins or capillaries of patients for various lab tests, research, blood transfusions, and donations. Capillary blood sampling from a patient’s finger, heel, or earlobe is used when blood is needed in small quantities.

What are the essential duties of a phlebotomist?

So, what are the essential duties of a phlebotomist? His/her primary responsibility is to collect blood samples from patients using techniques such as venipuncture or fingersticks. Here’s a sample description from an actual job ad:

Phlebotomist Skills and Qualifications needed:

• Adept at venipuncture and finger sticks
• Excellent verbal and written communication and documentation skills
• Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR)
• Interpersonal skills and compassion
• Analyzing information, critical thinking, and problem-solving
• Knowledge of infection control procedures
• Bedside manner
• Attention to detail
• Procedural and organizational skills
• Quality focus
• Basic computer skills

As you can see, ensuring patient safety and sample accuracy is paramount for phlebotomists. Verifying patient identification, labeling specimens, and properly disposing of used equipment are other responsibilities. They also play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and organized work environment, keeping track of inventory, and communicating with other healthcare professionals. 

Phlebotomists often interact with patients who may be nervous or anxious about having their blood drawn, so excellent communication and interpersonal skills are integral to their success. 

If you believe you have the capabilities to perform all of these duties, you can choose phlebotomy as a career and secure your place in the medical field. 

The need for phlebotomists is on the rise.

Why Choose a Career in Phlebotomy? Phlebotomy is a growing field as the need for medical testing continues to increase. This means there is a relatively stable demand for phlebotomists, encompassing a phlebotomy career with higher job security.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment rate of phlebotomists will increase by double digits between 2021 and 2031. On average, BLS projects that there will be approximately 21,500 job openings for phlebotomists each year over the next decade. Some of these job openings are likely to occur because some workers may transfer to different occupations or retire, creating a need for replacements.

What does being a phlebotomist mean for your career?

Phlebotomy is often an entry-level position, with a median phlebotomist salary of about $40,000 per year as of 2021. The position is often a stepping stone to other healthcare careers. Phlebotomists can advance their careers in several ways…

• As a phlebotomist, you can specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or critical care, leading to higher-paying jobs.
• You can pursue further education and training to become medical laboratory technicians, medical technologists, or nurses. This can open up new opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.
• You can take on leadership roles, such as supervisory or managerial positions, in laboratories or other healthcare settings.
• You can also use your skills and experience to transition into related healthcare fields, such as medical assisting.

What are the education and training requirements for a phlebotomy career?

The education and training requirements to be a phlebotomist can vary by the state and prospective employers but typically include the following:

High School Diploma or Equivalent:

To become a phlebotomist, the first requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.

Phlebotomy Training Programs:

You will require formal phlebotomy training with classroom instruction and hands-on training in venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques. This can be garnered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals. These programs typically take weeks or months, depending on the program specifications. As you will read below, we have a short one-week program that has done wonders for our past alumni.

Certification:

While certification is not always required to work as a phlebotomist, it can improve job prospects and salary potential. Several organizations, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), offer phlebotomy certification exams that certify you to work across the country, elevating your employability substantially.

So, what do you think? Is phlebotomy a good career choice? We think it is.

How can Tennessee Professional Training Institute help you start your career in phlebotomy?

At Tennessee Professional Training Institute, we offer a one-week phlebotomy training program designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful phlebotomist.

During the training program, you will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, as well as the proper techniques for drawing blood and collecting specimens. You will also receive training in infection control, safety procedures, and basic medical terminology. 

Our students have the opportunity to practice their skills in a clinical setting under the supervision of experienced phlebotomists.

Visit our website or call us at (615) 631-8440 to get started on your journey to be a phlebotomist.