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.