How do you Become a Phlebotomist?

Just about everyone has had blood drawn at the doctor's office. What you might not know, however, is that the person who draws blood samples isn't a nurse or assistant. They are a phlebotomist, which is its own field of medicine.

What does a phlebotomist do?

A phlebotomist's job description includes drawing blood samples, labeling samples, delivering them to the laboratory for testing, entering patient information into databases, and cleaning and maintaining equipment.

Each of these duties requires a lot of attention to detail and focus. Drawing blood samples, especially if you're taking multiple samples, requires sound timing and a deft touch. You will also occasionally have to calm jittery patients who aren't comfortable with needles or having their blood drawn; being focused and calm yourself will go a long way to easing their worries. Precision is important in this job, but so is compassion.

Entering patient information requires accuracy and critical thinking; this isn't a field where you can ever afford to be sloppy. If you have an eye for detail and want to help others through medical care, this could be an excellent match for you.

What About Safety?

Keeping your workplace clean is crucial to any aspect of medicine, and if you're a phlebotomist cleanliness will be a major part of your day to day routine. Proper disposal of used equipment is essential, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards require you to keep your workplace spotless.

Suffice it to say, this is not a job where you can eat or drink in your office. Additionally, phlebotomists are not permitted to apply makeup, put on contact lenses, or use lip balm while they are in work areas. This is another instance where your attention to detail will be vital to performing your duties.

What sort of education do I need to become a phlebotomist?

Unlike many other medical fields, phlebotomy doesn't require many years of extremely expensive postgraduate education to enter. You can enter the field with a high school or college degree, although most workplaces require some sort of certified training from their phlebotomists, with a preference for college degrees.

Phlebotomy is a great way to get your start in the medical field. Whether you have aspirations of working toward a different medical career, or believe you are best fulfilling your goals in the phlebotomy field, a degree in health science could be the start to your new career.

How ECPI University Could Help you Start a Career as a Phlebotomist

If you're interested in the field of phlebotomy, you'll want to set yourself apart from the crowd with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Medical Assisting. This accelerated degree program could see you earning your degree in as little as 15 months. To see if this program is the right step for you, be sure to contact an ECPI University admissions representative today for more information!

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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