become a phlebotomist

What is a Phlebotomist and How Can I Become One?

If you fear needles, then phlebotomy will probably not become your dream job. A phlebotomist is a certified medical professional that draws blood for testing. Phlebotomists also draw blood for research and for blood donations.

What’s Being a Phlebotomist Really Like?

Phlebotomists normally draw blood from a finger stick (which is exactly what it sounds like) or through a needle and syringe in a venipuncture. Because bloodwork is often ordered before surgery or other invasive medical procedures, phlebotomists are often called upon to verify patient information, sometimes even including insurance information if working in a small medical practice. The job of a phlebotomist requires a great deal of attention to detail and excellent organizational skills, as assembling, checking and carefully labeling vials, tubes, and microscope slides are often a part of the role.

Phlebotomists are required to cause a small amount of physical pain to a patient, which requires some emotional detachment from your daily tasks. When you consider that a phlebotomist may need to draw blood from a child or a very sick adult, you will understand why cool detachment is required for this role. And you most definitely cannot be squeamish at the sight of blood!

This is a job that requires practice and skill, because finding the best vein to draw blood from, while causing the patient minimal pain, is sometimes very difficult. You’ll need solid hand-eye coordination and some dexterity to be able to accomplish your daily tasks. Your patient may have trouble keeping still, or may have exceptionally tiny veins, or may even have veins that just are difficult to find. This role requires patience, practice, and concentration; as well as exceptional people skills throughout a medical procedure that is often painful and sometimes difficult to accomplish.

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Phlebotomists often work in medical practices and clinics, hospitals and diagnostic laboratories and in blood donor centers.

What Kind of Education Will I Need?

Phlebotomy can stand on its own as a career path, or serve as a foundational skill in another medical career such as:

  • Medical Assistant
  • Nurse
  • Lab Technician

If you’ve decided to stick (pun intended!) with phlebotomy as a solo act, certification programs are available around the country. These programs are often accredited through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians.

Phlebotomy for Beginners

To get started in phlebotomy, look for an accredited postsecondary non-degree program with a solid track record of job placement. A few states, like California, also have additional requirements and certifications for the role. Certification requires some classroom training in addition to hands on practice, sometimes in a clinical setting.

Become a Phlebotomist Through Medical Assisting

ECPI University trains phlebotomists as part of a path to medical assisting. The program is part of the School of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute and prepares students to work as phlebotomists, EKG technicians, and as medical assistants in physician practices, clinics and other health care settings. Contact us today to learn more about earning an Associate of Applied Science in Health Science with a concentration in Medical Assisting. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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