DESCRIPTION
A Phlebotomy Technician is also known as a Phlebotomist.
They are primarily responsible for collecting and preparing blood samples for laboratory testing. A phlebotomist must also know the different types of tests performed on blood samples, what types of medication or diets can interfere with these tests, and how to prepare samples for testing.
Traditionally, people think of doctors and nurses taking blood samples. While doctors and nurses can, and do, take blood, they have become much too busy to do so on a regular and routine basis; this is where the specialization of Phlebotomy enters the field.
THE ROLE OF A PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN TODAY
A Phlebotomy Technician is trained to draw blood from a patient’s body for testing in clinical or medical purposes. The blood is also used for research, donations and transfusions, they are able to work in clinics, hospitals, blood banks, diagnostic centers and clinical laboratories. Blood analysis plays a very important role as a diagnostic tool for the medical clinicians. Thus, it becomes even more important that blood is collected in the most professional manner. If there is more than one sample to be collected, the tubes for blood collection must be arranged in a strictly specific order. It is the responsibility of the phlebotomist to know the order. They also collect other “Non-Blood” specimen from patients ranging from infants to the Elderly on a fast paced manner, dealing with a high volume of patients.
A Phlebotomy Technician is able to work directly with a Physician, assisting in specimen collection, diagnosis and treatment.
THE BENEFITS OF A PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN
Not everybody is able to study as a Medical Doctor or a Pharmacist because it takes years and it can be very expensive, but a Phlebotomy Technician is equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage a patient within his duties. Phlebotomy has become a specialized field in medicine and certification and training can be accomplished in as little as four months
They make a good living with an average salary of 2,500USD per month.
The job opportunities for Phlebotomy Technicians are wide and varied. Most work in hospitals or private clinics, others work in nursing homes, medical laboratories, research centers and the insurance industry. Job demand is high and expected to stay that way, which means those entering the field can expect to find plenty of openings.
While collecting specimens, Phlebotomy Technicians have the opportunity to meet different types of people on the job, and can use their skills to put patients at ease. They can also take pride in the fact that the work they do plays an important role in diagnosing and treating patients.
Phlebotomy jobs are in high demand throughout North America, United Arab Emirate, United Kingdom, Canada and the Caribbean; especially for those whom hold a phlebotomy certification.
THE BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION
Certification shows proof of your experience and hence a higher demand on salary. It demonstrates knowledge in such things as: anatomy, venipuncture and storage techniques, interpersonal skills, first aid, CPR and medical laboratory administrative practices and certainly open up more job opportunities.
It provides employers added security by knowing that the Phlebotomy Technician is fully qualified to perform the duties necessary. It opens doors to higher positions and promotions, and it demonstrates a great commitment to work.
A number of professionals in the health care industry have used their experiences as a Phlebotomy Technician to springboard their career further in the medical field. Since Phlebotomy Technicians can work in a variety of health care environments, they are exposed to many potential career options.
PROGRAM OUTLINE AND DURATION
Phlebotomy Technician certificate course runs for 5-6months.
It is divided into three semester:
Semester One: Spans for six weeks (a total of 60 teaching hours) covering basic Human Anatomy and Physiology, Overview of Phlebotomy: Legal and ethical aspect of Phlebotomy.
Semester Two: Spans for ten weeks (a total of 60 teaching hours and 40 class practicum hours) covering the Chemistry of additives, venipuncture techniques, patient interaction, various tests and specimen collection practices. Also with several venipuncture live sticks and the use of venipuncture Dummy Arm.
Semester Three: 200 Hours of Clinical Practicum at an approved hospital or a Clinical Laboratory, designed to fit and accommodate each student’s schedule.
