Phlebotomist Employment - A Career Path With High Demand

               
Many career opportunities are available in the medical field and one of those jobs is that in the department of a phlebotomy. A phlebotomist is specially trained to draw blood from individuals and prepare these samples for laboratory testing. Many also use the lab's computer system to enter the findings of testing into a patient's records. Many medical personnel are trained in phlebotomy as well as other medical skills as in doctor's offices. Trained phlebotomist employment is in higher demand in large medical facilities such as hospitals and in centers where individuals go to donate blood. This field offers a very competitive salary and is a valued member of any medical staff.
Training
In preparing for phlebotomist employment one must attend an accredited phlebotomy program for a period of six months to one year and after completing this program one must have approximately of six hours a year of continuing education courses as a means of keeping up with change in the field and refreshing skills. Most local or community colleges as well as vocational schools generally offer this training. Some employers may from time to time also offer this training while on the job. For many they find this offering a great advantage as they can receive their training and work at the same time.
Courses of Study
When attending a program at a selected institution, individuals wishing to obtain phlebotomist employment will have to study and master certain courses. The usual course of study includes laboratory safety, procedures for obtaining blood samples, anatomy and physiology, and several courses to learn how infections and different diseases affect the blood and its components. Students will also be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. These students will also learn generally in a clinical setting but often in the classroom how to correctly draw blood samples from a patient. Upon successful completion of the program individuals receive either a certificate or a diploma.
Working in the Field
Anyone desiring phlebotomist employment should be able to maintain a professional and caring composure when working with patients. Many patients feel threatened and fearful when blood must be collected as part of their healthcare especially children. In many healthcare settings the phlebotomist has many different responsibilities and being able to multi task is very important. Many must sterilize medical equipment, help in obtaining blood pressures, temperatures, and weights of patients as well as the duties they were trained for.