Maybe you’re one of those people who have a passion for healing the sick but don’t have the time or resources to get through a medical school. Or perhaps, you would like to go to med school a little later, but in the meanwhile, you want to learn as much as you can about healthcare. Either way, a career as a phlebotomist promises to be an enriching experience.

What exactly is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy stems from the ancient practice of bloodletting – physicians tried to cure diseases by drawing large amounts of what they thought was ‘infected’ blood from the body of a patient. While modern science has abandoned this practice, the term remains.

The phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician of today collects blood specimens or samples through various techniques and sends it for further study or culture.

Key Responsibilities of a Phlebotomist

As a phlebotomist, you will be required to obtain the patient’s blood specimens either through venipuncture or through microtechniques. The blood should be drawn in such a way that you cause the patient or donor minimal pain. This blood is then transported safely and without contamination to a lab or storage area.

You will also be responsible for taking the patient’s vital signs, updating records and sterilizing the equipment after use. Sometimes, depending on the hospital or laboratory where you work, you will also be called on to analyze information and make suitable recommendations.

Another undefined but crucial responsibility would be to present an extremely calm, soothing demeanor to patients, allaying the instinctive fear that most people have towards being pricked!

Certification, Licensing and Training Requirements

The educational requirement for phlebotomy varies in each state. While a few states recommend certifications, others consider it mandatory.

Even when certification is only optional, employers prefer phlebotomists who are certified through a national agency, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology or the National Crediting Agency for Laboratory Personnel. To obtain this certification, you will have to enroll in a course through an accredited phlebotomist training program.

While a degree may not be required, vocational training will make a definite difference to how you are viewed by the medical fraternity. Not only will it indicate that you are serious about your career, but it will also assure your potential employer that you meet a certain standard of competence.

Typically, a phlebotomy program should take you about 4 to 8 months. Some states require phlebotomy technicians to have a state licensure. For instance, from 2006 California has been insisting that phlebotomy technicians possess a state license. 

The Scope for Phlebotomy

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, pharmacy jobs are expected to be among the top 10 careers in healthcare. Another report from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists states that the demand for phlebotomists has been increasing consistently.

As a phlebotomist, you can be assured of a fairly good salary. A study by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists assesses the median salary for phlebotomists as $24,350. While the initial years may be challenging, most phlebotomists go on to become lab supervisors, EKG technicians, or move over into administrative roles.