The right phlebotomy training can open doors for those who want to go into a growing medical field with a solid occupational outlook. Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood from humans or animals for various reasons, including research, donations and transfusions.
Today, more people are looking to break into the medical realm, from recent high school graduates to those who were forced out of a career during the recession.
How Can Phlebotomy Training Lead to a Career?
Phlebotomy training programs are becoming increasingly popular by offering a path to the medical profession with a much shorter study time than most programs. The employment outlook is also driving people to enroll in Phlebotomy training online or traditional certification courses.
The typical phlebotomy professional could work in a hospital, laboratory, patient services center, medical clinic or veterinary hospital, to name just a few.
Because the primary duty involves drawing blood from patients, phlebotomy certification is required in most states. Phlebotomists work under the direct supervision of doctors and nurses and must maintain the strictest standards of safety. Therefore, choosing the right training program is essential.
Phlebotomy classes include lessons on anatomy, patient relations and the process involved in taking a blood sample from humans and animals. Anyone looking to become a phlebotomist will want to determine what professional certifications and coursework are required to get into the field.
Many vocational schools, colleges and online institutions offer programs that can be completed in as little as four months. To get into most programs, candidates should be at last 18-years-old with a high school diploma or GED.
After completing a program, an entry-level phlebotomy salary can be between $20,000 and $29,000 a year. While the starting salary isn’t very high, phlebotomists who work their way up easily make over $40,000 a year with advanced education and experience.
Many programs will prepare students to take a national certification exam, which qualifies phlebotomists to work in hospitals, labs and clinics throughout the country.
Those who go beyond a certificate and pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in phlebotomy are likely to earn a higher wage with more room for career advancement. However, many phlebotomists work their way up and earn high salaries with only a certificate and experience, making phlebotomy a sought after career for those looking for a fast track into a new job.
The field is expected to grow as much as 20 percent by 2018, which will open the door for a lot of people vying for a career in the phlebotomy realm. Jobs will still likely be competitive for those looking to work in a hospital, but the private sector will also offer many opportunities with less competition and a varied salary structure.
Where you choose to live after completing certification may also impact how much money you make. Hospitals and clinics in major metropolitan areas tend to pay more, due to the higher cost of living.
Phlebotomy training can lead to a rewarding career with plenty of opportunity for career advancement. It it the first step toward embarking on a medical career with growing job opportunities and great prospects for future growth.