Diploma Programs in Phlebotomy
Diploma programs in phlebotomy prepare students for health care jobs that will provide steady work and good pay with benefits.
Duties of a Phlebotomist
Phlebotomy is basically the practice of drawing blood from humans or
animals, although this job designation is normally only assigned to
medical professionals in human health care environments. Veterinary
technicians may draw blood as part of their job duties, but it is not
their sole responsibility as is a phlebotomist’s. A phlebotomist’s job
is to puncture the vein, draw the patient’s blood, safely transfer it
to a sterile container and send the blood sample off to a lab for
testing or for a blood transfusion. Aside from that, the phlebotomist
must also be able to make the patient feel comfortable, get them
properly situated, find the vein and ensure that the patient feels
alright afterwards.
If you think you have what it takes to
extract blood from patients in a fast-paced environment during long
hours on your feet, you may just find that this is an ideal career for
you. Phlebotomists are in demand right now because so many tests and
procedures require blood to be drawn, but doctors and nurses don’t
always have time to do it. Some medical assistants are trained to draw
blood, but even they may have their hands too full to do the
extractions. Most large healthcare facilities have separate lab
departments that the patients must visit to have their blood drawn for
testing, and this is where the phlebotomist typically works.
Phlebotomy Career Qualifications
In order to qualify for a career as a phlebotomist you will first need
to complete the required education. Technical and vocational schools in
your area may offer certificate and diploma programs in phlebotomy,
which can be completed in less than one year. Community colleges also
offer various programs, although they are more likely to offer a
two-year associate’s degree program with a more comprehensive core of
classes. In a diploma program, you will efficiently learn the proper
methods for positioning the patient, detecting the vein, puncturing the
skin, extracting the blood, withdrawing the needle, cleaning the
puncture site, storing the blood sample, disposing of the needle and
labeling the test tube. You will take courses in subjects such as
anatomy, biology, communications, medical terminology, physiology and
venipuncture.
After completing a phlebotomy diploma, you will
also need to pass a certification exam to become professionally
licensed. There are several associations that administer this exam.
Find detailed information about top phlebotomy schools which are offering phlebotomy diploma programs at PhlebotomySchoolsU.com. Choose best phlebotomy school in your preferred location and start your path to a rewarding career.