Earning a phlebotomy technician certificate gives you the training you need to obtain blood specimens by venipuncture and micro-collection techniques. Phlebotomy technician courses also teach you to collect and process other clinical specimens. You might also handle blood donations as well as office duties for the workplace where you’re employed.
The work schedules and responsibilities may vary depending on where you work. In most cases, however, the duties will remain the same. In order to be successful at this career, it’s important that you have compassion and patience, especially with those who have a fear of needles. You should also possess great communication skills and be organized, clean and efficient.
While you can sometimes get on-the-job training, it’s more likely that employers will look for phlebotomists who have earned their certification through a reputable school. At Pima Medical, the program only takes about three months to complete, giving you the opportunity to work in the healthcare field quickly.
You will have various employment opportunities, including:
- Hospitals
- Private practices and clinics, such as women’s and men’s health clinics and family physician practices
- Blood donation organizations, including the American Red Cross and Vitalant
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- VA clinics
- Emergency clinics
- Mobile laboratories
- Research institutions
- Health maintenance organizations
- Independent laboratories
- Public health agencies
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 17 percent by 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers and other locations will need phlebotomists to perform bloodwork.
If you’d like to begin a rewarding phlebotomy career, now is a great time to get started. You could be certified and working in the healthcare field in as little as three months.
