If you love working with others and love the medical field, phlebotomy might be the job for you!
Becoming a phlebotomist allows you to work with different types of people, draw blood in a professional setting, and even get a glimpse into a person’s living style by drawing their blood as one of their home health aides. As of 2015, 88% of home healthcare workers were women. While it may seem right up your alley, there’s actually a lot that goes into becoming a phlebotomist.
How Long the Process Takes
Depending on your education, you can actually complete the process of phlebotomy training in one year or less. Some states do require certain certifications, though, so the phlebotomist training process may be a little longer than normal. Typically, the education programs available can take as little as eight weeks, but generally no more than a year. You have to complete both clinical hours and instructional hours to obtain a certificate to start working.
Steps That Need to Be Completed
To even be considered for a phlebotomy program, you must have a GED or a high school diploma. You then must enroll in post-secondary education, which is the phlebotomy training program that can take eight weeks to a year to complete. You need to have your Diploma or GED handy, you GPA minimum, and immunization records with you when applying for the training. After phlebotomy training is when you would begin to pursue certification. Finally, you need to maintain your certification, which is something that is completed over time and continues until you are done working in the phlebotomy field.
Where You Work/How Much You Can Make
While a phlebotomy program may only take a few thousand dollars to fully complete, it’s a career that continues to grow every year. Back in 2014, the average hourly wage for phlebotomists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $15.33. Since then, the wages have gone up.
If you want to be a phlebotomist, expect to work in either a medical building, hospital setting, or even maybe a home health care setting. You may also be asked to work in an ambulatory service as well. You may have regular nine to five hours, but you may also be asked to work nights and weekends.
Being a phlebotomist is a great career path for you if you’re looking to work with others and get into the medical field. It takes someone who has a strong attention to detail, who is precise, and who is compassionate.
