Thursday, December 13, 2012

How To Become a Phlebotomy Technician

A phlebotomy technician is responsible for collecting blood and other bodily fluids from patients for testing and diagnosis. In addition to collecting such samples, phlebotomy technicians, or phlebotomist technicians as they are also known, are often in charge of checking patients’ blood pressure, sterilizing equipment and communicating with the lab to which bodily fluid samples are sent. Depending on the phlebotomist’s place of employment, they may also be responsible for some clerical duties such as updating patient records, scheduling appointments and following up with patients. These professionals can find employment in clinics, private practices, hospitals, blood banks and even labs.

In order to become a phlebotomist in today’s competitive job market, an individual needs both educational and hands-on training. A student interested in a career as a phlebotomist can attend either a private vocational schools or take a course in college. The amount of time necessary to complete the course varies greatly from school to school. New York Medical Training Center in Flushing, New York offers a 36-hour Phlebotomy program during which students learn various methods of Phlebotomy such as; vacuum method for venous blood withdrawal, an autolet blood withdrawal for glucose level, the proper use of a microhematocrit centrifuge, proper use of a hemogloginometer and obtain a hemoglobin level. In addition students will learn the proper use of a glucometer to obtain a glucose level. Identify and label the parts of the most common diagnostic laboratory equipment, use basic skills in context of therapeutic and lab procedures. While some states to do not require formal education for an individual to work as a phlebotomist, most employers will require either a certification or previous on-the-job training.

In states where education is required, an externship or hands-on training is usually part of the course in most colleges. This is usually completed at a nearby clinic or hospital under the supervision of professionals. Students get to practice drawing blood; approximately 1,500 sticks are required to be considered sufficiently experienced.

Graduates of the program are then eligible to sit for the certification test. Although certifications are not required, they are preferred by employees and can be obtained through American Society of Clinical Pathologists, American Medical Technologists, or the American Association of Medical Personnel. Certifications show employers that the phlebotomist is sufficiently knowledgeable in specimen collection, blood sampling, micro-collection, and OSHA regulations.

If you are in the New York area and looking to become a phlebotomist, visit www.nymedtraining.com

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