Аs we’ve mentioned in one of the previous articles. The medical industry is growing day by day, resulting in more hospitals and labs opening.
Тhe research that our team conducted has shown that this work is one of the fastest-growing branches globally.
Consequently, phlebotomists are needed now more than ever.
Why is there a shortage of phlebotomists in America?
The shortage depends on several criteria, but there are generally two closely interrelated reasons.
Which encompasses:
An aging population: Given how time passes and as people are aging, more blood tests are needed to detect the patient’s condition.
Consequently, as people are aging, they are no longer capable of being agile, resulting in great demand for young staff.
Advancements in technology: In the last few decades, technology has undergone tremendous development, to the extent that we can already discover conditions like anemia or even cancer.
The blood tests can also show the state of your erythrocytes and leukocytes.
Due to the lack of phlebotomists in the country, there are more training opportunities than ever before.
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What Do You Need to Become a Phlebotomist?
Although we said that there is a tremendous demand for phlebotomists and that it is straightforward to get a job nowadays, working as a phlebotomist is not for everyone.
Maybe you were looking for a job and did not find anything?
Many people do not think about working in the medical field because they believe it takes years of schooling.
This does not entirely coincide with phlebotomy. Of course, if you want a better position, you’ll have to visit a comprehensive phlebotomy course.
Phlebotomy is an area of the labor market that is continuously looking for qualified personnel.
It is one of the best jobs at the entry level and is a medical skill in demand.
You can do it in less than a year!
With just a few months of training, you can be on the road to a more profitable future. It is easier than ever to become a phlebotomist.
According to the phlebotomist, demand is expected to grow by 27% until the end of 2025.
Phlebotomy is the only thing that requires a specific type of training.
You can get an associate degree along with your schedule, but it will take some time to complete.
Think about the price. Too many independent phlebotomy training programs typically start around $700 up to $3,000.
This is partly due to advances in technology. The entire healthcare industry continues to grow.
We have conducted research the results of which examine why phlebotomists are needed now more than ever.
We will also discuss what the training will be like and what you can expect from it.
You’ll need to ensure yourself what to expect before you sign up can offer peace and ease the process.
Looking in the right places can secure you a great job, and it does not matter if you ever thought you would be a phlebotomist.
It can be an exciting job to have a good salary, but the best part is that you can help so many people daily.
Why is it so easy to find a job as a phlebotomist?
The older people and baby boomer generation need blood tests to detect their conditions during routine checkups and make sure things like blood sugar levels are optimal.
The most important part of this question is technology.
You are now probably asking yourself why technology makes the demand for phlebotomists higher instead of lowering it.
Nowadays, blood tests can diagnose more conditions and diseases than ever before.
They can detect different conditions like anemia. And furthermore, modern technology enables detection of even cancer as well as it shows if you have normal levels of leukocytes and erythrocytes.
It may be easy to think of finding a job as a phlebotomist quickly now that you know there is a significant need for it.
However, it is essential to understand that phlebotomy as a profession is not for everyone.
Before you start training, you need to ensure that you excel and enjoy your career as a phlebotomist.
You’ll also have to watch out for this:
People under 18 years cannot enroll in the training or start a job as a phlebotomist.
Besides the work with the patients, you will have to work with staff members and your colleagues.
You have to be in a team mood and have the ambition to work in a team.
While working with the patients, you’ll need to be as calm as possible and have patience because they will not always be polite.
It does not require any prior education except a high school diploma or GED.
Where to start the training to become a phlebotomist technician?
As we mentioned, the demand is so huge that with just one click, you can find a training program near you, or if you cannot find a program near you, there are always other options.
Namely, phlebotomy schools are everywhere as independent programs, and sometimes colleges and universities announce their training courses.
Even some hospitals announce their schedule to hire the trainees ranked highest on the list.
For the sake of a better decision, you’ll have to consider which location is best suited: Rearrange your schedule because some programs require both afternoons and evenings.
Thoroughly consider whether you want to participate in special training or college, which will give you a more secure future although they will last longer.
With a certification, your chances of getting a job change drastically.
It would be best if you did some research on how prices go.
They will usually cost you from $700 to higher quality ones that cost up to $3,000.
What does phlebotomy training include?
After reviewing all the tips offered above, you will need to get acquainted with what a training course will look like.
For a start, you should know that it is different in every training program, but in general, the training is divided into two parts.
Knowing what you are doing before taking a course can also help you decide if you are ready to be a phlebotomist.
The classroom section of the program covers the following subjects:
The first part is the boring one where you will sit in the classroom, and you will have to listen to the following subjects:
- Human Anatomy
- Medical Terminology
- Lab Safety Rules
- Systems of the Body
The second part is the much more interesting and more complex, challenging one where you work practically, i.e., you work on a mannequin arm, and to pass this part, you have to make over 100 successful venipunctures.
To complete the course, you’ll have to perform several successful blood draws before completing the course.
Each program can do things slightly differently and will probably set its number.
But it is usually about 100.
The more venipunctures you perform, the better and more independent you become.
But the items above are usually covered in detail.
What Other Jobs Can You Work as a Phlebotomist?
You can work as a mobile phlebotomist.
This is ideal for someone who wants flexibility in performing tasks.
But it can also be easy to meet needs when and where they arise.
Mobile phlebotomists do mostly “freelance” work.
They are hired by organizations and medical institutions as needed.
Some of the volunteer opportunities listed above occasionally even hire phlebotomists for a salary if the need is big enough.
Still, there is one drawback.
The only disadvantage of choosing a career as a mobile phlebotomist is that it depends on the “Building a Customer Base” as a mobile phlebotomist.
You can be one of the first to call them when they need it.
Because there is such a shortage of phlebotomists to meet the growing need in this country, you can address that need locally by selecting this employment option, and this is a great opportunity.
It allows you to be your boss and go where the demand is most significant.
You can work at other medical centers.
Please do not turn away from it as a career because you are worried that there is no room for improvement, promotion, etc.
In fact, because of the flexibility of phlebotomy, many people can continue their education and still work part-time or full-time.
But all these promotions and career advancements come with better salaries and benefits.
So while phlebotomy may be an early career, it does not have to be this way.
Once you start as a phlebotomy technician, you may realize that the medical industry is something you enjoy.
Even some nurses and doctors started as phlebotomists.
Sterile processing technicians are another in-demand medical career, this one suits people who do not want to work with patients.
It all depends on how far you want to take your career and how long you will continue your education.
Fortunately, phlebotomy is an excellent springboard for other medical careers.
Venipuncture Techniques
Here comes the exciting part, the moment when it is your turn to show what you have at your disposal.
You perform a certain number of successfully taken blood samples, which is usually around 100.
In 99% of drawing blood cases, it will be performed on a mannequin arm.
The supervisors prepare you by the time the training is over so that you are ready to work independently without someone supervising you.
Salary
One of the most important things to look into when entering a phlebotomist career is to look at the salary.
It is no surprise that many start-ups in other industries do not pay so well.
You usually need to work or continue training to get a decent salary.
This is not the case with phlebotomy. You can progress to phlebotomy and earn more money.
Advancement in other medical careers phlebotomy can be a starting point in the medical field, but it does not have to be that way.
Please do not turn away from it as a career because you are worried that there is no room for improvement, promotion, etc.
In fact, because of the flexibility of phlebotomy, many people can continue their education and still work part-time or full-time.
You can progress to phlebotomy and earn more money.
But your starting salary for this start-up company will probably be quite lucrative.
On average, phlebotomists earn nearly $29,730 a year, but you could have even a higher salary with certification.
Is there a need for phlebotomists in America?
It breaks down to over $15.00 per hour, which is more than many start-up positions in other industries offer.
It is essential to know how much you can earn per hour because there are usually options for phlebotomists to work part-time or full-time.
Most medical facilities are ready to work with different schedules.
Phlebotomy can be a starting point in the medical field, but it does not have to be that way.
Through experience and ongoing training, various options may be available to you.
If you want to stay in the field of phlebotomy, you can get a promotion.
You can also be promoted to a supervisor.
This position allows you to monitor other phlebotomist’s work and ensure that they are working smoothly.
Also, you will be earning an annual $42,000.
Fortunately, phlebotomy is a great stepping stone for other medical careers.
Searching for a Job as a Phlebotomist
And all that you’ll have learned, all the ups and downs, all those successful and unsuccessful attempts to draw blood will come down to this moment.
It is best to start looking for work locally.
A hospital or clinic is likely looking for a qualified phlebotomist.
Even if you end up part-time, your career can grow and advance with experience.
Note that phlebotomy is the starting position.
You can get advancements in your job position.
And remember, the more you work, the more confidence and responsibilities you receive.
Phlebotomy is the only thing that requires a specific type of training.
You may think that every medical professional will be equipped to draw blood, but this is not the case.
Phlebotomists also work with many different people.
This includes staff members and patients.
You need to be a team player and have a strong ability to work well in a group and with others.
Some patients may be rude or demanding, so staying calm and assertive are two essential characteristics.
So, large medical institutions and small clinics constantly hire phlebotomists, and if you are sick with blood, it probably is not for you.
It would be best if you were prepared for everything, so phlebotomy is not for someone who can not handle unpleasant medical conditions.
It is important to note that you can also regularly see other medical conditions if you work in a hospital or clinic.
If you manage to get a job, it will probably be part-time, but do not be disappointed because you will have a tremendous opportunity to progress.
Phlebotomy is such a job that the more you work, the more responsibilities you get in the future.
And for those who will not find a job in a hospital or clinic, do not give up.
There are a considerable number of institutions looking for qualified phlebotomists, among which are:
- Local blood drives
- American Red Cross
- Nursing homes
- Prisons
- Veterans’ hospitals
Volunteering
With such a demand for phlebotomists, some people are surprised after training that it is not that easy to find a job as they thought it would be.
This is not because jobs are not available.
Usually, this has to do with a lack of experience. Just because phlebotomy is a starting point does not mean it does not matter.
Medical institutions take it seriously and want to make sure they employ people who have experience and knowledge about what they do.
Are phlebotomists wanted?
A blood draw accident can lead to disaster.
This can put the patient at risk, as well as you and the facility.
So, some places may hesitate to hire someone right after the training without experience.
In some cases, a medical facility may hire you for further on-the-job training.
Or, you can find a job as a phlebotomy intern.
But to find a job faster, you will need to build your resume.
Let’s talk a little more about one of the best ways to do this in the next section.
Is there a shortage of volunteers in phlebotomy?
Not only is there a demand for available phlebotomist jobs, but there is also a shortage of volunteers in phlebotomy.
If you have completed the courses, you need to apply for volunteering.
Volunteering is probably the best way to grow your resume.
Every time you volunteer in the services, you gain more experience.
Posting a resume is a great idea, and medical facilities will probably hire you.
If you have trouble finding a job right away or want to use your skills to serve the community, consider volunteering.
The following pages are always looking for trained phlebotomists to help you.
Volunteering is a great way to increase your resume and keep learning simultaneously.
Still, it is essential to mention that volunteering at any of these places will improve your phlebotomist skills as well.
And as you probably already know, places like nursing homes and veterans’ hospitals usually have older patients.
This can better prepare you to interact with older patients in the hospital and make sure they are comfortable.
The Bottom Line
As demand or phlebotomists grows, this branch of health career provides long-distance workplace insurance.
And it does not matter if you have ever had a desire to work in the medical field since a phlebotomist means someone who will help people with their health-related needs.
Also very important to draw from all that we have said is that certification does not take much longer than standard training.
Set a course for a few extra weeks, and then you will have to pass a certification exam.
It is a small price to pay to get a better job.
Plus, it may be easier to get a faster promotion after being hired as a phlebotomist.
And most importantly, working as a phlebotomist is not a business job.
It is a job that focuses most on helping people, to be as polite as possible so that the patient’s condition can be detected.
Of course, you work as a phlebotomist to make money, but the most important thing is to do it from the heart and help someone.
With an annual salary of $29,730, this job is ideal for someone just like you to start a new part of your life.
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