What to Expect with Phlebotomy and EKG Training

Generally, the training won’t last more than a year if you’ve chosen something like phlebotomy or EKG testing jobs.

Your work will consist of working with patients all day, and you will likely be one of the first persons a patient will see during the day.

Be prepared for a big responsibility, but this responsibility also allows you to help people every day.

While many of us think that a career in medicine means you have to spend years in school.

That’s not correct.

And if you are interested in a career in medicine but unsure about where to start, any of these positions could be suitable.

You do not need to find a job long after receiving the right training, but we recommend that you gain experience with volunteer phlebotomy to strengthen your job search.

Training Information about Phlebotomy and EKG

Positions at the entry level in medicine are significant and can be almost as crucial as those of a nurse or doctor.

In fact, many hospitals, clinics, private practices, and more rely on phlebotomists’ and EKG technologists’ skills every day.

Our team of trained renowned professionals conducted research of exceptional importance, the results of which we showed in a guide.

In fact, this guide will cover career problems in phlebotomy and EKG training.

They are two separate programs.

But they both provide the skills needed to make a difference in medicine.

The Requirements for Enrolling

Although the grades you received in high school are unlikely to affect whether you can complete a training program, it is good to pay attention to the requirements.

Because phlebotomy is a starting point, you do not need any prior pre-workout experience.

But there are a few requirements that most training programs will meet.

For example, we can mention that you must have a high school diploma or GED if you want to participate in the training program.

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for phlebotomy training.

It is also essential to note that you can have a degree or be the best they have ever seen, but still, you cannot participate in training if you have not turned 18 yet.

Namely, many of us neglect these characteristics because they are not necessary to possess.

But it is still of essential importance to consider.

We have pointed out that it is indisputably vital to remember that you’ll need to make sure that you are incredibly organized and detail-oriented before enrolling.

You should also be able to label and transfer blood to a laboratory.

Kindness, patience, and understanding are essential as well.

Working with your patient to make it a better experience for them is a big part of being a phlebotomist.

And of course, you have to be a team player and a people-person.

Given that as a phlebotomist, you will work with different people, including patients and staff members in hospitals, clinics, etc., it is essential to be as gentle as possible with the care you render toward other people.

Although you may think you have all the necessary characteristics, it is worth looking at it again.

Training to Become a Phlebotomist Technician

Working as a technician is much more than just taking blood.

You must understand patient safety, laboratory procedures, and more.

In some cases, you may even need to be prepared for emergencies.

Here are the duties and responsibilities of a technician.

Phlebotomy technicians draw blood from patients.

They then take these blood samples, store them in organized, labeled vials, and transport them to a laboratory.

Phlebotomists do not test models.

But it is their responsibility to ensure that they are adequately marked and safely transported.

It is important to note that with so many responsibilities, the phlebotomist should receive appropriate training.

Training to become a phlebotomy technician usually takes less than a year.

You can either attend college courses or apply for a specific training program.

Since such a career is in demand, you can even find some courses online.

Some hospitals and clinics have even started offering phlebotomy training programs.

They do this in the hope that the people who train them will work for them.

So, no matter where you decide to go for training, what can you expect?

Wherever you train, the basics will be the same.

The training program is mainly divided into two parts, i.e., the more boring one in which you will have to sit in a classroom, where you will primarily study the following subjects:

Venipuncture techniques
Human anatomy
The body systems (circulatory, respiratory, etc.)
Lab safety rules
Proper labeling for blood samples

Of course, there is no substitute for practical training.

So, the second half will mainly focus on real venipuncture.

This is usually done to other classmates or volunteers.

Each training program will have a specified number of successful blood draws that you must meet to complete the course.

The more experience you earn, the better you will become.

This practice will probably make you more comfortable in real-world situations with patients.

How Much Does Training for a Phlebotomist Cost?

For the healthcare industry, this is an inexpensive way to put your foot in the door.

Not only do you not have to spend years training, but you also do not have to spend a lot of money working with patients.

The cost of phlebotomy training depends on the course you take.

Online courses can sometimes be cheaper.

But you still need to do venipuncture practices, no matter what.

On average, a phlebotomy training program costs from $1,000 to $3,000.

It usually takes 4-8 months to complete, but it is important to note that it will take a little longer for those who want certification.

Certification Training

The employer will probably choose you over an unauthorized phlebotomist because you have more experience and training.

Also, as an authorized phlebotomist, you can usually start with a higher salary.

Once you have completed the phlebotomy training program, you have the opportunity to receive a certificate.

Not every country requires certification.

But that can change.

Even if your country does not implement it, it always good to become an authorized phlebotomist.

Of course, you will still be able to complete the training in less than a year, but you will have to take an exam with an accredited organization after that.

Here we can mention:

National Health Career Association
American Society for Clinical Pathology

What Is the Average Salary of a Phlebotomist?

There is a misconception that there is no room for career advancement in phlebotomy or that you will never make more money.

That’s not correct.

There are various ways to move your career forward as a phlebotomist.

You may need more training to focus on the type of specialty of phlebotomy.

For example, therapeutic phlebotomists can do much more than phlebotomy technologists.

More education is necessary, but the salary may be worth it.

Given that phlebotomy is at its starting point.

Phlebotomists who start in the medical field immediately after completing their training earn an average of about $22,000 each year.

If you become certified, you will probably make more than that.

Even if you are new to this position, certification can help you earn over $25,000 annually.

Of course, there is room for more advancement.

Because phlebotomy is a flexible career, many people continue their education while working.

Namely, if you manage to be promoted to supervisor, i.e., to supervise the newly arrived phlebotomists’ work, your salary can go up to $40,000 a year.

As you continue your education, phlebotomy can be an excellent springboard in possible future advancement.

You can use it as a springboard for other careers.

Many nurses, medical assistants, and even doctors once started out as phlebotomists.

EKG Training Requirements

EKG technicians are nearly always part of a team.

That is a fact.

As an EKG technician, you will have to know how to monitor your patient’s heart health, but this is only a small part of the puzzle.

You need to be able to make your patients feel comfortable and at ease.

It would be best to work directly with doctors and specialists to ensure that your patient receives the best care.

In the next section, you will learn a little more about the practical training that can help you become an ECG technician.

But as phlebotomists, there are specific features that EKG technology should have.

Here we can mention:

An understanding of different technologies
Strong attention to detail
Ability to work with machinery
Willingness to work with people
Patience

It is essential to note that although you have completed high school or GED and are 18 years old, there are no prerequisites for EKG training.

You do not have to be a medical professional.

It may help anyone wishing to become an EKG technologist to have spent at least some time in health care.

But it is not necessary.

Training for EKG Technicians

Training to become an EKG technician is no different from phlebotomy training.

But one essential difference needs to be made.

Many EKG technologies start in another area of the healthcare industry to gain experience.

Starting out as an EMT or paramedic is a great way to learn more about a heart monitoring technician.

This is not a path to take, but it is popular.

Namely, you can either get on-the-job training or take an EKG tech program to determine what you need to know about this job.

If you want to get on-the-job training, you will work with a cardiologist to find out how to about the machines used to monitor the patient’s heart.

Most EKG training is practical. You need to learn the details of the equipment you will be using as soon as possible.

So while other training areas such as medical terminology are essential, you will spend more time gaining experience.

You may not be paid much during the training period (often, you will not be paid at all).

But it is a great way to get an education in cardiovascular medicine at no cost.

You can be considered a ready ECG technician only when you have mastered the following:

Anatomy
EKG equipment training
Medical terminology
Lab safety

There Is Also EKG Training. What Does It Include?

If you are interested in EKG technology and want to advance in the field of education and training, there are many opportunities.

The benefit is that the more experience you have, the better your working conditions will be, and thus your salary will be higher.

Most of the additional practices focus on specific parts of cardiovascular health.

This includes things like specialized testing, advanced monitoring as well as stress testing.

Certification for EKG Technician

Becoming a certified cardiologist technician does not take long.

To take the exam, you will need approximately six months of experience.

And by checking the Cardiovascular Qualifications website, you can find sample questions and study materials that can help you through the test.

As a phlebotomist, you can obtain certification as an EKG technology as well.

You can become certified after gaining enough experience or completing the relevant training.

Although no certification is required, it can help you get the job done better and probably receive a salary increase.

The Average Salary of an EKG Technician

Heart disease and heart attacks kill people day by day.

Having quality technicians in a medical facility who can use machines to monitor heart activity and health properly is an incredible advantage.

Most institutions are willing to pay a decent salary for their EKG technologies.

This is because they are the first defense line that helps prevent or “catch” a heart problem before it becomes life-threatening.

You can also use your job as an EKG technician as a stepping stone to a different medical career.

You can even choose a career that stays the same but requires more training.

There are also promotional opportunities such as ECG technology.

These benefits and salary increases are usually based on experience and seniority.

So, although it is a starting point, you will have the opportunity to advance.

Let’s go back to the topic of conversation, how much do EKG technicians actually earn?

The average annual salary for an EKG technician is about $55,500.

In fact, with certification and experience, you can eventually earn over $80,000 annually.

Cardiac monitor technicians often make more than phlebotomists when they start.

This is because although the training does not last that long, the stakes are incredibly high.

Possible Workplaces for Phlebotomists and EKG Technicians

With so many growth opportunities and a significant need for both positions, you should be able to find work fairly quickly.

Neither shows signs of slowing down.

As much of the population continues to age, the need will continue to grow.

It’s the perfect time to start training to be a phlebotomist or ECG technician and start a successful career in no time.

It does not take years of training to have a great job in the medical field.

These two entry-level positions have many similarities.

But they practice different types of exercises and require other skills.

It would be an excellent option for someone who wants to start medicine or build a fulfilling career.

Therefore, work environments for both phlebotomists and ECG technologists have many overlaps.

Most people in both positions work in hospitals or clinics.

But there are also opportunities in private practice. Phlebotomists can work in a variety of locations, even volunteering.

Places such as blood banks, the American Red Cross, nursing homes, and even prisons regularly work with phlebotomists when people need blood.

Working conditions may be slightly different, too. Both jobs need someone with endurance who can handle being on their feet for long periods.

EKG technicians work more with machines, while phlebotomists focus on the tools used for venipuncture.

EKG technicians may need a little more power, as they sometimes work with patients with disabilities.

Being able to move and maneuver with these patients so that you have a good reading is essential.

Not everyone enjoys taking blood.

Therefore, phlebotomists may need a more critical ability to keep the patient calm.

A good phlebotomist can distract the patient from the procedure.

As you can see, there are many different places you can choose to work in any of these positions.

But the best part is still missing.

It does not take years of training to have a great job in the medical field.

These two entry-level positions have many similarities.

But they practice different types of exercises and require other skills.

It would be an excellent option for someone who wants to start medicine or build a fulfilling career.

The Bottom Line

From all that we’ve said, we can conclude the following:

You must have a high school diploma or GED if you want to participate in the training program and be at least 18 years old.
Working as a phlebotomist technician is much more than just taking blood.
Wherever you train, the basics will be the same, i.e., and the training program is mainly divided into two parts.
Training to become an EKG technician is no different from phlebotomy training.
The only difference is that many EKG technologies start in another healthcare industry area to gain experience.
Becoming a certified cardiologist technician does not take long.
To take the exam, you will need approximately six months of experience.
The average annual salary for an EKG technician is about $55,500. In fact, with certification and experience, you can eventually earn over $80,000 annually.
Phlebotomists who start in the medical field immediately after completing their training earn an average of about $22,000 each year. Certification can help you make over $25,000 annually.
If you manage to be promoted to supervisor, i.e., to supervise the newly trained phlebotomists’ work, your salary can go up to $40,000 a year.

It is a fact that the job as a phlebotomist and as an EKG technician can be a rewarding career when you start working with different people.

You can help patients daily.

On top of that, it does not take much time or money to start training.

It is considered a starting career, but it is a much better option than many jobs.