Once a phlebotomy certification is obtained, a variety of phlebotomy careers are available. Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood for collection and donation, as well as for medical testing. Phlebotomists can also find work in a variety of settings.
Phlebotomists are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals. Phlebotomists can perform a wide range of tasks in the hospital, including procedures that were previously performed by nurses. Phlebotomists can perform subcutaneous (under the skin) and intramuscular injections in addition to drawing blood for testing. The number of nurses required to work each shift is reduced when phlebotomists are on staff.
Careers as a phlebotomist in private physicians’ offices are also plentiful. These phlebotomists perform many of the same duties as phlebotomists in hospitals. The atmosphere is the most significant difference. They take blood samples for tests and may administer injections as needed. Phlebotomists in doctor’s offices are frequently certified medical assistants, allowing them to perform a variety of tasks that would otherwise be handled by the nursing staff.
Careers in mobile phlebotomy are also common. Phlebotomists handle blood donation, and most areas have a mobile unit that visits different locations on a regular basis to perform these tasks. Mobile blood donation is a demanding job because you are doing the same thing all day, every day. Because mobile blood banks typically only visit an area every eight weeks, lines can be long and work can be consistent. Working in a mobile blood bank can be a good career choice for a new phlebotomist because of the rigorous practice.
Specialized training is required for some phlebotomy jobs. Blood is drawn from a vein using a procedure known as venipuncture in normal blood collection. It may be necessary to draw blood from an artery in some circumstances. Because blood moving away from the heart in the arteries moves with much greater force, this is a more complicated procedure.
Working with IV lines is another type of specialized training that many phlebotomy careers require. Under the supervision of a physician, phlebotomists are allowed to perform saline flushes and dispense Heparin in some states. Most employers will expect you to have the necessary training to perform this procedure in states where it is legal.
Phlebotomy jobs are frequently the first step toward a more comprehensive medical career. Many phlebotomists go on to get their Associate’s degree in clinical laboratory technology. Clinical lab technicians can not only collect blood for testing or donation, but they can also collect and prepare other types of samples for shipping.