If you’re interested in a career in the medical field, training to be a phlebotomy technician is a versatile option when you attend a reliable medical training facility. With phlebotomy training, you could have a stable career as a phlebotomist or use it as a solid foundation to pursue a different medical career, such as a medical assistant. Here are a few questions to help you decide if phlebotomy is right for you.
FAQ About Becoming a Phlebotomy Technician
What do phlebotomists do?
A phlebotomy technician is responsible for drawing blood, as well as the steps leading up to and following the extraction. You’ll prepare the patient, sterilize the injection site, and monitor their condition while drawing blood. After, you’ll be responsible for labeling, handling, and shipping (if necessary) the sample while preventing contamination.
What steps do I take to become one?
To be a phlebotomist technician, you need to take a medical training course that certifies you as a phlebotomist. Most courses ask that you have a high school diploma, but no college degree is required. Your course should teach about how to prepare blood-drawing equipment, prepare and soothe the patient, draw the blood, and label and handle the sample for testing. Ideally, your program should include a hands-on requirement, such as requiring an internship or clinical period. Once you complete your program, you’ll be a certified phlebotomist.
How long will it take me to become one?
The amount of time it takes depends upon the individual and the program chosen. Some programs can be completed in under a year by students who can commit most of their time and effort into the program, but most will take 1 to 2 years. If you have to work schooling into a busy schedule, it can take longer, and it can also take longer if you find that you struggle with some of the coursework.
What can I do with a phlebotomist certification?
Phlebotomists can work anywhere that blood is drawn: at hospitals, clinics, blood donation centers, and outpatient care specialists. It’s anticipated that the need for phlebotomists will continue to grow, so you’ll have job stability, and a quality phlebotomist (one who is adept at the job but also compassionate and works well with patients) can earn over $30K a year. Plus, phlebotomy medical training makes a stable foundation for many healthcare positions, including being a nurse, medical assistant, and physician.
Are you interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician? Big Apple Training can get you there. With two Allied Health training centers — one in the Bronx and the other in White Plains, NY — you’ll be taught by instructors with years of experience in their respective fields. For over 20 years, they’ve provided advanced certification courses for a number of healthcare careers, including medical assistants, CNAs, phlebotomists, EKG techs, and medical billing and coding. They also provide continuing education for RNs, LPNs, and more. Learn more about their phlebotomy education online, and call (914) 437-7373 to enroll today.