phlebotomy

The world of healthcare and medicine presents many career opportunities with a diverse selection of specialties to select from. The obvious choice, of course, is that of being a doctor. But beyond that, there are many other options also available such as x-ray technician, lab technician, or even nursing.
Another area to think about for a career in healthcare is in phlebotomy. Working as a phlebotomy technician doesn't require a lot of years of training. In fact, phlebotomy certification can be achieved in a matter of a few months. Those trained to work in this field are usually referred to as phlebotomists.
A phlebotomist collects blood samples from a patient using various means, usually by inserting a needle into a vein and drawing the blood into a tube. The process is also referred to as venipuncture. The collected sample is then used for testing and diagnosis.
Phlebotomy technicians are also involved in patient care through helping to update and maintain a patient's records. And one of the more critical areas of responsibility lies in the proper identification and handling of the collected samples.
In general, many medical professionals are capable of doing venipuncture, including doctors and nurses. However, as with so many other areas of healthcare, phlebotomy has emerged as a specialty field, complete with its own certification standards and requirements. The ongoing growth in this area is creating a sizeable need to be filled.
Becoming certified in the area of phlebotomy usually requires completion of some sort of phlebotomy training course. Such training courses can often be found at a technical college. In addition to the study of such subjects as anatomy, medical terminology, and blood properties a phlebotomy student will also be required to obtain hands-on experience in drawing blood. Such experience may be achieved in the class lab, with students practicing on each other, or in a clinical setting as a student-phlebotomist.
Upon completion of the training program a student will need to pass a certification exam and may be required to have a record showing a certain number of previous blood-draws, referred to as "sticks" in order to demonstrate proficiency. Certification exams are often administered by professional associations such as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians.
A certified phlebotomist can expect to earn a decent salary and usually enjoys reasonably good working conditions. For the year 2011, the average salary for phlebotomy technicians is around $30,000 per year. When compared to the minimal amount of training required for the job, it reflects a fairly good return on investment.
Phlebotomy is a growing area of healthcare and certified phlebotomists are being sought after by doctor's offices, diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, and many other places. With courses that can often be completed in a year or less, phlebotomy training could be your fast-track into the healthcare field.