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Phlebotomists Are Needed Everywhere

There will be blood work.

A lot of secrets are hidden in the blood. From blood type to potential diseases, a blood test is a critical method of exposing information for patients. To unlock this bank of data, a phlebotomist is needed.

Phlebotomists are responsible for withdrawing, testing, and trasnporting blood. “Phlebotomy” may not have been a word you’ve heard before, but the job is a crucial one in the field of healthcare.

This healthcare occupation is one of the few versatile positions available to med students. Phlebotomists have the option to work either part-time or full, and they’re need virtually everywhere thanks to the nature of their work.

That said, not everyone is cut out to be a phlebotomist. They face loads of risk factors daily, such as getting pricked with a dirty needle. Plus, people are known to faint at the sight of blood, and sometimes you don’t know you’re one of them until you wake up on the floor.

Nevertheless, those willing to brave the dangers have the option of working almost anywhere.

On average, it takes less than a year to become a phlebotomist. Some locations, though, do require certification which can extend the process beyond a year.

Mobile Positions

Since phlebotomy equipment is lightweight, phlebotomists can even work as freelancers. This allows them to get hired by various organizations to withdraw blood as needed. Some examples include being a housecall professional or working for the Red Cross.

The American Red Cross always has a need for phlebotomists, and many do volunteer work during blood drives. These volunteers ensure our blood banks are at a healthy level and participate in helping disaster-stricken areas.

Beyond Hospitals

As we age, people require more frequent blood tests to help doctors stay up-to-date with the body. To assist with this process, phlebotomists are often employed at nursing homes and VA Clinics.

Although these areas are slightly different than a hospital setting, the general profession is the same. Withdraw blood, label samples properly, transport to the lab for testing. There is one major difference between working at a nursing home and a VA Clinic: Pay.

VA Clinics provide veterans medical care at a steep discount. This can result in a heavy reliance on volunteer work. However, at larger locations they may hire a full-time phlebotomist due to the high demand for blood work.

Hospitals, Private Practices, and Emergency Clinics

In contrast to freelancing, busy hospitals provide phlebotomists with consistent work and a steady paycheck. These fast-paced jobs usually require phlebotomists to be on the move constantly – always on their feet and on the move.

In addition, hospitals and emergency clinics tend to see a lot of people after they’ve had an accident. As a result phlebotomists see and withdraw blood from, severely-injured patients almost daily. This is something to consider for aspiring phlebotomists when deciding where to work.

If seeing loads of trauma patients consistently turns out to be too much, consider working at a private practice. These locations usually see fewer patients and those that do arrive are less likely to be in a critical situation.