Phleboto-What? 4 Things You Need to Know Before Becoming a Phlebotomist

So you've heard of Geographers, Chemists, and Biologists. But you probably have no idea what a Phlebotomist is, even though you've probably already met one before! Here's a little more info about the unsung professionals of the medical world.

What is a Phlebotomist?

Have you ever had your doctor or another medical professional take a blood sample? If you have, then you've already seen phlebotomy in action! A phlebotomist is a pro at drawing blood, usually for the sake of testing, research, or transfusions. You can think of them like scientific vampires, who, instead of sharp fangs, use good ol' medical needles to draw blood, and instead of using it to help themselves, they analyze it to help others.

How much does a Phlebotomist make?

The need for a phlebotomist is only growing as time moves on, and it shows no sign of stopping. Just think about how many times you've had your blood drawn, and then remember that there are 300 million people in the United States who all need blood tests too. As such, phlebotomy technicians will have much faster than average job growth through 2026, with the median salary being $32,710. Not bad at all!

What does a Phlebotomist need to know?

Before you learn about phlebotomy specific skills, there are some basics you need to have. You'll need to know medical terminology, be licensed in CPR and know first aid. You'll also have to know your human anatomy and physiology. Once you have the foundation set, you will learn phlebotomy lab skills like venipuncture, urinalysis, centrifuging, and processing, all skills that help you extract and analyze blood and other fluids. And of course, you have to know what diseases you're looking for. Also, training courses can be as short as one month, so you can get hands-on experience way faster than normal schools.

How can I become a Phlebotomist?

Luckily, it's easy! First, you'll need to get licensed in your state by having a high school graduation or equivalent and completing an approved phlebotomy class in your area. It's simple and straightforward, and if you live in New Jersey, it's even easier. You can take a short four week class at approved E&S Academy locations in Elizabeth, South Plainsfield, and Lawrence Township, where you can take another test at the very same location to upgrade your state license to a national license. You can check them out at https://esacademy-usa.com/. Once you have your license, you're all set! You can apply for jobs at local hospitals or use E&S Academy's network to jump right into the industry!

Good luck!