Phlebotomists are medical technicians who are trained to draw blood samples from patients. The job requires strict adherence to safety rules, and an ability to help patients remain calm and comfortable.

While the word phlebotomist might conjure up visions of some kind of crazy doctor or medical specialist, the reality is phlebotomists are simply medical technicians who are trained to draw blood from patients.

People who are looking for opportunities in phlebotomy careers will find that being friendly and sociable will go a long way towards making the job easier. In fact, one of the main focuses of the job, outside of drawing blood, is making sure a patient is calm and comfortable. Many patients do not like having blood drawn, or they are wary of physician offices and physicians. A good phlebotomist technician can make it so that a person barely realizes they are having blood drawn. People who are going into a phlebotomy career must also be dedicated to continuing their education and must also practice rigid safety protocols while working. Blood-borne illnesses can be spread if someone is accidentally pricked by a used needle, which is why the safe usage of medical supplies and disposal of medical waste is so important.

Because phlebotomy training is relatively simple, the educational requirements are fairly minimal.Most states require prospective phlebotomy technicians to have a high school diploma to begin their training, and the actual training takes only about six days. During the course of phlebotomy training, students will learn about basic anatomy, ways to treat patients ethically and fairly, blood collection techniques, as well as standard legal and technical precautions when drawing blood. Once their training is complete, students will need to pass a Phlebotomy Certification Exam in order to become completely certified. There are four organizations in the United States that certify phlebotomy students, including the National Phlebotomy Association and the American Association of Clinical Pathologists.

According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor, Phlebotomist technicians made $12.50 an hour,on average, when they worked at a hospital or a private clinic. Phlebotomist technicians who worked in physician office laboratories made $13 an hour, on average.

The Bureau of Labor expects there to be excellent prospects and job growth for people who are pursuing phlebotomy careers. Additionally, becoming a certified phlebotomist can be a stepping stone to more lucrative medical technician jobs.