According to the Chapman University Survey on American Fears, between 15-20% of Americans have a crippling fear of blood and needles. Many others dislike having blood drawn and getting shots but wouldn’t consider it a fear. For the remaining individuals, a career in phlebotomy is a viable possibility.
A phlebotomist is someone who draws blood from patients or blood donors for testing or donations. He or she must then correctly label the vials and enter the information into a database. Phlebotomists typically work in hospital settings, laboratories, or donation centers. Employers seek those who are compassionate, detail-oriented, and dextrous. Individuals in this profession must be able to successfully locate the vein and draw blood on the first try in order to minimize patient discomfort, but another important component of the job is emotional reassurance. A large number of people are nervous about having their blood drawn, and it is the phlebotomist’s duty to make them feel comfortable so that the whole process proceeds smoothly. Long-time phlebotomist Lisa Scott often uses laughter to make her patients feel at ease because she understands that there is a “body attached to that arm.”
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As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to become a phlebotomist, an individual must complete a phlebotomy program from a community college, vocational school, or technical school. This program usually requires less than a year to complete. Typically, a phlebotomist must also earn a personal certification before being hired. While currently only three states require this certification, most employers look for it during the hiring process.
Compared to other careers in healthcare, phlebotomists make noticeably less money, but they also require significantly less training time. According to the US Department of Labor, the average salary of a phlebotomist in 2012 was $29,730 with the highest earners making over $40,000. Projections show that demand for this career will rise by nearly 30% by 2022, signifying that phlebotomists will likely not have difficulty finding a job.
While this salary may not be very enticing to young people interested in a career in healthcare, phlebotomy can be a great starting career that allows them to become familiar with the healthcare system. A short period of training coupled with a high demand for phlebotomists means that interested individuals can find this job with relative ease and jumpstart their careers in healthcare. It is a rewarding job that is a good fit for patient, compassionate individuals who enjoy working with people.
