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Phlebotomy Training: Three Things You Need to Know
Phlebotomy Training: Three Things You Need to Know
Are you researching phlebotomy training, and want to learn everything there is to know before getting started in this fascinating field of healthcare? If so, continue reading and find out three important tips to keep in mind when considering training for a career in phlebotomy.
1. Be Aware of Your Competition
As you may have already learned, career opportunities for phlebotomists are excellent. In fact, it is predicted that job prospects in this field will grow a substantial 14 percent between now and 2018.*
However, you might also be interested to learn that because blood drawing and collection skills are in high demand, many laboratory technicians, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals are choosing to add phlebotomy to their skill set. With this in mind, you may want to consider how you can stand-out as a specialist within the field of phlebotomy.
2. Specialize Your Training: EKGs and Laboratory Skills
Adding specialized training to your resume is a great way to differentiate yourself.
Most phlebotomy programs provide you with the hands-on skills, theoretical learning, and safety knowledge you need to succeed. Many also prepare you for certification, and give you the opportunity to gain valuable, real-world experience through an externship. (If you would like to further explore the different aspects of phlebotomy training, read this article, "Phlebotomy Training: What You Will Learn.")
Beyond these standard program offerings, you may want to look for schools that also prepare you to perform electrocardiography (EKG) tasks, such as operating EKG equipment to produce readings that doctors can then use to interpret various heart ailments. Or, you may want to find a program that can offer training in more complex laboratory skills. As a phlebotomy student, you will learn how to use laboratory equipment to perform basic specimen testing and blood analysis. But, you may want a program that can also build on these skills and equip you with the analytical and diagnostic knowledge to perform more complicated laboratory procedures, which can prepare you to perform multiple functions within a clinical laboratory.
3. Complement Your Skills: Computers
Another way to differentiate yourself in a competitive field is to add complementary skills.
Computer technology is becoming so commonplace in most workplace settings, that you may not think advanced skills in this area would be warranted. However, think about going beyond learning the basic technology skills you need to perform your immediate job of collecting, storing, and testing blood.
What if you were to take an office computer technology course that allowed you to gain expertise in data entry, word processing, and spreadsheets? These skills could prove themselves to be highly valuable when you're asked to maintain records, draft memos to doctors, and track inventory. Or better yet, see if you can find a phlebotomy program that provides you with computer skills, as well as a foundation in medical terminology.
Now that you have a better understanding of what to consider when selecting a phlebotomy training program, take the next step toward a rewarding career by browsing this guide to phlebotomy schools today!
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, web site accessed on Nov 10, 2010.
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