Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy: What You Need to Know
Contents
Find out what you need to know about phlebotomy if you’re interested in pursuing a career in medical assisting. We cover topics like certification, training, and job outlook.
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Introduction to Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy is the process of making an incision in a vein with a needle in order to draw blood. It is a common medical procedure that is used for many different purposes, such as to donation, to test for medical conditions, and to treat certain medical conditions.
Medical assistants who are trained in phlebotomy can perform this procedure in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, blood banks, and even in patients’ homes. In order to be able to perform phlebotomy, Medical assistants must receive specific training and certification.
There are many different types of phlebotomy techniques that Medical Assistants can use, depending on the purpose of the procedure and the preference of the patient. The most common type of phlebotomy is venipuncture, which is when a needle is inserted into a vein in the arm in order to draw blood. This technique is typically used for donation or testing purposes.
Another type of phlebotomy that medical assistants may use is capillary puncture, which is when a needle is inserted into a small fingerstick wound in order to draw blood. This technique is often used for tests that do not require a large amount of blood, such as glucose tests.
Medical assistants must also be familiar with the various types of equipment that are used for phlebotomy procedures. Some of the most common types of equipment include needles, tourniquets, alcohol swabs, gauze pads, and collection tubes. medical assistants must know how to properly sterilize all of this equipment before each use in order to prevent infection.
In addition, medical assistants must know how to properly care for patients before, during, and after their phlebotomy procedures. This includes positioning the patient’s arm correctly, applying pressure to the puncture site afterwards, and monitoring the patient for any signs of complications.
Phlebotomy Training
Medical assistants with phlebotomy training are in high demand. The job outlook for medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than average, and those with phlebotomy training will be especially sought-after. If you’re considering a career in medical assisting, here’s what you need to know about phlebotomy training.
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from patients for diagnostic testing. It is a key part of the work of medical assistants, and those with phlebotomy training are often able to command higher salaries and benefits.
There are many ways to get phlebotomy training, including community colleges, vocational schools, and online programs. Phlebotomy training typically takes between one and three months to complete, and some programs offer accelerated options.
After completing phlebotomy training, medical assistant students must take a certification exam administered by the National Healthcare Association or the American Medical Technologists. Certification is not required in all states, but it may be required by some employers.
Phlebotomy Certification
Phlebotomy certification is not required in all states, but many employers prefer or require it. Certification shows that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform phlebotomy procedures safely and effectively.
There are a few different ways to become certified. The National Healthcare Association offers a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential, which requires completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program and passing a written exam. The American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers a Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) credential, which requires completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program and passing a written exam and a clinical skills exam.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification offers the Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) credential, which requires completion of an accredited phlebotomy training program, passing a written exam, and completing at least 100 documented successful venipunctures and 10 documented successful skin punctures.
Once you have completed an accredited training program and passed the required exams, you will need to apply to the certification body for your chosen credential. Each organization has slightly different requirements, so be sure to check the requirements carefully before you apply.
Once you have been awarded your credential, it is important to keep your skills up-to-date by renewing your certification every few years. Most certification bodies require completion of continuing education credits or re-examination in order to renew your credential.
Phlebotomy Salary
The median annual wage for phlebotomists was $34,480 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,610, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,860.
Phlebotomy Job Description
Most phlebotomists work in hospitals, medical offices, or blood donor centers. Others find employment in doctor’s offices, HMOs, transcription services, insurance companies, or with the US Public Health Service. Generally, they work regular daytime hours. Some may be required to work evenings or weekends to accommodate the needs of their employers. Many full-time phlebotomists work more than 40 hours per week. A small number of phlebotomists are self-employed.
Most phlebotomists are trained on the job. However, some employers prefer to hire workers who have completed a formal training program in phlebotomy or who have a degree in medical assisting with a specialization in phlebotomy. A few states regulate the practice of phlebotomy, and some require certification.
Phlebotomy Career Outlook
The outlook for phlebotomy careers is excellent. The demand for medical assistants with phlebotomy training is high and expected to continue to grow. With the aging of the baby boomer generation, the need for healthcare services is expected to increase, resulting in more job opportunities for medical assistants.
Phlebotomy Education
Medical assisting with phlebotomy is a great way to enter the medical field. Phlebotomy technicians are in high demand and the job outlook is excellent. But what does it take to become a phlebotomist? Read on to find out.
Phlebotomy education typically starts with a certificate or diploma program from a community college, technical school, or hospital. Many of these programs can be completed in less than a year. Once you have completed your phlebotomy training, you will need to earn your certification. Certification is not required in all states, but it is becoming increasingly common. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential. To earn your CPT, you will need to complete an accredited phlebotomy training program and pass an exam.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in medical assisting with phlebotomy, there are many things to consider. Phlebotomy can be a challenging and rewarding career. With the right training and credentials, you can open doors to many exciting opportunities in the medical field.
Phlebotomy Exam
If you want to become a medical assistant with phlebotomy certification, you will need to take and pass a phlebotomy exam. This Exam is typically offered by different organizations, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
The NHA Board of Phlebotomy Exam covers the following topics: general information, patient preparation, specimen collection, safety, and infections. You will be given two hours to complete the computer-based exam.
The AMT Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam has a total of 100 questions covering anatomy and physiology, Medical Terminology specimen collection, safety, equipment sterilization, and infection control. You will have two hours to complete the written exam.
Phlebotomy Technician
Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy: What You Need to Know
Phlebotomy technicians are responsible for drawing blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, and research. They are an important part of the healthcare team and play a vital role in patient care.
There is a lot that goes into becoming a phlebotomy technician, including completing an accredited training program and passing a national certification exam.
This guide will give you an overview of what you need to know about becoming a phlebotomy technician, from job responsibilities to training requirements to salary information.
Phlebotomy Jobs
Phlebotomy jobs are a vital role in the medical field. A phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood from patients for diagnostic testing and blood donations. While many people are familiar with the role of nurses and doctors, fewer know about the vital role phlebotomists play in providing quality patient care.
Phlebotomy jobs can be found in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, blood banks, and laboratories. Phlebotomists may also be employed by private companies that provide mobile blood donation services. No matter where they work, phlebotomists are typically responsible for obtaining patient consent, sterilizing equipment, drawing blood from veins, arteries, or capillaries, labeling specimen tubes, and preparing specimens for transport to the laboratory.
Those interested in pursuing a career in phlebotomy should have excellent communication skills and a strong desire to help others. Phlebotomy training programs are typically short—lasting anywhere from four to twelve weeks—and many programs offer job placement assistance upon completion. With the right training and experience, phlebotomists can enjoy a stable career with good job prospects.