What Does a Phlebotomy Technician Do - U.S. Colleges

What Does a Phlebotomy Technician Do?

If you have been contemplating the idea of phlebotomy as a career, you should know that it is a great career choice. If you want to become a Phlebotomist, consider enrolling in U.S College’s Phlebotomy Training Program.

Phlebotomy technicians work in a variety of settings. When you hear the word phlebotomy, you may think of someone who only draws blood. While this is one of the job duties, it is not the only responsibility. There are plenty of tasks assigned to phlebotomy technicians. Some of the settings you may find technicians include blood donation centers, hospitals, clinical labs, and even doctors’ offices.

One of the unique things about becoming a phlebotomy technician is that you do not have to go to school for several years. In fact, our program can be completed in just 16 weeks and we offer ongoing enrollment, so you do not have to wait a semester or more to get started.

If you would like to learn more about some of the duties of a phlebotomy tech, keep on reading. If you would like more information about our program, reach out to us and one of our admissions reps will provide you with all of the information that you need to enroll in one of our short-term healthcare career training programs.

You Collect Blood Samples

This is one of those job duties that you already knew about and expected. Most people think of blood draws when they think about a phlebotomy technician. Collecting blood is going to be your primary focus and number one duty. You will be responsible for making sure to accurately find the patient’s vein and insert the needle into it. Yes, this does take practice and the instructors at U.S. Colleges provide you with that hands-on experience.

While blood draw is usually primary, phlebotomy technicians may need to collect other samples, if indicated on the doctor’s order. For example, you may be required to collect plasma, urine, or other bodily fluids.

You Prepare Equipment in Your Job Setting

Before you can even think about drawing blood or collecting bodily fluids, you must first make sure that your workstation is set up and you are properly prepared. All equipment must be accessible, sterile, and ready to use. You do not want to dig around for the items you need as you are trying to draw your patient’s blood. Not only is it unprofessional, but you may injure the patient as well.

You also need to make sure that you sterilize everything. You can never be too clean. Remember, sterilization is for your safety and the safety of your patient. You’ll want to always open the needle packets in front of your patient so they know it is sterile.

You Prepare Your Patient

Just as you prepare your work station, you will prepare your patient as well. You will need to let the patient know what steps you are taking and explain it to them the entire time. You should also distract the patient or have a conversation with them to take their mind off the blood draw.

Sometimes, you may have pediatric patients who need a little more assistance, so be prepared for this too.

Additional Job Duties That You Will Have as a Phlebotomist

Those are not your only job duties as a phlebotomist either. In fact, you will find yourself tasked with multiple things to do in the clinic or setting you work in. Below, you will find some of the additional job duties that many phlebotomists share:

  • Patient identification and patient intake
  • Labeling vials with the patient’s information
  • Transporting specimens that have been collected
  • Centrifuging the blood samples
  • Practicing infection control
  • Cleaning up the clinic or site setting

Train to Become a Phlebotomist Today at U.S. Colleges 

Training to become a phlebotomist is a great choice when you get your education at U.S. Colleges. We offer a comprehensive program that can be completed in as little as 16 weeks. Throughout the program, you will learn industry-needed skills such as skin punctures and venipunctures. Our instructors provide you with the attention you need and deserve throughout your education.

Our goal is to see you succeed and help you jump into a new career quickly when you choose U.S. Colleges. Want to learn more about our Phlebotomy Training Program? Call us today!

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