What is a Phlebotomist?
A Phlebotomist is a professional in the medical field who will draw blood from patients for medical tests and procedures. While nurses can complete this work as well, many healthcare facilities such as hospitals and doctor offices will hire someone that is specifically trained in phlebotomy. Positions within various facilities for phlebotomists are expected to grow roughly 25 percent between now and 2024. This is faster than any other job field and offers a positive outlook on your job security once you have finished your phlebotomy program. At FVI, you will be able to further your education and obtain your phlebotomy certification while enrolled in either the Patient Care Technician Program or the Medical Assistant Program.
What skills should possess in order to excel in your phlebotomy course?
While anyone can begin taking classes for phlebotomy training, it is important that they possess certain skills so that success is imminent. These skills will allow someone to excel in their position and include:
- Standard manual dexterity
- Appropriate vision
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Excellent organizational skills
- People skills
By having these skills before beginning your training, you will know that you will make a great phlebotomist after you complete your patient tech or medical assistant program.
How can you become a phlebotomist in Miami?
In order to become a phlebotomist in Miami, you will need to be a high school graduate and take courses at a vocational school such as FVI that will teach you the hands-on skills needed to succeed in this career. While phlebotomy training is not available as a standalone program at FVI School of Nursing and Technology, you will be able to learn all skills necessary while enrolled in another program such as the patient tech or medical assisting. Generally, the prerequisites needed to become a Phlebotomist in Miami include:
- Be 18 years of age
- High school diploma or your GED
- 20 hours of classroom training
- About 1,000 hours of work experience (putting your skills to work)
- Graduate from your chosen phlebotomy course
Choose a school that is accredited Phlebotomy training courses are typically short and job placement is often easy. If you are interested in working in the medical field but are not completely sure, this may be a great place for you to start! You will be able to find jobs in the following areas:
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Blood donor centers
- Medical offices
- Clinics
When you graduate from FVI, they will offer you assistance with job placement so that you can quickly find a role that can utilize your skills.
How can you obtain a degree in Phlebotomy?
While Phlebotomy may not be offered as a standalone program, you will be able to take courses that will allow you to get your certification by enrolling in another program offered at FVI. With that said, to earn your phlebotomy certificate you will need to complete the following:
- Classroom training
- Clinical training
- Complete your certification exam (not necessary but recommended)
You will want to find a school that is accredited and can help you find a job upon graduation. A job position within phlebotomy can offer you a great medical career without the costs or time that is required for other medical positions.
What classes and courses will be offered to help you get one step closer to becoming a Phlebotomist?
At FVI, you can take courses that will allow you to become a Phlebotomist when you enroll in either the Patient Care Technician or the Medical Assistant program. Your training will teach you standard techniques while including the always changing technologies that you may be faced with in different facilities today. Your courses for most programs will generally include: • Anatomy • Topics that relate to functions as a Phlebotomist o CPR o Medical terminology o First aid training o Infection and safety protocols Both classroom and on the job training is equally important with this your phlebotomy training program in Miami as there are many areas of studies needed to become a successful phlebotomist. Drawing blood can make many patients uncomfortable so it is important that you have both the knowledge and professionalism to make a patient’s experience as good as it can be. The following are some ideas about courses and classes that you may be expected to take during most medical programs in Miami when you are trying to become certified in phlebotomy:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Circulatory system
- Sites for a blood draw on the body
- Composition of the blood
- Blood draw procedures
- Safety procedures for both patient and technician
- How to properly handle blood specimens
- Proper collection procedures
- Proper care of the patient
- Quality assurance
- Professional standards
- Patient privacy
- Hospital and clinic legal issues
What should you look for in a program that offers training in Phlebotomy?
Accreditation is important when selecting a training program. FVI School of Nursing and Technology is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). By being accredited, you will know that you have chosen a school that will take your education seriously. The next thing that you will want to turn your focus to is the curriculum that is offered for the phlebotomy courses during your patient tech or medical assistant program. This means that you will want to choose a school that tailors around the following curriculum.
- 90 hours of a fundamental classroom lecture
- 30 hours of training with a simulated laboratory setting
- 90 hours in a clinical externship or internship
This means that your program may take anywhere from 16 to 52 weeks to complete depending on how much time you have to dedicate yourself to your chosen program. The main reason you get an education is to find better employment. At FVI, we work with our students with resume preparation, interview training, and job placement assistance. We are dedicated to our student’s success and will be by your side from day one until you find your first position after graduation.
Do you need to be certified to become a phlebotomist in Florida?
While it is not a requirement to be certified in the state of Florida, you will be able to increase your earnings by taking the exam. If you are already a worker in the healthcare field, you can potentially increase your earnings by obtaining your phlebotomy certification.
