Where Phlebotomists Work
Phlebotomists play a critical role within the healthcare team. Their primary job is to collect blood samples, which are then analyzed in a laboratory or donated to another individual. Phlebotomists often work with doctors and nurses and they are in demand, using their skills and experience in several different settings. Phlebotomists can work in a range of clinical environments and facilities, including:
Hospitals
Most phlebotomists work in hospitals, drawing blood for samples, which are then sent to a laboratory for testing. Testing is vital for diagnosing and ruling out conditions and infections quickly to optimize treatment outcomes. Phlebotomists work across several wards and departments, collecting blood from a wide range of patients, including children and the elderly.
Private health clinics
Phlebotomists may work in public or private hospitals and health clinics and centers. Health clinics may provide specialist or general care, but the role of the phlebotomist remains unchanged. They will see patients to collect a blood sample for analysis and evaluation, using precise, tried and tested methods to draw blood with minimal discomfort. Some phlebotomists will spend most of their time in one department, while others will move around more freely, meeting a diverse range of patients and clients.
PhlebotomyU Courses
PhlebotomyU offers several courses. In our CPT I classes, students will receive hands on experience and practice this procedure in clinical and classroom settings. Contact PhlebotomyU today to learn which course is best for you.
Diagnostic laboratories
Diagnostic laboratories are a major employer for trained phlebotomists. Laboratories employ phlebotomists to collect samples from clients who are undergoing testing for treatment purposes or to take part in research trials or gather information for insurance or legal reasons. The phlebotomist may take a series of samples, which need to be labeled individually.
Research facilities
Research plays a crucial role in evaluating treatments and discovering new opportunities to develop drugs and other forms of therapy to cure diseases or alleviate symptoms. Working in a research center or laboratory may be slightly different to working in a hospital or care facility, as blood samples usually need to be collected under specific conditions. In many cases, for example, there will be a limited window for collecting blood, which means that phlebotomists employed at research centers may work evenings or early shifts.
Care homes and elderly care facilities
The risk of developing many health conditions increases as you get older. Care homes and elderly care facilities provide assistance, medical care and support for people who have disabilities or underlying or chronic diseases, as well as seniors who need additional help. Staff monitor patients constantly, which often requires taking regular blood samples. Working as a phlebotomist in a care home involves interacting with older people and offering comfort and reassurance during the process, which can be unnerving for some. Hiring a phlebotomist or a small team of phlebotomists is beneficial for the home and the patient, as individuals can get used to seeing the same faces. In some cases, it can be more difficult to take blood from elderly people because the veins can be more fragile.
Blood donor centers and banks
Giving blood can save lives. Many patients who have undergone surgical procedures or suffered trauma need additional blood due to excessive blood loss. If a patient needs blood urgently, or they have a chronic illness, which means that they need regular transfusions, doctors use supplies from blood banks.
Phlebotomists that work in blood donor centers and blood banks have a more varied role. They are responsible for collecting blood, but they may also be involved in matching donors and recipients and raising awareness of blood donation and trying to encourage members of the public to give blood. Additional responsibilities in the form of matching samples require advanced training in blood grouping and pathology to ensure that patients who need donor blood receive the right samples. Working in a blood bank can be hugely satisfying for phlebotomists, as it involves meeting a diverse range of people and making a positive difference on a daily basis. Outside of the facility, phlebotomists may be integral to campaigns to raise awareness and urge those who can give blood to donate.
Mobile services
Some patients, particularly elderly clients, are too frail to leave home, or they struggle to get out and about. Some phlebotomists who are based at care centers or healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, provide a mobile service, visiting clients in their own home to collect blood. Being at home can be reassuring for those who have phobias of needles or a fear of being in hospital and it can also be incredibly helpful for people who are bed-bound due to underlying or chronic health problems.
Enroll at PhlebotomyU Today
After achieving your CPT1 certificate at PhlebotomyU, you will be ready to find your dream phlebotomy job. As a nationally accredited phlebotomy training program, PhlebotomyU prepares its students with the skills they need to succeed afterwards including career services , a phlebotomy internship, and more. Interested? Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
