When applying for entry-level phlebotomy careers, it is important to gather all of your options and evaluate which opportunity is right for you. In California, entry-level positions require that individuals have their Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) license. This certification allows phlebotomists to join a wide range of fields because they have in-depth knowledge and understanding of didactic and practical phlebotomy methodology. Many states have different rules and regulations concerning phlebotomy. It is recommended that you contact your Department of Public Health for your state’s policy concerning phlebotomists.
BASIC DUTIES
To perform basic phlebotomy practices, you must be a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT I). This certification allows individuals to draw blood from inpatient and outpatient clients for diagnostic purposes. This occupation usually consists of 8-hour shifts that may be scheduled during the morning, evening, or night. At PhlebotomyU, we partner with a local hospital or clinic to provide students this basic practice. By the end of our program, our students have accumulated at least 40-120 hours of experience through an externship which counts towards their certification.
When applying to work as a phlebotomy technician, most hospital facilities require a minimum of one year of experience for their entry-level positions. Some medical centers may require at least two years of practice. Some facilities may waive the time requirements if the phlebotomist performed an internship or externship through their training program. Whether the prerequisites for the amount of experience are relinquished or not, pay rates tend to vary by the phlebotomist’s previous work experience.
MOBILE INSURANCE
Phlebotomists may begin their careers with mobile insurance companies. To pursue this career route, you must have your CPT I license. In this field, phlebotomists are required to travel to clients’ homes or businesses to accommodate their needs. This profession is also known as mobile phlebotomy, as you are traveling and interacting with several people with varying backgrounds.
This position provides a great amount of autonomy. The phlebotomist’s availability and working hours are determined by them and are then scheduled by the client. The amount of experience required for this occupation is usually minimal. Occasionally, phlebotomists who work normal hours in a clinic may also do mobile phlebotomy on the side to gain extra hours, experience, and pay. Pay rates for mobile phlebotomists vary depending on the company they work with. Some facilities pay their phlebotomists hourly or by the job tasks, such as per blood draw or blood and urine samples. Other establishments compensate their mobile phlebotomists for travel and mileage costs as well.
BIOMETRICS
Biometrics focuses on utilizing aspects of a person’s basic physical characteristics like height and weight, blood sugar, cholesterol levels and other overall health indicators. In biometrics, a phlebotomist’s duties consist of skin punctures and occasional blood draws for identification and authentication purposes.
To pursue a career in this field, you may have a certification for being a Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT) or Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I). Unlike the CPT I, the LPT only allows phlebotomists to do skin puncture collection. An LPT program is roughly 20 hours long, which is much less than a CPT program, which is about 80 hours on average. With an LPT license, there is minimal variability in entry-level positions until you get your CPT I, which broadens your career options and could be a gateway to more advanced positions.
Biometric clients are large corporations with many employees and hours vary depending on client size. Availability is determined by the phlebotomist. In addition, this occupation is generally available to individuals who may have experience of fewer than 6 months. Biometric phlebotomists are paid hourly and normally do not receive mileage reimbursements.
MOBILE DIAGNOSTICS
To pursue a career in mobile diagnostics, the CPT I certification and previous experience are required. In this field, phlebotomists subcontract work for major labs or hospitals to assist patients who are unable to travel, such as being homebound or living in a nursing home. These patients are difficult draws, as their veins tend to be older or damaged from multiple blood draws.
When applying for this job, it is recommended to have at least 6 months to a year of experience. Having more experience would be beneficial, as pay is dependent on experience. Hours vary depending on contractor requirements, ranging from early morning shifts to evening hours. Also, the mileage may be included in payments.
VOLUNTEER
If you are looking to volunteer as a phlebotomist, you must be a CPT I or be enrolled in a CPT program that offers volunteering opportunities or externships. There is a limited availability of phlebotomist volunteers and there is no pay. Volunteer hours are often set by the facility. If you are interested in volunteering, consider working for the Red Cross.
BECOME A CERTIFIED PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN
PhlebotomyU offers a high-quality CPT I course that assists students in achieving their phlebotomy job aspirations. Alongside didactic and practical training courses, PhlebotomyU offers exclusive externship opportunities that allow students to determine which entry-level phlebotomy job is right for them. These future phlebotomists begin to gain experience to set themselves apart from other candidates and decide which field they like most: basic, mobile insurance, biometrics, mobile diagnostics, or volunteering.
Learn more about PhlebotomyU’s courses and how we prepare you for future career opportunities by contacting PhlebotomyU today.
