Phlebotomists

Description:

Phlebotomists (PBTs) collect blood specimens from patients for laboratory testing. In some settings, they also process and store medical samples, and enter specimen accessioning information into laboratory computer systems. They must be accurate with patient and sample identification and must be excellent communicators with patients.

Additional information may be found at:

American Society for Clinical Pathology - Career Information http://www.ascp.org/bor/medlab/careers/

Phlebotomist http://www.ascp.org/bor/medlab/careers/page6.asp

Educational Requirements:

Post-HS certificate program including safety, anatomy, patient communication and techniques for collection, processing and storage of venous, arterial and capillary blood samples.

Clinical education includes practice in "real life" hospitals, clinics or physician office practices

Educational programs meet the requirements of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences ( www.naacls.org )

Graduates are eligible for national certification exams in the Phlebotomist category ( www.nca-info.org ) or (www.ascp.org/bor)

Employment Opportunities and Salaries:

Employment opportunities are readily available in hospitals, physician offices, reference laboratories, public health and veterinary clinics, and insurance industry.

According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists in 2002, the vacancy rate for phlebotomists in hospitals and reference laboratories was 8.0% in the Northeast. Lab Med (2003), 34:702-707.

Starting salaries in NJ for Phlebotomists range from $22,000 to $24,000. Further salary information by region may be obtained at www.salary.com .

For more information on Phlebotomy Programs, visit our NJ Clinical Laboratory Educational Programs page

Photo reprinted with permission from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Chicago, IL.

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