For anyone thinking of starting a career as a Phlebotomist in Colorado, there are several requirements that you will be faced with before this can be fully accomplished. These requirements include everything from educational requirements to training and certification ones. The following will provide you with a brief look at the nature of these requirements and the job duties you will be presented with once you have become a licensed Phlebotomist.
Phlebotomist Requirements
Becoming a Phlebotomist is commonly seen as the first step in the natural progression towards becoming a nurse or even a doctor. A Phlebotomist will find that their primary job requirement will be to draw blood from patients for a myriad of different medical procedures. Before becoming a Phlebotomist, there are education and training requirements, as well as possible certification that is needed, which will be displayed in more detail within the following.
Prior Education and Training Requirements
In general, a college degree for Phlebotomy is not required in order to obtain a job, although you will need a high-school diploma. That being said, earning an Associate’s degree will give you better opportunities when looking for a job, as many aspiring Phlebotomists earn an Associate’s degree beforehand. A Bachelor’s degree is wholly unnecessary in most aspects, though earning one in Health Science or Medical Technology will give you some of the training that is necessary should you ever feel the need to advance in your career to a nurse, doctor or even a Donor Phlebotomy Technician.
Training is where you’ll receive the bulk of your experience and is often necessary in order to receive a job as a Phlebotomist. For instance, if you aren’t thinking of going the college degree route, then you can simply attend an accredited Phlebotomy program at a technical or community college that will also give you the opportunity of obtaining a job. At the very least, this will allow you to take the certificate examination. Whether attending courses for a degree or merely a program, always make sure that the courses are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Are Phlebotomists Required to be Certified
Technically, it is not a requirement to be certified in order to become a Phlebotomist in Colorado. However, it is an important step if you are looking to have an easier time finding a job as a Phlebotomist. Earning a certificate will also allow you to earn a higher salary than otherwise. It’s not that difficult to pass the required tests, which is why it’s highly recommended that you do receive certification before entering the job market.
How Can a Phlebotomist Become Certified
In order to become a certified Phlebotomist, you will need to complete a Phlebotomy program and take an exam at the conclusion of it. The program typically lasts 6-weeks and includes a total of 80-100 hours of training, half of which involves coursework, while the other half centers around practical and hands-on clinical training. The certification exam will focus on a written portion based on your knowledge of Phlebotomy, as well as actual performance of the procedures you will need to be aware of when applying for a job as a Phlebotomist.
Is Continuing Education Necessary
While continuing education is not necessary if you haven’t received certification, you will need to take 6 hours worth of Continuing Education Units each year in order to maintain your Phlebotomy certification. If you do not take the required courses, you will need to start the lengthy certification process all over again.
Phlebotomist Salary
When looking for a job as Phlebotomist in Colorado, you will be happy to know that the average salary throughout the state is generally higher than the national average. For instance, receiving a job as a Phlebotomist in Denver will give you a salary that can range anywhere from $25,000 to $38,000, with the median resting at just over $31,000.
Phlebotomist Job Duties
A Phlebotomist is usually tasked with drawing blood through what is known as venal puncture. If you are certified, you may also be able to draw blood from arteries. While these are the primary duties, a Phlebotomist must also calm the nerves of patients of any age and make them feel safe before drawing blood. Data entry, documentation and regular bookkeeping will sometimes be required, while a Phlebotomist will answer directly to both nurses and doctors.
What Tasks are Phlebotomists Legally Allowed to Perform
As a Phlebotomist, you are legally allowed to perform all of the job duties mentioned previously. However, it is illegal in Colorado to delegate any of the duties that you have been tasked with to an unlicensed medical professional. These are the only such restrictions.