Phlebotomy is a popular field in Hawaii with phlebotomists steadily being hired in hospitals, laboratories, blood banks and clinics. Phlebotomists are in integral part of the allied health department in Hawaii. If this career interests you, continue reading and learn what it takes to become a phlebotomist in Hawaii and what you can expect for employment and potential wages.
Phlebotomist Requirements
Becoming a phlebotomist in Hawaii requires completing a phlebotomy training program that’s accredited by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. There are various schools in Hawaii that offer phlebotomy training. Some may take as little as a few weeks while others can take several months, depending on the school.
As a phlebotomy student, you’ll take courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, venipuncture and medical ethics. You’ll also learn about different tools used such as needles, syringes, tourniquets, gloves and specimen trays. You’ll l also learn about safe handling of fluids, phlebotomy guidelines and how to find the vein and obtain the specimen.
Phlebotomy training program are divided into two parts: didactic (coursework and lab studies) and a clinical internship. To be successful in the didactic portion, students are generally required to complete both basic and advanced phlebotomy training. During the clinical portion, the student must be successful at performing ten perforations and fifty venipuncture procedures on live patients.
Is Any Prior Education or Training Required?
Phlebotomy training programs in Hawaii do not have any prior education or prerequisite requirements. Students should be high school graduates at least 18 years old. Prior to starting the clinical portion of the training, the student must pass a drug screening and criminal background check and provide documentation of CPR and first aid certification, current immunizations and a TB test. Depending on the school, the student may also have to have a passing grade in math and English.
Are Phlebotomists Required to be Certified or Licensed in Hawaii
Although Hawaii does require that certain clinical laboratory personnel be licensed, they do not require licensure of phlebotomists. They also do not require certification. However, they do recommend certification. Employers are more apt to hire a phlebotomist who is certified because it’s a testament of the individual’s knowledge, skill and commitment to the field.
How Can a Phlebotomist Become Certified?
Before you can be certified, you must successfully pass the phlebotomy training program, which will include proving proficiency in performing phlebotomy procedures. To be certified, you must pass a certification exam through one of the National Certification Agencies for Laboratory Professionals. These agencies may include the following.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• American Medical Technologists
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
• National Phlebotomy Association
Is Continuing Education Required?
Continuing education (CE) is required for the phlebotomist to maintain certification. Most certifications are valid for one to two years. Prior to this time, the phlebotomist must satisfy the CE requirements, either through work or courses, or he or she will be required to retake the certification exam. Because each agency may vary with the CE requirements, phlebotomists are encouraged to be aware of what is required by their respective certifying agency.
Salaries for Phlebotomists in Hawaii
As of May 2013, phlebotomists across the nation earned annual wages that ranged from $21,760 to more than $43,000, with the average wage at $30,150. This report came from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which also indicates that phlebotomy wages in Hawaii are slightly above the national average. The BLS reported that phlebotomists in Hawaii earned a mean annual wage of more than $34,000 in 2013.
Phlebotomy salaries in Hawaii vary from one area to another. According to Salary.com, phlebotomists in Honolulu earned $33,664 as of September 2014 while earnings in Hilo and Kahului were $31,803.
What Are the Job Tasks a Hawaii Phlebotomist Can and Cannot Do?
In Hawaii, as is the case with most states, phlebotomists are not allowed to start IV (intravenous) treatments on patients unless they are certified in IV therapy. Because IV treatments are invasive procedures, this law is for the protection of both the patient and the phlebotomist.
The phlebotomist verifies the patient’s identify and medical history and explains the procedure to the patient. It is also the responsibility of the phlebotomist to assemble all the medical instruments required for the blood or urine tests, ensure the entire area is sterile, locate the vein and do the procedure.
When the procedure is done, the phlebotomist puts the sample in the correct container and makes sure it is labeled and delivered to the appropriate lab. The phlebotomist may also enter the data in computer system. Few people enjoy the idea of having their blood drawn, but it is because of the skill and compassion of phlebotomists that many patients find the procedure to be not as bad as they’d anticipated.