Learning to be a phlebotomist in Michigan can provide a rewarding career in health care. Most sectors of the industry require individuals skilled in drawing blood, performing dialysis and other technical proficiencies associated with phlebotomy. Therefore, job opportunities are fairly abundant in this field.
Phlebotomist Requirements
Michigan has not established strict guidelines for phlebotomist training or certification. However, most leading health care facilities require experienced professionals to fill those positions and will seek certified phlebotomists. Those trained through an accredited program will also earn a higher starting salary. Minimum requirements for phlebotomy certification courses include:
-Must be 18 years of age.
-Must have a high school diploma or GED.
-Must have a valid social security number.
-Must be healthy due to exposure to patients with illness or compromised immune systems.
-Complete 100-hour, non-degree certificate program through a vocational or technical school or community college. These programs include coursework in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, CPR and laboratory work for practice experience.
-A two-year, associate’s degree program is available through community colleges for students seeking supervisory or higher-level positions in phlebotomy.
-While not required in Michigan, students may obtain certification after graduation and upon successful completion of an examination given by the National Center for Competency Testing, American Medical Technologists or American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Continuing Education
Phlebotomists in Michigan are not required to complete continuing education courses. However, some employers may require clinicians to seek additional courses to improve skills and patient care.
Phlebotomist Salary in Michigan
The future job outlook for phlebotomists in Michigan and nationwide is favorable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting a 27 percent job growth in the field over the next decade. The salary for entry-level phlebotomists is relatively low at between $12 and $15 per hour. However, clinicians with advanced education, certification and experience in the field may qualify for supervisory positions and generate more than $45,000 annually.
Phlebotomist Job Duties
Most phlebotomy technicians are employed in physician offices, labs and hospitals to draw blood. They work directly with patients on a daily basis and must maintain a friendly and calm demeanor to put patients at ease. As these professionals are expected to accurately convey what is being done to patients of all ages and health, they must be excellent communicators. Phlebotomists must establish patient identity and ask questions prior to testing. Attention to detail is also essential as technicians perform data entry, specimen labeling, manage records and bookkeeping. Clinicians are required to report to doctors or nurses and must precisely follow instructions to support the team. Performing duties in a safe, ethical and professional manner are also necessary for a successful career as a phlebotomist.
A Michigan phlebotomist is legally able to perform blood draws through venal puncture, collect and transfer other specimens for laboratory analysis. Those technicians with specialized training can also set up intravenous lines, administer medications through intravenous lines, draw blood through arteries, plus carry out machine set-up and accurate measurement for dialysis treatments. All phlebotomist duties are performed under physician or nursing supervisor direction and are administered to cause as little pain or discomfort to the patient as possible.
The role of a phlebotomist is an essential component in patient health care in all states. While many technicians in the state of Michigan receive on-the-job training, it is apparent that more and more employers desire advanced training in the field of phlebotomy to stay competitive and provide the best possible patient care.