Phlebotomy Minnesota
Phlebotomy as a career requires that a technician know how to skillfully draw blood from a subject’s veins. However, their jobs are not limited to the drawing of blood. They may be required to administer intravenous medications, give injections, or set up IVs. With special training, a phlebotomist may even learn to draw blood through an artery as opposed to through a vein.
Education and Training Requirement
Education and training is required to enter into a career as a phlebotomist. First, a prospective phlebotomist must graduate from a high school or a high school equivalent and they must hold a diploma reflecting their graduation. Phlebotomy training itself then usually takes the form of a 6-10 week training program, which must be accredited through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Such classes are available from a number of different educational sources including technical colleges, but more specialized classes may be found in other settings.
Other initial requirements that may need to be met may include the possession of a valid state identification card, a passed tuberculosis test, and they may need to pass a background check.
Applied hands on experience and practice is necessary and is garnered through whatever training program a student decides to attend. The requirement for hands on experience is considered to be met after a student completes around 42 hours of classroom training, as well as 120 hours of field experience performing the duties particular to phlebotomy.
Some of the things that a person will encounter and learn about while they are enrolled in a training program includes anatomy, physiology, safety methods and practices, sterilization and handling of sensitive medical implements, applicable laws, keeping accurate documentation, the process of drawing blood samples, and how to handle those samples correctly and safely.
It is strongly desired for a phlebotomist to possess good social skills, as it will be necessary for them to communicate clearly with their patients. Phlebotomy Technicians are responsible for working with patients in various settings, medical and otherwise. Good social skills will also aid a phlebotomist with allaying the fears of patients, as well as with answering any questions that their patients may have.
Jobs in phlebotomy can be found in many different settings such as the office of a physician, within a clinic, at a hospital, or at various blood or plasma donation centers. A person who works as a phlebotomist also may or may not be required to perform some data entry duties relative to their job. Most work responsibilities will vary depending upon the setting that a phlebotomist is working in.
Students meet eligibility requirements and become prepared to take a certification examination as they complete whatever training programs are appropriate in regards to their chosen career paths. Generally, certification is not legally necessary to work as a phlebotomist, but certified phlebotomists are usually more sought after by most employers.
The examinations that are necessary for a student’s certification as a phlebotomist are offered through various accredited agencies such as the American Medical Technologists, the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, and the National Health Career Association. Such examinations will be made available to students after they have completed their coursework, education requirements, and certain eligibility rules have been met.
After a student has received their certifications to work as a phlebotomist, further education may be requested by employers. In some places, continually updated training may be required for an individual to remain certified. Several workshops that are designed to keep those who work in this field provided with the most up to date information in regards to things like techniques, practices, and laws are offered through the certifying agencies themselves. Those who work in the field of phlebotomy can expect to be kept up to date in terms of the latest trends in the practice of phlebotomy. Safety and legal information are two of the most key points to know when working in this field.
Cost of Training
The average costs for a phlebotomy training course in the state of Minnesota are approximately $1,000.00, with certification exam costs around $150.00. There are no less than 10 institutions wherein phlebotomy can be learned, and these include colleges, clinics, and other medical centers.
Phlebotomist Salary in Minnesota
Phlebotomists in some areas of Minnesota make an annual salary of approximately $35,000.00. However, the actual amount that a person may earn in this field will be determined by their region and their employer and is subject to increase over time as a person grows more knowledgeable and skilled in their work.
While the simple requirement of a few weeks long training program is sufficient for a person to immediately procure an entry level position as a phlebotomist, other opportunities for advancement do exist and are easy to realize over time. Phlebotomy is a great way to enter and advance through the medical workforce