Starting a new career can be a bit intimidating for anyone, but getting solid information beforehand can help to make the process easier. The medical field offers promising career paths, and phlebotomists in specific are considered to be an integral part. It is an allied-health career with a bright future. Phlebotomists draw blood for testing, research, transfusions, and medical exams. They spend their time working in hospitals, clinics, medical offices, and laboratories and are responsible for a variety of tasks. If you are considering becoming a phlebotomist in North Dakota, find all the answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
Phlebotomist Requirements
If you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist, you must apply and be accepted to a college training program that is certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. To apply to a phlebotomy program, applicants must pass a criminal background check and a drug screening, possess a valid North Dakota driver’s license or photo identification, and be at least 18 years old. Once accepted, the duration of the program lasts from several weeks to several months. Programs which offer the most hands on experience are the best for your future employment prospects.
Is any prior education or training required?
Applicants need only to have a high school diploma or GED to be considered for acceptance into a phlebotomy program.
Are Phlebotomists required to be certified?
No. North Dakota does not require phlebotomists to be certified. However, it is a great advantage to become certified, as it makes the person look more dedicated and professional.
How can a Phlebotomist become certified?
In order to become a certified phlebotomist, students must pass the North Dakota phlebotomy certification exam, which costs about $105.
Is continuing education necessary?
In order to renew your license, which is required every two years, phlebotomists must obtain six hours of continued education. The course can be conducted online or in person at a school. If a phlebotomist neglects to renew their license, he/she will face legal repercussions.
Phlebotomist Salary in North Dakota
The average annual salary of a phlebotomist in the state of North Dakota is roughly $25,500 to $35,000.
Phlebotomist Job Duties
Throughout training, a phlebotomist will learn the anatomy and physiology of the human body, how to conduct safety methods with patients, and how to draw blood. Additionally, students will learn how to handle blood samples, write using medical terminology, and work within the legalities of the hospital. Once certified, a phlebotomist can take on his/her duties in the professional workplace.
A phlebotomist’s first duty is to make sure that he/she is accurately drawing blood from the correct patient. They are trained to procure blood samples using skin puncture or venipuncture techniques. As this can be an intimidating procedure for many patients, it is the job of the phlebotomist to make the patient as comfortable as possible.
Once an order for a blood sample is received, it is the phlebotomist’s duty to determine the appropriate extraction method as well as the proper amount of blood required. After the procedure has been completed, he/she must contain the blood in the appropriate vessel, properly label the sample, and transport it to the laboratory. The phlebotomist is also legally permitted to enter data.