Phlebotomists play an important role in a variety of medical settings because they are responsible for drawing blood and collecting other specimens from patients. These allow labs to test for a range of medical conditions so patients can receive the proper treatment.
What Are the Job Duties?
Phlebotomists have several job duties including:
- Verifying patient information
- Taking specimens to the lab
- Destroying needles after use
- Sending test results to physicians
- Conducting patient interviews
- Maintaining quality results by following employer procedures
- Performing bedside glucose tests
- Taking vital signs
Where do Phlebotomists Work?
Most phlebotomists work in general medical and surgical hospitals, though others find employment in medical and diagnostic laboratories, ambulatory healthcare services, and physicians’ offices.
What is a Phlebotomist’s Salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomists made a median annual salary of $30,150 in 2013. The highest 10% in the field earned $43,190, while the lowest paid made $21,760.
What are the Best Paying Cities?
According to the U.S. News & World Report, the best paying cities are all in California, and here’s what you need to know if you live in the Golden State or are willing to relocate.
Oakland – Oakland is both a major West Coast port city and the third largest city in the San Francisco Bay area. It has plenty for residents to do after work and on weekends such as visiting the Oakland Urban Wine Trail, watching a Warriors game, and enjoying nature at one of the city’s parks. Those working as a phlebotomist in Oakland earned an average salary of $46,290 in 2013.
Vallejo – This is the 10th most populated city in the San Francisco Bay area, and residents can enjoy a range of activities such as golfing on the oldest course west of the Mississippi, boating, hiking, listening to the Vallejo Symphony, or visiting a festival. Phlebotomists in Vallejo earned an average of $45,380 in 2013.
Stockton – Located on the San Joaquin River, this city is a large urban center, and it’s home to the Fox Theater, the Stockton Symphony, two professional sports teams, and three dog parks. Phlebotomists working in Stockton earned an average salary of $44,510 in 2013.
Santa Barbara – Situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara is a scenic place to call home. It’s great for horseback riding, surfing, wine trails, and exploring museums. Phlebotomists who called Santa Barbara home in 2013 earned an average salary of $43,560.
Merced – According to the city’s website, Merced is a dynamic community that’s characterized by its young and friendly residents. It’s a fun place to call home for those who enjoy the outdoors with several bike trails, athletic fields, parks, and a beautiful lake. The average salary of phlebotomists working in Merced in 2013 was $42,470.
Phlebotomy Schools in California
There are several schools in California that offer phlebotomy programs including:
- MTI College, Sacramento
- Empire College, Santa Rosa
- Long Beach City College, Long Beach
- UCLA Center for Prehospital Care, Los Angeles
- Saddleback College, Mission Viejo
What Are the Common Training Classes?
While classes vary by school, some of the most common are:
Anatomy and Physiology – This course teaches students about the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary, and muscular and skeletal systems.
Blood Sampling Procedures – Students learn the proper vein puncture techniques for newborns, children, adults, and the elderly.
Blood Cell Composition – This course centers on understanding how blood cells are affected by disease and infection.
CPR – Because phlebotomists take specimens from patients with a variety of problems, they must learn CPR so they can be fully prepared if an emergency arises.
Lab Safety – Students gain the necessary knowledge when it comes to safely handling lab equipment and cleaning up spills.
Phlebotomists have fulfilling careers. If you would like to learn more about entering this field, please contact us.