Phlebotomy is a process that involves drawing out blood, typically for the purpose of testing. While it’s certainly not a topic the squeamish may enjoy, those who find various medical practices interesting may find these facts quite noteworthy.
1. Phlebotomy Used to Be a Service Barbers Provided
In the Middle Ages, barbers were not only famed for their ability to safely and cleanly lop off hair but they were also trusted to draw blood. At the time, bloodletting was utilized to treat illnesses like the plague and other diseases, as it was thought to balance a patient’s humor. Barbers typically would also perform this task for the wealthier segments of society, as the act was considered a sign of health and prosperity to have your blood drawn.
However, although bloodletting is now considered outdated and dangerous, you can still find the practice employed in certain areas of the medical profession. For example, phlebotomists working in hospitals or doctors’ offices draw blood from patients routinely.
2. Veterinarians Also Practice Phlebotomy
When used in veterinary medicine, the process is known as a venipuncture. Phlebotomists working with animals capture blood for tests and for the administration of specific medicines to animals. Such phlebotomists must be trained to not only draw blood but also to identify abnormal signs and symptoms of illness in animals.
Further, although you may think phlebotomists are mostly confined to drawing blood in the human medical field, they may practice in other areas as well. For example, many phlebotomists may collect blood samples for studies with animals. Another area of potential phlebotomy is research. A phlebotomist’s role in research may include the collection of blood samples for a variety of studies.
3. There Is a Good Job Outlook for Phlebotomy Technicians
You can find a phlebotomist job in a variety of places, including hospitals, clinical laboratories, physicians’ offices, and even in veterinary medicine. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates that employment in medical and clinical laboratories will increase by 19 percent by 2024, suggesting an excellent job outlook.
If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist, you may be interested in knowing what the salary is like. According to the BLS, phlebotomists’ median salary is $31,690 per year.
4. Phlebotomy Training Is Not Expensive
Although becoming a phlebotomist is not an easy process, it is not an expensive one. When you consider the vast array of opportunities for employment, the excellent job outlook, and the decent salary, you may be interested in knowing that phlebotomy education is not costly.
To become a certified phlebotomist, you’ll need to complete the typical secondary education, including high school, and then a two-year associate degree in phlebotomy. You can find many colleges offering associate degrees in phlebotomy.
Further, certified phlebotomists may earn certification in a specialty area, such as cardiology, pediatric and maternity, and so forth.
Final Thoughts
Phlebotomy is an interesting topic that often takes a backseat to more commonly discussed medical topics like performing surgery, treating diseases, and more. However, phlebotomy is an essential service that enables medical professionals to draw blood from patients in a safe and efficient manner.
Start your career as a phlebotomy technician with the help of Northwest Suburban College. We are a health sciences college that offers phlebotomy training in Schaumburg, IL. At NWSC, the hands-on labs, clinical externship placements, and service projects throughout the community ensure that you’ll get the experience you need so you feel confident about entering your field. Get in touch with us today!
