Phlebotomist - Harcum College

Phlebotomist from Harcum College is a Campus Associate Pharmacy degree that prepares you for a Healthcare career. A Phlebotomy Technician (Phlebotomist) is an integral member of the medical laboratory team whose primary function is the collection of blood samples from patients by venipuncture or microtechniques. The Phlebotomy Technician facilitates the collection and transportation of laboratory specimens, and is often the patient's only contact with the medical laboratory. The need to assure quality and patient safety mandates strict professional behavior and standards of practice for these practitioners. Nature of the Work The primary function of a Phlebotomy Technician is to obtain patient blood specimens by venipuncture or microtechniques. The Phlebotomy Technician aids in the collection and transportation of other laboratory specimens, and may be involved with patient data entry. A Phlebotomy Technician also draws blood for transfusions, donations and research. Phlebotomy Technicians must like challenge and responsibility. They must be accurate, work well under pressure and communicate effectively. They must be able to deal with patients and be able to calm patients. Safety is key and all safety precautions must be taken to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Duties differ by doctor office, hospital and laboratory but may include: Drawing blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, clinics, doctor offices, laboratories or similar facility for medical purposes Assembles equipment (such as needles, blood collection devices, gauze, tourniquet, cotton, and alcohol) Verifies or records identity of patient or donor Converses with patients to allay fear of procedure Applies tourniquet to arm, locates vein, swabs area with disinfectant, and inserts needle into vein to draw blood into collection tube. (May also prick finger instead of inserting needle.) Labels and stores blood container for processing May conduct interview, take vital signs and test blood samples to screen donors at a blood bank Be able to analyze information and make appropriate recommendations Education and Training A Phlebotomy Technician must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. with acceptable training. Phlebotomy Technician program are available at many accredited colleges and career schools. A Phlebotomy Training course at colleges or career schools vary in length and usually leads to a certificate of completion and in some cases a diploma. View more details on Harcum College . Ask your questions and apply online for this program or find other related Pharmacy courses.