{"id":1068,"date":"2017-08-24T15:59:21","date_gmt":"2017-08-24T15:59:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/?p=1068"},"modified":"2018-07-26T21:42:21","modified_gmt":"2018-07-26T21:42:21","slug":"traveling-mobile-phlebotomist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/traveling-mobile-phlebotomist\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Traveling or Mobile Phlebotomist Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Phlebotomy is a flexible, rewarding and potentially lucrative career path<\/strong><\/a> for anyone who wants to join the medical profession. It doesn\u2019t require the extensive training that you might need to become a doctor or surgeon, but it\u2019s an essential role, and one which supports the decisions doctors, nurses, surgeons and other practitioners make.<\/p>\n Many people look to phlebotomy as a career path<\/a><\/strong> for later in their life. It\u2019s an excellent position for those who enjoy working with the public and making a difference. It can also be a very flexible and well-paid position, depending on how you set up your services.<\/p>\n Phlebotomy can also be a great way to travel the world. Traveling phlebotomists are always needed, both at home and overseas. From local blood drives to disaster zones in faraway countries, there\u2019s plenty of demand for phlebotomists the right qualifications<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n In this article, we\u2019re going to look at what a mobile phlebotomist does. We\u2019ll examine their responsibilities, the benefits of these positions, and how you can become a certified traveling phlebotomist<\/strong><\/a> too. If you\u2019ve ever considered a career change, it’s time to find out more.<\/p>\n [su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]<\/p>\n First, we\u2019re going to look at what a phlebotomist is, and what they do. A phlebotomist is primarily a medical professional who draws blood samples from a patient<\/a><\/strong>. These blood samples are needed for a multitude of reasons and can be used to diagnose a plethora of illnesses and conditions.<\/p>\n Phlebotomists are also needed for blood drives, where organizations arrange for volunteers from the community to donate some of their blood. This is then used for blood transfusions for those who are seriously ill<\/strong><\/a> in hospital. A phlebotomist will be present at these drives to draw the correct amount of blood and ensure it\u2019s correctly labeled for the hospital\u2019s use.<\/p>\n The idea of being a phlebotomist sounds simple on paper, but there\u2019s much more to it than inserting a needle and pulling some blood. A phlebotomist has many duties and responsibilities<\/strong><\/a> that go much further.<\/p>\n Phlebotomists use needles when drawing blood, and they must know how to perform the task properly and safely. Needles must be sterile, and the area where blood will be taken from should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol to kill any bacteria. The needle is then inserted very carefully, and a small amount of blood drawn from the patient.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A phlebotomist is also responsible for the accurate labeling of all blood collected. This is an essential part of the job. If a specimen if wrongly labeled at a blood drive, it could be given to someone with a different blood type, with potentially fatal consequences. If a blood sample is incorrectly labeled with a different patient\u2019s name or other details, the wrong results could be reported back. Strong attention-to-detail is a must if you want to be a mobile phlebotomist.<\/p>\n If a blood sample is incorrectly labeled with a different patient\u2019s name or other details, the wrong results could be reported back. Strong attention-to-detail is a must if you want to be a mobile phlebotomist.<\/p>\n Phlebotomists must also:<\/p>\n A mobile phlebotomist has all the duties and responsibilities of a regular phlebotomist. The only difference is that they\u2019ll be performing their services in a variety of different locations, rather than working at one venue every day.<\/p>\n A regular phlebotomist might have a steady job in a local clinic or hospital. A traveling phlebotomist might spend two days a week in a clinic, two days a week working at local blood drives, and a further day going to local nursing homes to collect samples.<\/p>\n Phlebotomy is a field that requires lots of skills and traits \u2013 and being mobile is even more demanding. To be successful, you\u2019ll need the following traits and skills on top of your qualifications:<\/p>\n If you think you have all the skills and traits required to be a great mobile phlebotomist, read on to find out how you could turn this career dream into a reality.<\/p>\n There is a multitude of different pathways you can take to enter the world of phlebotomy. Some people become phlebotomists straight after graduating from high school or college with a bundle of relevant qualifications. Others take dedicated phlebotomy courses at university<\/strong><\/a> later in their lives to become certified and change their career.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s take a look at the different ways you can become a phlebotomist, and the qualifications you\u2019ll need to get started.<\/p>\n Phlebotomists don\u2019t necessarily need to have seven years of medical school training behind them \u2013 but they do need to have graduated from high school. If you dropped out of high school or didn\u2019t get the required grades to graduate, you should consider re-taking those classes so that you can realize your dream.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you managed to graduate high school with good grades, you could head off to a school, or enroll in a program. This is also true for those who want to switch careers later in life<\/a><\/strong>. If you\u2019ve been working in an office for many years and would like a change of scenery, you can enroll in a program to become qualified.<\/p>\n There\u2019ll be a steep learning curve on your course, even if you already have a basic understanding of medicine and medical terms. You\u2019ll learn about anatomy and physiology, mostly focusing on the circulatory system. It\u2019s crucial for you to understand blood and cell composition<\/strong><\/a>, so you have a better working knowledge of your chosen field.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll learn blood sampling procedures and how to handle different techniques for newborns, children, adults and the elderly. Lab safety will also prove an essential part of your course. Labeling, transporting and delivering samples, as well as cleaning your workstation and lab area are just as important as the actual sampling process.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to make sure the program is accredited, or it will be a waste of your own time and money. You should also double-check that the program is recognized by the state, or states, in which you want to work. Each state has different licensing and certification requirements for phlebotomy. If you plan to take your business around the country, you should check that your course will enable you to practice anywhere.<\/p>\n Many people want to go to college to give themselves the best possible chance of succeeding in life. As we\u2019ve mentioned, you don\u2019t necessarily need a degree to work in phlebotomy, but you can add phlebotomy onto your degree as a great backup plan. It would be a great way to help you see the world straight out of college, and if you\u2019re majoring in medicine or another related industry, phlebotomy experience would be a handy feature to add to your resume.<\/p>\n Wherever you want to work, you\u2019ll need to be certified and licensed appropriately. If you think you\u2019re ready to search for a phlebotomy job after you\u2019ve qualified, make sure you have the right certificates and licenses in place.<\/p>\n The American Society of Clinical Pathologists, American Medical Technologists or the American Association of Medical Personnel can provide you with the certification and license you need. You can also apply to the National Credential Agency. Each organization will have different requirements that you need to meet before you can become certified. Be sure to bear this in mind when thinking about where you\u2019re going to study.<\/p>\n Experience will be precious in your journey to becoming a traveling phlebotomist. If you have previous experience on your resume, you\u2019ll find it easier to pick up jobs wherever you go. Many certification programs or phlebotomy courses offer the chance to intern at a lab. You can also seek work experience at blood drives<\/strong><\/a> or clinics to see how the process works and test the water.<\/p>\n Try to take as many opportunities to gain experience as you can!<\/p>\n Once you have the right certifications and some experience under your belt, it\u2019s time to start looking for jobs. There are lots of ways you can accomplish this, and it\u2019s better to get started sooner rather than later! Some of these places will provisionally hire you before you finish your training, so it pays to search early.<\/p>\n The first place to look for jobs is local doctor\u2019s offices and clinics<\/strong><\/a>. You can search online for any clinic within a twenty-mile radius, and work from there. You may be able to contact them online to inquire about positions, or you could head down there to ask in person. You’ll also pick up some useful information about things like local blood drives.<\/p>\n Hospitals are also another great place to start looking. Phlebotomists are needed in many areas of a hospital, from the emergency room and the intensive care unit to the obstetric department and of course, the hospital\u2019s \u2018blood bank.’<\/p>\n This is a very fast-paced environment, especially if you work in the emergency room. You\u2019ll need to think on your feet, manage a large workload and be able to keep cool in high-pressure situations.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a position with a slower pace, you could try applying for local labs. Some labs are only responsible for examining and testing blood samples. Others involve small numbers of patients being sent in, with a much calmer workflow than a hospital or clinic.<\/p>\n There\u2019s less driving around involved with this position. You won\u2019t need to invest in any blood storage or transportation equipment because you\u2019re already in the lab!<\/p>\n Then there are the blood drives and blood banks. Many phlebotomists spend their days traveling all over the country, from a blood drive to blood drive. These are generally community events with a friendly spirit and atmosphere.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a social and approachable person who can keep people calm while up to a pint of blood is extracted from them, this type of work is for you. Head down to a local blood drive and ask to speak to the coordinator. They may be able to advise you about open positions or put you in touch with someone who can. You should also look at jobs boards, both online and around your local community.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are so many positives to become a mobile phlebotomist. Here are just a few of them:<\/p>\n Phlebotomy is an exciting field, and working on-the-road will mean that you\u2019ll get to face a new challenge every day. Your job will be rewarding and satisfying, and you\u2019ll be your own boss, which is what many people dream of.<\/p>\n Getting certified as a phlebotomist doesn\u2019t take too long. Many courses offer full certification within just eight months. This means you could be a fully-fledged traveling phlebotomist by this time next year if you start today! You don\u2019t necessarily need to have a fancy college degree or seven years of training. You need determination and a real passion for your new role.<\/p>\n As a mobile phlebotomist, you\u2019ll have many duties and responsibilities. This isn\u2019t a role for someone who doesn\u2019t care deeply about their job. You\u2019ll need excellent attention-to-detail, you must be motivated and organized enough to set up and attend dozens of appointments each week.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re fresh out of high school or looking for a career change later in life, mobile phlebotomy is a great option with lots of perks. Travel is the primary benefit. If you get itchy feet and don\u2019t like to stay in one place too long, this job offers you the freedom and flexibility you crave.<\/p>\nWhat is a Phlebotomist?<\/h2>\n
What Are the Duties of a Phlebotomist?<\/h3>\n
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What Does a Mobile Phlebotomist Do?<\/h3>\n
Desired Traits of a Traveling Phlebotomist<\/h4>\n
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How to become a Traveling Phlebotomist<\/h2>\n
Graduating from High School<\/h3>\n
Dedicated Phlebotomy Schools<\/h3>\n
College And Phlebotomy<\/h3>\n
Getting Certified And Licensed<\/h3>\n
Becoming Experienced<\/h3>\n
Finding a Job as a Mobile Phlebotomist<\/h2>\n
What Are the Benefits of Being a Mobile Phlebotomist?<\/h3>\n
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Why Become a Mobile Phlebotomist?<\/h3>\n