Let\u2019s cover a bit more about phlebotomy in general, and what your options are after you complete your training. There are not only a few things you can do to benefit yourself, but also to stand out.<\/p>\n
Starting a career in any field can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, phlebotomy is a\u00a0booming area in the healthcare industry. While this can make it easy to find a job quickly, you also have to consider how many others are looking for the same. When it comes to starting\u00a0your career in this field, try to keep in mind what will make you successful from the start.<\/p>\n
What Employers Are Looking for in Phlebotomy Majors<\/h3>\n
When it comes to what employers are really \u2018picking out,\u2019 education and experience are key. If you\u2019re a phlebotomy student, you\u2019re already on the right track. But, make sure you\u2019re taking the proper steps in your education to elevate yourself as someone who should get hired. What makes you better than another graduate? What makes you stand out from someone else in your class?<\/p>\n
First and foremost, consider exactly where you\u2019re completing your training or schooling<\/strong><\/a>. Is the program you\u2019re using accredited? Is it nationally, or even internationally known? Most employers will look at where you were educated in the field before anything else. So, be sure to choose a program that has a solid reputation behind it. You can do your own research when it comes to finding accredited training programs near you. Or, check for online accredited programs with great reviews.<\/p>\n After an employer knows you\u2019re involved in a reputable program, they\u2019ll likely take a look at any extra steps you\u2019ve taken. And, after several weeks of initial training, that typically means going for certification. The certification process for a phlebotomist<\/strong><\/a> takes anywhere from an additional 4-6 weeks after training. While it isn\u2019t required in all states yet, it is a necessity in most. Even if your state doesn\u2019t require certification, it\u2019s always a good idea to get it, regardless. It could be just the \u2018edge\u2019 you need to stand out among possible employers.<\/p>\n Plus, certification ensures that you know even more before heading into a phlebotomy job. Continued education and dedication to being a quality phlebotomist will always be at the top of a priority list for employers. But, if you\u2019ve completed both standard training, and a certification course, and still can\u2019t seem to find a job, there are still several options.<\/p>\n Consider what else you might be able to do to make a resume ‘look great really.\u2019 Education is key, of course, but some\u00a0hands-on experience will also be a factor when it comes to getting hired.<\/p>\n When it comes to making the most of what your resume says<\/strong><\/a>, take the time to think about what might set you apart. If you\u2019ve already completed training and certification, you can always submit your resume right then and there. Applying for jobs at hospitals and clinics right after certification is something almost every phlebotomist will do. And, you can sometimes get success right from the start, and get hired quickly.<\/p>\n However, if you find that the hiring process is a little too slow-going, take advantage of your time, and your skills. You\u2019ve already completed the required training to be a phlebotomist, and you\u2019ve got the license for it. So, you can \u2018work\u2019 anywhere that might have a need – even if that doesn\u2019t always mean grabbing a paycheck right away. Experience in the field is invaluable to a resume. Fortunately, there are several ways to use your qualifications to get that experience.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t get hired into a phlebotomy position right away, consider using your skills and resources to volunteer. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities<\/a><\/strong> out there, and more organizations than you might think who are always on the lookout for great phlebotomists.<\/p>\n Most of these organizations will be in the nonprofit sector, like the Red Cross. The\u00a0Red Cross is\u00a0always looking for qualified phlebotomists<\/strong><\/a> to help at their blood donation centers, and it\u2019s a great place to start your search.<\/p>\n You can also narrow down your volunteer search locally. Try searching for options and openings in your area where you might be able to help. Many different organizations put on regular blood drives in the community, and licensed phlebotomists are always needed.<\/p>\n However, there are also some facilities and organizations that are easy to \u2018forget\u2019 about upfront and are great places to not only gain experience but beef up your resume. Drug treatment centers are always in need of blood samples for their patients. Nursing homes are also usually searching on a regular basis. With an elderly population in one condensed area, blood needs to be drawn for a variety of different reasons.<\/p>\n Prisons, mental facilities, and veteran\u2019s hospitals are also great locations to look for volunteer opportunities. Some of these locations can easily be overlooked, especially by phlebotomists looking for paying positions. But, they will provide you with incredible experience you likely won\u2019t find anywhere else. You\u2019ll get used to working with a wide variety of people, and learn how to deal with multiple situations.<\/p>\n Plus, when you\u2019re willing to give your time and efforts to facilities that need it most, employers are likely to see just how dedicated you are to the field. You may just find that you enjoy volunteering so much, you keep it up even after you become employed. It truly can be a rewarding experience, even without the income.<\/p>\n Another way to gain experience for a resume is to look for internships. Many hospitals and clinics will offer internships that start along with your original training, or just after. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door.<\/p>\n Chances are, if you intern at a hospital, you\u2019ll have a greater chance of getting hired there. You\u2019ll know all of their procedures, safety rules, etc. Consider it additional training, with a more hands-on approach. You\u2019ll feel more comfortable in that specific space, and they\u2019ll feel more comfortable hiring you because of your experience.<\/p>\n The good news about finding a job in the healthcare industry is that there is always a need for your services, and there always will be. It\u2019s an expanding\u00a0field that is\u00a0looking for qualified people to fill a variety of positions. Phlebotomy doesn\u2019t only fit into these multiple needs, but it capitalizes on them. Now more than ever, hospitals and clinics alike are looking for qualified phlebotomists like never before. Why the sudden influx? Well, it has a lot to do with advancements in medical technology.<\/p>\n Doctors are now able to see more from blood samples than ever before and make more accurate diagnoses because of it. Because the technology has continued to grow, so has the need for high-quality workers. Ultimately, this makes a phlebotomist one of the most important entry-level careers in the healthcare field. People need blood drawn for a wide variety of reasons. While some are more serious than others, these advancements allow patients to experience more accurate results – good or bad. But, even in the more \u2018unfortunate\u2019 results, technology has allowed us to develop stronger, more relevant treatment options when blood samples are drawn early enough.<\/p>\n Adjusting Goals to Where you Want to Work<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve completed your phlebotomy training, and even your certification, your instincts might lead you to apply to a local hospital. Or, even a large hospital is in close proximity. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, and it\u2019s usually the first thing new graduates consider, you might want to take a look at other options. This might mean adjusting your initial plans at first, but it\u2019s for the best when it comes to finding a job quickly.<\/p>\n Think about it this way: Because so many people are applying for the same job, your chances are lowered. Granted, sometimes large hospitals need multiple phlebotomists on staff. But, don\u2019t think of a complex medical facility as your only option when it comes to getting hired.<\/p>\n You may find that you appreciate a smaller, slower-paced atmosphere more than you originally thought. So, if you\u2019re not immediately hired at your \u2018dream location,\u2019 if that happens to be a huge hospital, don\u2019t immediately shoot down smaller options.\u00a0 Remember, experience counts for quite a bit on a resume. Even if you have to start small to work your way up, you\u2019ll be doing yourself a favor in the long run.<\/p>\n We already covered the fact that the phlebotomy profession\u00a0is booming. Even better, it shows no signs of slowing down over the next decade. So, whether you\u2019re in training right now, or have just completed it, your job prospects are great<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n One thing you can count on as far as what employers are looking for in phlebotomy majors is dedication. That can be shown in everything from hands-on experience, to a willingness to work do whatever it takes to use your skills. Because it\u2019s an entry-level position in the medical world<\/strong><\/a>, many will continue their careers elsewhere up the ladder. There are nurses and even doctors who originally started out as qualified phlebotomists.<\/p>\n Whether you want to advance your career in medicine, or you\u2019re just looking for a great junior\u00a0position, knowing how to present yourself is key. So, take the time to do whatever you can to push yourself ahead. Not only will this allow you to become more noticeable above your competition, but you\u2019ll be on a path of constant growth. With that in mind, you\u2019ll be what employers are looking for in a qualified, dedicated phlebotomist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Choosing phlebotomy as a career can be as rewarding on an emotional level as it is on a practical level. You get to work with so many different types of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":470,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=468"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=468"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=468"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"How](\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Phlebotomy-Career-Prospects.jpg\")
<\/p>\nEarn\u00a0Your Phlebotomy Certification<\/h3>\n
How to Stand Out on a Resume<\/h3>\n
Volunteer Opportunities for Phlebotomists<\/h3>\n
Blood Donation Centers<\/h4>\n
![\"Getting](\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Getting-a-Job-in-Phlebotomy.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNursing Homes<\/h4>\n
Prison Facilities<\/h4>\n
Internships and Getting Hired<\/h3>\n
The Popularity of Healthcare &\u00a0Phlebotomy<\/h4>\n
Adjusting Your Employment Goals<\/h5>\n
![\"Find](\"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/What-Employers-Are-Looking-for-in-Phlebotomy-Majors.jpg\")
If you don\u2019t get hired into a big hospital right away, consider adjusting your employment goals – at least at the start of your career. Perhaps you could get hired at a facility somewhere part-time. If you\u2019re able to work that out, it would be a great opportunity to put that experience on a resume. Or, think on a smaller scale. There are plenty of private practices and smaller clinics always looking. Plus, you\u2019re likely to be on a smaller staff, which means more working hours, and likely a lot less stress.<\/p>\nTaking Your Phlebotomy Career to the Next Level<\/h3>\n