If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist, you may have heard about the possibility of becoming a traveling phlebotomist. This is a career path that allows you to travel to different locations to draw blood from patients. It can be an exciting and rewarding job, but it also comes with its own unique challenges. Here’s what you need to know in order to become a traveling phlebotomist.
Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a phlebotomist is to complete a phlebotomy program. These programs are typically offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and other educational institutions. They usually take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to complete, and they cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and blood collection procedures.
After you complete your phlebotomy program, you will need to pass a certification exam. The most common certification is offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA), although there are other organizations that offer certifications as well.
Experience Requirements
In addition to completing a phlebotomy program and passing a certification exam, many employers prefer candidates who have some experience working as a phlebotomist. This can be gained through internships or on-the-job training programs.
If you’re interested in becoming a traveling phlebotomist, it’s especially important to have experience working in different settings. This can include hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
Job Duties
As a traveling phlebotomist, your job duties will include drawing blood from patients, labeling and processing blood samples, and maintaining accurate records of patient information. You may also be responsible for transporting blood samples to laboratories for testing.
One of the biggest challenges of being a traveling phlebotomist is that you will be working in different environments and with different types of patients. This means that you will need to be adaptable and able to work well under pressure.
Employment Opportunities
There are a variety of employment opportunities available for traveling phlebotomists. Some work for staffing agencies that specialize in providing temporary medical personnel to hospitals and clinics. Others work for healthcare companies that provide on-site blood collection services to businesses and organizations.
Many traveling phlebotomists work as independent contractors, which allows them to set their own schedules and choose the types of assignments they want to take on. However, this also means that they are responsible for their own taxes and insurance.
Conclusion
Becoming a traveling phlebotomist can be a great career choice for those who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and are comfortable traveling to different locations. With the right education and experience, you can become a skilled phlebotomist and take your career on the road.
FAQ | Answers |
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What is a traveling phlebotomist? | A traveling phlebotomist is a phlebotomist who travels to different locations to draw blood from patients. |
What are the educational requirements to become a traveling phlebotomist? | You will need to complete a phlebotomy program and pass a certification exam. |
What are the job duties of a traveling phlebotomist? | Job duties include drawing blood from patients, labeling and processing blood samples, and maintaining accurate records of patient information. |
What are the employment opportunities for traveling phlebotomists? | Traveling phlebotomists can work for staffing agencies, healthcare companies, or as independent contractors. |