Phlebotomy is defined as the procedure to withdraw blood for the purpose of evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Phlebotomists are employed in a variety of patient-care settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, physician offices, convenient/urgent care centers, blood donor centers, home health agencies and insurance companies. Electrocardiography (EKG) provides valuable information to the cardiologist about the electrical activity in the heart as it relates to both the conduction system of the heart and the normal or abnormal formation of electrical impulses. The EKG is a highly specialized and technical tool for assessing cardiac function and diagnosing cardiac disease. Many facilities require the phlebotomist to perform basic EKGs.
The phlebotomy/EKG technician works directly with patients. These professionals have the important responsibility of collecting quality blood specimens from patients and performing a basic 12 lead EKG. The phlebotomy/EKG technician must set high standards for themselves and be deeply committed to quality health care delivery. As a phlebotomist, the patient will see you as the "face" of the laboratory. The laboratory depends on the phlebotomy/EKG technician to collect quality samples/tracings from the patient and to deliver accurate test results to physicians. Accurate test results allow physicians to provide exceptional patient care. To do this, the phlebotomy/EKG technician must create an atmosphere of trust and confidence with patients while collecting blood specimens and performing EKGs in a skillful, safe and reliable manner.
Phlebotomy/EKG technicians must like a challenge and accept responsibility. They must strive for accuracy, work well under pressure and communicate effectively as they are a vital member of the health care team. Because the phlebotomy/EKG technician works directly with the patient, he or she must also act as the "eyes and ears" of the doctors, nurses and laboratory professionals. The phlebotomy/EKG technician must relay any important information during interaction with patients
In 2004, the average phlebotomist/EKG technician earned $11 to $12 per hour. Approximately 12.3 percent of phlebotomy positions go unfilled each year. The wage per hour has continued to climb due to the severe shortage of qualified phlebotomists.
Mission Statement
The goal of the Phlebotomy/EKG program is to educate students with didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences in preparation for a health career as a Phlebotomist/EKG technician. Upon completion, the student will deliver compassionate patient care to all patients and will function as an integral member of the health care team with competence and confidence.
Program Information Disclaimer
This program information packet is published for that purpose; however, the information in this packet is not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and the program. The program reserves the right to change, at any time, without notice, requirements, fees and other charges, curriculum, course structure and content, and other such matters as may be within its control, not withstanding any information set forth in the program information packet in accordance with the RadiumSoft Inc.'s policies and procedures.
The Phlebotomy/EKG Program educates the student with didactic, laboratory, and clinical experience in preparation for a health career as a certified phlebotomist.
Phlebotomy and EKG FAQS
What is a phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a health care professional who is trained to withdraw blood for the purpose of evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Many health care facilities also require the phlebotomist to perform electrodcardiography (EKG) tests that measure and monitor the electrical activity in the heart.
What does a phlebotomist do?
Using venipuncture and microcollection techniques, phlebotomists play an important role on the clinical laboratory team by collecting laboratory specimens prior to testing. Other responsibilities might include inputting key patient data into computers using correct medical terminology, understanding chain-of-custody forms and drug screening procedures, using aseptic techniques and Standard Precautions, handling biohazard waste properly, and maintaining patient confidence and confidentiality. Recognizing the importance of specimen collection in the overall patient care system, phlebotomists must be able to monitor quality control within predetermined limits while demonstrating professional conduct, stress management and communication skills with patients, peers and other health care personnel as well as with the public.
Where do phlebotomists work?
A career as a phlebotomist offers flexible hours, nice working conditions and a chance to perform an integral, respected job in the health care profession with minimal post-secondary education required. In addition, a certificate in Phlebotomy/EKG can serve as a stepping stone to other health professions involving clinical, administrative and patient care. In general, phlebotomists work directly with patients - from newborns to the elderly - in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, physician offices, convenient/urgent care companies and home health care facilities.
What is the starting salary for an entry-level phlebotomist/EKG technician?
Earnings vary depending on experience and skill level. In 2003, the average phlebotomist/EKG technician earned $10.50 to $12 per hour. The wage per hour continues to climb due to a severe shortage of trained professionals in this career. What is the current job outlook for this profession? The current explosion in this country's youth population as well as the millions of baby boomers now entering late middle-age promises to provide a never-ending need for health care professionals at all levels. Currently, 12.3 percent of phlebotomy positions go unfilled each year, so the need for well-trained phlebotomist/EKG technicians will continue for quite some time.
What type of Phlebotomy/EKG certificate program does RadiumSoft Inc. offer?
Radium Training's Phlebotomy/EKG program is a intensive course that combines didactic training with hands-on clinical experience. Students learn theory and principles related to blood collection and EKG testing during the didactic portion of the program, and practice blood collection skills in the on-campus laboratory. Included in this program is instruction on medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical law and ethics, principles, procedures, and regulations involving the occupation of phlebotomy. Graduates of this program are able to identify human body systems and functions, and communicate and interact effectively with patients for the purpose of skillfully and safely obtaining a proper blood specimen, while maintaining patient rights by observing the medical code of law and ethics.