When choosing an area in the medical field to receive training, consider phlebotomy. Phlebotomy is unknown to most people. What are the responsibilities? A phlebotomist is an allied medical professional who draws blood from patients or blood donors for medical testing. Another responsibility is to handle the blood work. If you become a phlebotomist some of your duties could be; explaining procedures to patients, updating patient records, preparing stains and reagents, drawing blood by vein or skin punctures, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, taking blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates, and sending urine and fecal samples for lab testing, all while working under the direction of a physician.

You can study to be a phlebotomist by taking a course at a school or online. When you choose one of the phlebotomy schools that is best for you, you will need either a high school diploma or a GED to qualify for advanced training. You now have everything you need to begin recognized phlebotomy classes. Depending on the type of degree you wish to complete, the average completion time can be anywhere from a semester to a year. Learning anatomy, including the makeup of the circulation system and phlebotomy techniques will be covered in most programs. You will also need considerable hands on training drawing blood. Your course may require that you intern as well.