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Travel Phlebotomist Jobs Growing


Travel Phlebotomist Jobs Growing at a rate of 17% through 2029

Content for this article is shared form AMN Healthcare | Club Staffing .

Growth for Phlebotomy careers is much faster than the average for all other types of jobs — the Bureau of Labor Statistics puts it at a rate of 17% increase through 2029. That’s not surprising, as medical innovations and treatments — and the ability to find more and more information out from blood samples — has more doctors and other providers sending people to the lab. For Phlebotomist pros, this is good news, and one of the areas you might not have explored is traveling phlebotomist jobs.

As a traveling Phlebotomist, you can expect a wide range of perks, including a competitive salary. But what draws many people to this niche in healthcare is the flexibility it offers and the ability to explore areas of the country you might otherwise never visit. When you choose to become an allied traveler with Club Staffing, you pack your bags and our recruiters help you find an assignment that ticks all the boxes for personal and career growth.

What is the Travel Phlebotomist Salary? $900-$1,500/week

Travel Phlebotomists working with Club Staffing earn a salary between $900 and $1,500 per week, not including benefits like medical, dental, and vision, life insurance and 401(k) options, as well as housing stipends or free housing.

SEARCH TRAVEL PHLEBOTOMIST JOBS

Phlebotomist Job Description

  • Meets with patients to collect medical history, answer questions and discuss procedure
  • Responsible for drawing blood from patients for the purposes of testing for disease and abnormalities
  • Decides the correct puncture area based on patients data like age and health history
  • Labels blood samples and submits to lab for testing
  • Records detailed notes and results on all specimens and tests taken

Where do Phlebotomist work? Travel Phlebotomist Settings

Phlebotomists work in settings that require professionals to take blood samples or donations. That can include:

  • Hospitals and doctors’ offices
  • Outpatient treatment centers
  • Urgent care clinics
  • Medical laboratories
  • Mobile blood donation centers
  • Public offices, such as state or local departments of health

Disclaimer: Phlebotomist job wages are based on average rates and may be impacted by facility budgets and seasonality and may include a combination of taxable and non-taxable earnings and reimbursements.

Sumner College Arizona Phlebotomy Technician classes start each month, and tuition is $895 with a $50 registration fee. Program lasts 8 weeks and then you could be on to a new career. Contact our Arizona admission office at 480-776-0070.

Learn more about Phlebotomy Jobs:

Color Tubes And Tests In Phlebotomy

Tube Colors And What They Mean

The various tube colors phlebotomists use denote specific types of draws. The tube color refers to the color of the stopper used to cap the tube, not the color of the cylindrical tube material itself.

Gray Top

A gray stopper indicates a tube that contains any of the following chemicals:

  • Potassium oxalate
  • Sodium fluoride
  • Na2 EDTA

Labs typically use gray lids for glycolic inhibition of draws. Gray tops are common when phlebotomists expect there to be a delay in glucose level test results.

Gray tubes are used to test blood levels for various compounds. These include:

  • Blood alcohol levels
  • Glucose levels
  • Bicarbonate levels
  • Lactate level

Medics may also use them for lipid panels (to determine a patient’s risk of heart disease), liver function tests, electrolyte analysis and monitoring of therapeutic drugs.

Lavender/Purple Top

Lavender/purple-topped tubes are for draws that require the use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to bind calcium ions and block coagulation.

The tubes come pre-lined with various types of EDTA depending on the application. They keep white blood cells, platelets and other blood constituents stable (without coagulation) for up to 24 hours.

In many cases, there is no need to open purple tubes. Manufacturers design them for direct sampling.

Phlebotomists will select lavender/purple tubes for the following test:

  • White blood cell count
  • Red blood cell count
  • Platelet count
  • Eosinophil count
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
  • Tests for sickle cells
  • Hemoglobin levels

Green Top

Green-topped phlebotomy tubes have either ammonium heparin, lithium heparin, or sodium herpin coatings on their inside surfaces. These anticoagulants activate anti-clotting agents in the blood, blocking coagulation cascades. They are suitable for either plasma or whole blood.

These tubes are usually used for:

  • STAT chemistry
  • Clinical chemistry

However, there are certain situations in which they should not be used. They are inappropriate for any blood banking procedures. Furthermore, ammonium heparin tubes should not be used for ammonia determinations, lithium heparin for lithium measurements and so on.

Red Top

Red stoppers denote draws for serology and immunohematology. Plastic red-topped tubes typically have clot activators on their interior surfaces, while glass versions don’t.

To activate red-topped tubes, phlebotomists must invert them several times to mix the solution. Clotting usually occurs within around 30 minutes.

Red-topped tubes have multiple serology applications including:

  • Strep testing
  • Cold agglutinins
  • Haptoglobin
  • C-reactive protein
  • Rubella titer

Phlebotomists will also use red stoppers for immunotherapy applications to check for patient compatibility before a transfusion.

Light Blue Top

Light blue-topped tubes come with two main additives: CTAD (Citrate, theophylline, adenosine, dipyridamole) and sodium citrate at concentrations of 3.2 or 3.8 percent.

The calcium citrate is a powerful anticoagulant that binds to the calcium in the blood required for clotting. How much of the chemical the tubes contain is very much a function of the specifications of the manufacturer. Some are more liable to increase calcium citrate levels than others.

Light blue-topped tubes are used in a variety of tests. These include:

  • Fibrinogen
  • Fibrin degradation products
  • Thrombin time
  • Prothrombin time
  • D-dimer

Yellow Top

Phlebotomists use yellow-topped tubes for DNA studies – such as paternity tests – and HIV cultures. The solution typically consists of a combination of citric acid, dextrose and trisodium citrate.

Tan

Tan-colored tubes are used in tests for lead levels. The tubes are coated in K2 EDTA .

Pink

Sometimes, phlebotomists will use multiple different colors of vials for the same tests. Blue, purple and pink-topped tubes are sometimes interchangeable with yellow.

Pink, for instance, is commonly used for:

  • HIV viral load tests
  • Compatibility studies
  • Blood type and screening

Royal Blue Top

Royal blue-capped tubes have no additives and are usually made of special glass or plastic that will not contaminate the specimen. Phlebotomists use royal blue tubes to test:

  • Drug levels
  • Toxicology
  • Concentration of trace elements in the blood

Royal blue tubes are ideal for tests that do not require either coagulation or anticoagulation to generate reliable results.

Pearl Top

Phlebotomists use pearl tubes for HHV-6, adenovirus and toxoplasma PCRs. Typically they contain a separating gel and EDTA. Pearl tubes typically draw 6 ml, with a minimum of 4 ml

Gold Top

Lastly, gold-topped tubes contain a separating (serum separator – SST) gel and clot-activation compounds. Phlebotomists use them for a broad array of tests, including hepatitis, HIV, serology and endocrinology testing. Vials usually have a capacity of 6 ml making them considerably larger than yellow vials, which have a maximum capacity of 2 ml.

Sumner College Arizona offers classes in Phlebotomy Tech. Classes start every month and tuition is $895 with a registration fee of $50. Learn more today by contacting our admission office at 480-776-0070 or visit PHLEBOTOMY TECH CLASSES AT SUMNER COLLEGE.

Learn more about Phlebotomy:

Phlebotomist Technician Skills

What Kind of Skills Do You Need to Be a Phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for tests, research, transfusions, and/or blood donations. They work primarily in hospitals, doctors’ offices, blood donation centers, and laboratories. Along with drawing blood, they label the blood for processing, enter information in computer databases, and assemble and maintain all the medical instruments needed to draw blood.

Phlebotomists often explain the procedure gently to patients in order to calm their nerves. Sometimes, they also have to care for patients who have an adverse reaction after their blood is drawn.

Types of Phlebotomy Skills

Phlebotomists require a wide variety of skills. Some of these are hard skills, such as knowing how to perform certain medical procedures and dexterity for using equipment efficiently. Others are soft skills, such as compassion for anxious patients.

Attention to Detail

Phlebotomists usually have a constant flow of patients throughout the day. They need to be precise when drawing blood and labeling and keeping track of samples.

  • Calculating the Quantity of Blood Needed
  • Decontaminating the Puncture Site
  • Documenting All Procedures
  • Following Infection Control Guidelines
  • Locating Appropriate Veins for Blood Collection
  • Maintain Specimen Integrity
  • Preparing Specimens for Transport to the Laboratory

Communication

Phlebotomists need to be able to clearly explain procedures to patients, and listen to their questions and concerns. Many patients will be nervous, so clearly explaining what is going to happen will put patients at ease. Strong verbal communication skills are critical.

  • Oral Communication
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Active Listening
  • Explaining the Process of Extracting Samples
  • Instructing Patients Regarding Proper Urine Collection
  • Persuasion
  • Writing Reports, Correspondence, and Policy

Data Entry

Most hospitals and doctors’ offices require phlebotomists to enter patient and specimen information in a medical record database on the computer. Having data entry skills and experience is a big plus for a phlebotomist.

  • Data Management
  • Accuracy
  • Computer Skills
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Data Management Software
  • Information Management

Dexterity

Physical dexterity (or motor skills) is critical for a phlebotomist. Phlebotomists have to work with their hands to handle equipment and draw blood. They need to be able to draw blood quickly and efficiently, with minimal discomfort for patients.

  • Close Vision
  • Hand-eye Coordination
  • Working Quickly
  • Performing Chemical Tests
  • Promoting Workplace Safety

Empathy

Phlebotomists need to have strong interpersonal skills. In particular, they need to be able to empathize with and show concern and care for patients who are nervous. Empathy will help a phlebotomist interact successfully with patients and their families.

  • Calming Anxious Patients
  • Customer Service
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Patience
Learn More about the Phlebotomy Technician Program:

    The Important Role of a Phlebotomist

    Phlebotomy has been a part of medical care for centuries. Because drawing and handling blood samples are very crucial and strictly requires accuracy all the time, having the skills and experience are important in this profession. At Sumner College Arizona our team makes sure you receive the best training possible as a Phlebotomy technician as we understand the vital role that phlebotomists play in the healthcare system.

    Phlebotomist Key Roles

    Phlebotomy technicians are not only responsible for drawing and collecting blood samples of the patients, they also have other important roles in the healthcare system. You should have good communication skills because you will be the one to carefully explain technical procedures to the patients, especially those who are scared of having their blood drawn for a sample, and help minimize their fears and anxieties. More importantly, a phlebotomist should be proficient in record-keeping as they are tasked to keep patient and lab records up-to-date, properly label the samples with the patient’s vital information and keep supplies and equipment organized and in good condition. We’ve listed a couple of the primary roles that give a phlebotomist an important role in the health care system.

    Earn a Phlebotomy Technician Certification at Sumner College in Arizona 

    Being certified shows proficiency, professionalism, and commitment to excellence – the keys to success in any profession. Our program is completed in 8 weeks and will prepare you for a career working as a phlebotomy technician in the healthcare industry.

    Our eight-week phlebotomy program will equip you with the skills you need to get started in this profession and launch your medical career. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll be trained in multiple blood collection techniques, as well as EKG skills, anatomy and physiology and proper collection and handling of specimens Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills and knowledge you need to find work in a hospital, physician’s office, lab or donation center.

    Program Information

    Registration Fee: $ 50

    Supplies: $200

    Tuition: $3,100

    Total: $3,350

     

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