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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

     

    Healthcare Career in Phlebotomy

    ENROLL TODAY AT SUMNER COLLEGE ARIZONA

    Sumner College Arizona provides unique opportunities for our students to learn and develop practical experiences before they begin their career.  Phlebotomy continues to grow as a popular career in the medical field, and you can start your in-depth education every 10 weeks on our Arizona Campus. Our courses provide in-classroom phlebotomy theory and supervised practical instruction. Real life experiences that will jump start your career working in healthcare as a Phlebotomy Technician.

    Seats are still open to enroll for the June/July class start.

     

     

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