Phlebotomists are considered clinical laboratory technicians and their primary responsibility is blood collection. While most phlebotomists are hospital employees, others may work in laboratories or other settings, or they may become private contractors for phlebotomists. Since there is a growing demand for phlebotomy services, more and more phlebotomists are choosing to provide their services independently, so that they have the opportunity to obtain greater financial rewards. If you want to become a private phlebotomist contractor, you can use the following information to plan your academic and career paths:
To pursue a career as a phlebotomist, you must earn a certification from an accredited phlebotomy college. Certification is a requirement for practicing phlebotomy in most hospitals and laboratories. The length of the training program varies from state to state, but typically ranges from 18 to 24 months. If you can get more credits and experience, you can earn more income. A private phlebotomist contractor is required to obtain accreditation from a relevant association, such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. To become a successful phlebotomist, you must know the location of the veins and puncture points, as well as the proper methods for drawing blood. Since you will be working closely with patients, you must have strong communication and empathy skills. Business management skills play a huge role in the success of an independent phlebotomist contractor.
The duties of a private phlebotomist contractor can vary greatly, depending on the needs of the clients. However, they always involve the collection of blood, which can be from donors, patients, or people who need to undergo a blood test. In some cases, you may need to transport blood to a medical facility, laboratory, or other locations; perform saline rinses; or administer heparin in a clinical setting. As a private phlebotomist contractor, you should look for clients who need your services, and these clients can be hospitals, laboratories, schools, sports organizations, insurance providers, commercial organizations, and others. If your clients need you to perform a phlebotomy on a large number of people, you may need to hire other phlebotomists to help you. In addition, you must ensure that you can provide a full range of phlebotomy services, including blood transport.
According to the 2010 Clinical Laboratory Salary Survey conducted by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, certified staff-level phlebotomists earn an average annual salary of $ 28,080, while supervisors of phlebotomists earn $ 41,766 annually. Phlebotomist salaries depend on a number of factors, including qualification, experience, location, and others. Phlebotomists working in California earn a median hourly wage of $ 23.36, and those in Ohio earn just $ 12.10 an hour. The average income for a private phlebotomist contractor is $ 41,766 per year. However, if you have a higher certification, more experience, good management skills, and effective cost-cutting strategies, you can earn much more than average earnings. You will also enjoy higher income if there is an increase in demand for phlebotomy services.
