WH 0 IS A PHLEBOTOMIST Marjorie A Di

WH 0 IS A PHLEBOTOMIST? Marjorie A. Di Lorenzo, MT(ASCP)SH Phlebotomy Technician Program Coordinator Nebraska Methodist College Marge. dilorenzo@methodistcollege. edu 402 -354 -7075

Have you ever wondered… • What happens to the blood sample you give at the doctor’s office? • How do doctors diagnose disease? • How can you have a rewarding career helping others?

Clinical Laboratory Tests • 70% of a doctor’s information comes from laboratory test results obtained from a quality specimen: – Diagnose – Treatment – Monitoring • A lab result is only as good as the specimen received in the laboratory.

Phlebotomy Technician • Works directly with patient • Important responsibility of collecting blood specimens from patients • Accurate and excellent communicators • Committed to quality healthcare delivery • Interacts with all members of the healthcare team

“As a phlebotomist, I interact with patients, so they see me as the “face” of the laboratory. I work with patients in the hospital and those who are homebound. I love the variety of people I serve every day. ”Marilee Derr, PBT(ASCP)

Wage and Vacancy Rates ASCP Wage and Vacancy Survey: • Average annual salary is $27, 040 • Vacancy rate is 5. 7%

Duties of the Phlebotomist • Correct identification of the patient before sample collection • Collection of the appropriate amount of blood by venipuncture, dermal puncture, and arterial puncture for the specified tests • Process specimens for laboratory testing • Performing waived point of care laboratory tests

Other Duties of the Phlebotomist • Performing electrocardiograms • Performing measurement of patient’s vital signs • Collection of arterial blood specimens • Collection of specimens from venous access devices (CVAD) • Assist the physician in bone marrow aspiration procedures

Desirable Personal Characteristics for Phlebotomists • DEPENDABILITY • COMPASSION • HONESTY • INTEGRITY • FLEXIBILITY • PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE

Where does a Phlebotomy Technician Work? • • Hospitals Physician Offices and Clinics Reference Laboratories Insurance Companies Home Health Blood and Plasma Donation Centers Long-term Care Facilities

Advantages • Earn money while attending college • Provides clinical “hands on” experience with patients • Real-life patient interaction • Introduction to other healthcare professions • Resume/professional school application

How can you become a Phlebotomy Technician? • High school diploma • Complete an accredited phlebotomy technician program or have acceptable work experience. • Take the certification examination given by the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Nebraska Methodist College Program Overview The program consists of: • 60 hours of classroom instruction at NMC • 120 hours of clinical experience in a fullservice, affiliated clinical laboratory (threeweek supervised clinical internship) • Accelerated program format

Major Topics of Study • • Health care delivery system Laboratory structure and function Basic medical terminology Circulatory system Blood collection equipment and techniques Complications and remedies Specimen handling, transportation, and processing

Major Topics of Study • • • Arterial blood collection CAVD access Legal, ethical, and regulatory issues Interpersonal relationships Quality assurance Safety regulations, standard precautions, and infection control • Point of Care laboratory testing

Costs • $825. 00 • $60. 00 deposit to hold position

Application Process • NMC online application with $25 application fee • Written statement • Official high school and college transcripts • Personal interview with the Admissions Department and/or the Program Director

Thank you and for more information, please contact: Nebraska Methodist College – The Josie Harper Campus 720 North 87 th Street Omaha, NE 68114 Phone: (402) 354 -7200 or (800) 335 -5510 • Visit us online at www. methodistcollege. edu