In case you want to become a phlebotomist and enter the medical field, you should know that there are lots of training options in Virginia.
In fact, getting some training is a great idea as it will let you gain some experience and expend your career options.
If you don’t know and don’t understand well who is a phlebotomist, this part is for you.
Phlebotomy is a medical procedure that is based on the usage of needles in order to draw blood from patients.
So, a phlebotomist is a specialist who performs this procedure.
After the procedure is completed, blood samples are handled to medical labs where various are conducted to reveal various illnesses and diseases.
Also, blood may be used for transfusion or donation.
Most phlebotomists work in hospitals, clinics, labs, doctor’s offices, and blood banks.
If you want to enter the field, you need to get enough training but also, it’s a good idea to get your certification in order to get some better-paid job.
Article Table of Contents
Top Cities For Phlebotomy Career in Virginia
- Lexington
- Colonial Heights
- Covington
- Waynesboro
- Williamsburg
- Winchester
- Fairfax
- Buena Vista
Phlebotomy Training Requirements in Virginia
If you are looking for training options, you should know that there is a variety of variants.
You can take your training at a private clinic focusing only on a practical aspect.
Also, you can apply for one of the courses offered at vocational schools and colleges.
Such courses usually combine theoretical lectures and practical classes.
Speaking of courses variations, there are such options as:
- Phlebotomy Certificate;
- Associate Degree;
- Bachelor Degree.
In order to apply for one of these courses, you need to have at least some minimum educational qualifications.
If you enroll in a course offered by an accredited facility, you’ll be able to get your certification after completing the training.
To do it, you should address the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Phlebotomy Essential Skills
In order to be a good phlebotomist, you need to gain such skills as:
- Venipuncture techniques;
- Collecting samples in the right tubes (inverting the tubes);
- Sample preservation;
- Identifying puncture sites;
- Bandaging the punctured sites after the blood draw.
Also, you should know well human anatomy and physiology as well as different types of veins, best lab practices, venipuncture and evaluation tools, basic handling of specimens, tourniquet application, waste disposal, glucometer systems removal, computer operations, and data security.
Finally, you should be good at handling your patients as you’re going to work with various people and some of them may have concerns and fears related to venipuncture.
Phlebotomist’s Salary in Virginia
Phlebotomy can be considered as one of the most rewarding medical careers as the sphere develops constantly offering new opportunities to qualified phlebotomists.
Working in Virginia, a phlebotomist can earn an average salary of about $30 000 per year but it may vary depending on the city.
Also, there are some positive forecasts for the future development of the phlebotomy field.
It is caused by the growing demand for qualified specialists.
Moreover, it should be mentioned, that most employers provide some great benefits to phlebotomists including such points as paid time off, overtime opportunities, and health insurance.
City | Salary |
---|---|
Virginia Beach, VA | $32 646 |
Norfolk, VA | $32 138 |
Chesapeake, VA | $32 097 |
Richmond, VA | $34 217 |
Newport News, VA | $31 974 |
Hampton, VA | $31 974 |
Alexandria, VA | $37 964 |
Portsmouth, VA | $32 138 |
Roanoke, VA | $31 502 |
Lynchburg, VA | $31 297 |
Phlebotomy Training in Virginia
Norfolk State University
Offered @ Virginia Beach Higher Education Center
1881 University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
If you are looking for a good phlebotomy course, a certificate program at Norfolk State University can be a great choice.
The course contains 45 hours of lectures and 40 hours of practical classes.
It has such subjects as Legal Issues and Quality Assurance, Collection Procedures for venipuncture specimens, and testing and collecting requirements.
Northern Virginia Community College
6901 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109-2399
One other great training program is offered by Northern Virginia Community College.
It’s a full-time course that lasts for 5 semesters.
The main point about this program is that students constantly interact with patients and gain experience.
It is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
National College
1819 Emmet Street
Charlottesville, VA 22901
If you want to enroll in a diploma course, consider applying for the National College phlebotomy training program.
This course is mainly focused on developing a bunch of practical skills.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Phlebotomist
Im interested in Phelebomy class in Virginia