A traveling phlebotomist can be a rewarding career if you have the desire to help others and do not mind your work environment changing on a regular basis. This healthcare career field requires the person to perform phlebotomy-related functions at various locations, which could include:
- Mobile Blood Labs
- Nursing Homes
- Residential Homes
- Community Health Fairs
- Multiple Lab Testing Locations
In some cases, and with experience, one may even find opportunities to travel nationally or internationally as a traveling phlebotomist.
What Education Is Required?
In order to become a phlebotomist, whether you are interested in traveling or working in a fixed healthcare facility, you must complete specific phlebotomist courses in NYC or your local area. Upon completion of your coursework, you will also need to pass a national certification exam.
In addition, you may have opportunities to work as an intern in a variety of healthcare settings after your certification. Internships are a great way to develop your skills while deciding what type of setting you like the best.
Both phlebotomists and traveling phlebotomists have similar job responsibilities and duties. The primary responsibility is to draw blood samples from patients. Some phlebotomists may also be required to collect urine samples. In addition to these two duties, others you will need to be able to perform include:
- Processing collected samples using the appropriate laboratory and testing equipment.
- Safely storing samples until they can be processed.
- Maintaining accurate information on patients’ medical records.
- Educating patients on what they need to do prior to their appointment, such as fasting for 12 hours.
- Being able to calm patients that are nervous or have a fear of needles and/or blood.
- Being personable and approachable so patients feel confident in your abilities.
- Making the blood draw collection process as painless as possible.
Prior to becoming a traveling phlebotomist, you will want to gain some on-the-job experience. You initially may want to work in a lab, hospital, clinic, or another such facility. Once you gain some experience, then you can start to look for traveling opportunities.
The reason you want to get experience first is that being a traveling phlebotomist can have added job duties, such as:
- Being able to work unsupervised.
- Safely transporting samples to a lab for processing.
- Processing samples in a mobile lab.
- Arriving on time at various locations to collect samples from patients.
- Keeping accurate and detailed records of your daily activities.
- Keeping areas sanitized and cleaned where you are working.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills for working with different doctors, nurses, and people.
- Filling out time and expense reports.
Another great way to gradually work toward becoming a traveling phlebotomist is through volunteer work. For example, you could volunteer to help the Red Cross at blood drives in mobile labs throughout the city or in other areas.
Job Outlook for Phlebotomists
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for phlebotomists is anticipated to grow by as much as 25 percent by 2026.1 The increase in demand for phlebotomists is due to the aging baby boomer generation. This career field will grow much faster than other types of occupations outside the healthcare industry.
In addition to completing phlebotomy training in NYC or your local area, you may want to pursue a dual career option, like learning how to become an EKG technician. When you have training in both areas, it can open up more traveling opportunities.
For more information about phlebotomy and EKG certification, or to enroll in courses to start your new career training, please feel free to contact ABC Training Center at 718.618.5589 today!
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