Phlebotomist Career Spotlight

Phlebotomists are healthcare professionals who play a critical role in diagnosing illness. They are trained to draw blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, or research. Accurate and timely blood test results can help physicians and providers make important patient care and treatment decisions. In addition, phlebotomists ensure patient safety by following proper infection control procedures and minimizing discomfort during blood collection. A skilled and compassionate phlebotomist can make all the difference in efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Our phlebotomists here at Valley Health are truly considered the face of the lab. Phlebotomists are healthcare professionals who play a critical role in helping to diagnose illness through specimen collection. Accurate and timely blood test results help our physicians and providers make important patient care and treatment decisions as quickly as possible. Our Labs would not be as successful without our teams of highly skilled, people-orientated phlebotomists! -Kathryn Keller, Manager, Laboratory Support Staff

How to become a phlebotomist

To become a phlebotomist in Virginia and West Virginia, the following steps are typically required:

• Education Requirements:In most cases, you'll need a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a phlebotomy training program.
• Training Program:Phlebotomy training programs can be found at vocational schools, community colleges, and some hospitals. They typically last between six to 12 weeks and provide students with both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
• Certification:After completing a phlebotomy training program, students are eligible to take a certification exam. In Virginia, the National Health career Association (NHA) offers the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam. In West Virginia, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers the Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) exam.
• On the job training:After obtaining certification, new phlebotomists typically complete a period of on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced phlebotomist.

Valley Health phlebotomists answer questions about their job, responsibilities, and what it's like to work at Valley Health.

Learn more about this career in healthcare from a few of our team members.

Tameia, Lead Phlebotomist

What types of tasks do you perform in your role? I collect specimens all over the hospital from all different departments and on-site patient care and help my team of five to eight phlebotomists with hard sticks, stat orders, scheduling, and general phlebotomy questions.

How long have you been working in this field? I started working as a phlebotomist just shy of 18. I will celebrate my six-year anniversary in June. I still love my job, just the same as the day I started.

Miranda, Phlebotomist

What drove you to become a phlebotomist? I was seeking employment change from years of working as a CNA and still wanted something in the medical field. Laurel Ridge Community College was offering a fast-track course for National Certification in phlebotomy, and I wanted to see if this was something I felt competent doing. I soon learned it was an exciting skill I wanted to become proficient in.

What do you enjoy most about your job? My diverse co-workers and the chance to gain more knowledge about all things laboratory.

If you are interested in starting your career in healthcare, Valley Health can help you to get started. Reach out to us - we look forward to helping you take the first step!