WH0 IS A PHLEBOTOMIST? Marjorie A. Di Lorenzo, MT(ASCP)SH Phlebotomy Technician Program Coordinator Nebraska Methodist College

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 full- service, affiliated clinical laboratory (three- week 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 $ $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 Phone: (402) or (800) Visit us online at