Phlebotomy Training Knoxville TN

Phlebotomy Certification in Knoxville, TN

Note: This is a guide for individuals who want to become Phlebotomists in the

beautiful city of Knoxville, TN. If you live outside of Knoxville, then please check out our Tennessee guide.

The third largest city in Tennessee, with a population of more than 183,000 people, the

city of Knoxville is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is

nestled in the Tennessee Valley, also known as the Great Appalachian Valley, which

does provide for some amazing scenery in and around the city.

The Tennessee River flows through the city, and does play a role in the humid

subtropical climate of the region.

The entrepreneurial spirit flourishes in Knoxville, with large and small businesses alike

contributing to the thriving economy of this Tennessee city. From art and bluegrass

music to outdoor adventures, and retail to sporting events, Knoxville is a vibrant city

offering a great lifestyle for all.

The average salary for a phlebotomist in Knoxville is $27,000. The cost of living is

reasonable in the city, which makes this a great salary for someone in the medical

profession.

Overview of the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Process:

Becoming a certified phlebotomy technician is a great career option for someone looking

to work in the healthcare industry. There are some things that you may not know about

the job and what it entails.

A phlebotomist is the healthcare professional responsible for drawing blood and

collecting other specimens from patients, so that the samples can be processed and

tested for diagnostic purposes. Phlebotomists are most often found working in hospitals

and private doctor’s offices. In your role, you will routinely and directly work with patients

and their families.

It is important that you are confident in your skills and that you have a calm and

comforting demeanor. This is because many patients have a fear of needles and of

blood. To keep your patient calm while you do your job is an important aspect of the

position.

Because of the nature of the phlebotomist job, it’s vital that you have top notch

communication skills so that you can easily explain the procedures to your patients.

Here is a brief list of some of the additional tasks that you may be required to do on a

daily basis:

• Ready your tools and equipment; tools could include blood collection vials,needles, alcohol, gauze and bandages, and tourniquets.
• Complete inventory of your tools and equipment, and also place orders so thatyou are always well-stocked to meet the needs of your patients.
• Verify that the orders you receive from the doctor match up with the patient thatyou are seeing.
• Confirm that medical records are right, and maintain correct data for all of yourpatients.
• Instil a sense of trust and calm in the patient.
• Correctly label all specimens, and follow through on getting them to thelaboratory for testing.

Phlebotomy is a great career choice. It can be somewhat dangerous if the right

procedures are not followed, which is why it is imperative that you pursue phlebotomy

training and certification prior to working directly with patients.

Earning your Phlebotomy Certification in Knoxville:

Some states, such as California and Washington, have strict requirements for

phlebotomists and other healthcare professions. In these states, you would have to

pass stringent tests for state certification, and potentially then also need to pursue

national certification prior to being legally permitted to work with your patients.

Tennessee does not require that phlebotomists earn their certification prior to working

with patients. However it can only prove beneficial for you if you earn your certification

after completing a comprehensive training course.

This will boost your chances of employment as it will demonstrate that you possess the

skill set and the expertise that is needed in order to do the job correctly, and without

compromising on your patient safety.

If you are going to pursue your phlebotomy certification, you will need to find some

accredited training programs. There are a number of programs in Knoxville, and there

are also some great online certification programs.

Whether you attend a brick and mortar school or you opt for an online facility, hands on

experience should be a vital part of the program. In order to satisfy the requirements of

the program, you may have to put in as many as 100 clinical hours working with

patients.

Career Advancement and Recertification:

For most of us, when we pick out a career path, we do so with the hope for

advancement within our chosen field. As a phlebotomist holding your certification, you

will have the opportunity to see an increase in your salary as you put more experience

under your belt.

However, without other certifications and training to boost your skill set, you may just

find yourself unable to do much in the way of advancing. This should not however be a

deterrent for you as you are considering embarking on this rewarding career.

There is always going to be a need for experienced and qualified phlebotomists.

Working closely with patients and other medical professionals can also give you a

valuable insight into other career options. Many who have earned their phlebotomy

certification have later gone on to boost their education in pursuit of other specialties

within the medical field.

As a part of both maintaining your current employment and seeking advancement

opportunities, it’s vital that you do not allow your certification to lapse. Once you have

earned your phlebotomy certification, you will have 2 years before you need to apply for

renewal.

Remember that while it is not mandatory for you to have your certification, it can go a

long way toward demonstrating to employers that you have the right skills for the

position.

Selecting the Right Phlebotomy Training Program:

Before you can sit down to take the certification exam, you will need to take a

phlebotomy training course. During your training, you will get both theoretical and

practical knowledge. Most educational institutes offer curriculums that are very similar in

makeup, so you are assured of a good education if the school is accredited.

Depending on the program you select, you could find yourself spending anywhere from

4 weeks to 6 months learning the skills that will stand you in good stead.

Here are a few tips to help you locate the right program for your needs:

• Ensure that the school is accredited. This will not only ensure you are learning all thatyou need to know, but earned credits can go toward education advancements.
• Find out what the course covers, and whether it will leave you ready to pass thecertification exam.
• Learn about any financial aid that the school offers. Not being able to come up with thefull cost of tuition is often a deterrent for those who are not in a steady financial position

  This about your personal life as it is today. You may already be working and supporting

  a family. Look for a program that will fit with your schedule and allow you to learn at a

  pace that works for you.

Training Program Options in Knoxville:

Tennessee College of Applied Technology

Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers a 49 hours course that covers all of the

skills needed to pass the certification exam. Students will practice on each other prior to

working with patients. A CPR certification and a hepatitis vaccination is required.

View more on their Website:

http://www.tcatknoxville.edu/part-time-and-evening-programs/phlebotomy

UT Knoxville

UT Knoxville offers a course that will set students on the right path to not just passing

the phlebotomy exam, but also allows students to earn credits toward nursing and other

healthcare careers. Proof of liability insurance is required.

The UT Knoxville website:

http://www.utknoxville.org/UT-Knoxville-phlebotomy-training.php

Pellissippi State Community College

Pellissippi State Community College provides options for financial aid that works for the

individual. The phlebotomy technician course is a comprehensive program that includes

clinical rotations.

Website:

http://www.pstcc.edu/

More Phlebotomy Schools in the Knoxville, TN area:

External Websites Used To Create This Article:

Salary.com – The facts and figures for Phlebotomist salaries were originally compiled by the always excellent Salary.com.

Wikimedia – The Knoxville Tennesse image at the top of this post comes courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.