Phlebotomy Training and Career Guide Phlebotomy Training Resources and Guides for becoming Certified as a Phlebotomist!
Phlebotomy Certification in North Dakota
North Dakota is a state that has gone through a wealth of changes through the years.
Recent job and population growth has led to impressively low unemployment levels, and
a great standard of living that makes this state an appealing play to live, work, and play.
This Great Plains state offers a number of great outdoor activities that also help to fuel
the tourist industry. Hunting, fishing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and skiing are all popular
activities.
The largest industry in North Dakota is agriculture, with food processing, technology,
and the petroleum industry following closely behind.
The State of North Dakota has a population of around 740,000. The average salary for
a phlebotomist is $26,000. There are more than 44 hospitals, 52 rural health clinics, and
a number of other medical facilities that have a growing need for medical professionals.
Understanding the Role of a Phlebotomist:
So just what is the role of a phlebotomist in a clinical setting? You may know that as a
phlebotomist you will be the person doing blood draws following the request of a doctor
or registered nurse. But what you may not know is that there is a fair bit more to the
duties of the certified phlebotomist.
As a phlebotomist you may also be expected to facilitate the collection of other types of
specimens, and also arrange transportation to the laboratory.
Many patients, regardless of age, find that the most dreaded part of a visit to a doctor’s
office or hospital is the need to have blood drawn. From the needle stick itself to the
sight of the blood, it can all prove to be quite unsettling for a patient. A truly skilled
phlebotomist will not only be able to do his or her job effortlessly, and with minimal
discomfort to the patient, but will also be able to put the patient at ease.
It takes a combination of professional skill and empathy to assure job quality, and
patient safety.
Pursuing a career as a phlebotomist is a great option for those who are interested in
working in the medical field. It can also prove to be a great introduction to the medical
field for those who are interested in further pursuing other areas of expertise. Perhaps
you are looking to become an ultrasound tech or a nurse. Perhaps medical assisting or
becoming a physician’s assistant.
Work Environments for the Phlebotomist:
There are a number of medical environments that you could find yourself working in, as
a phlebotomist. Hospitals of course are always in need of qualified professionals. In a
hospital you could find yourself working in the emergency room, in pre-op, or even in
the nursery tending to the smallest of patients.
Medical labs, community clinics, private practice offices, and nursing homes are some
other places that you could find employment.
Regardless of where you find yourself employed, you are sure to find your work to be
rewarding. At times it might prove challenging if you have to work with difficult or
nervous patients. Children can often be frightened of blood draws, which is
understandable, but it’s important that you are capable of soothing them. The same
holds true for the elderly.
Phlebotomy Education and Certification Requirements:
It is important to note that North Dakota is one of the states in the country that not does
require phlebotomists to hold the certification. However, once you start your journey to
find your job you will find that most employers will ask that you are certified.
Certification ensures that you are fully trained and qualified, and of course also allows
you to command a higher salary.
At the very minimum you should have your high school diploma or your GED. Many
programs will also require that you hold your CPR certification, so that you are prepared
for any emergencies that may occur during the course of your training or later on in your
career.
Many colleges will also ask that students can demonstrate a proficiency in English, as
effective communication is a vital part of your job. You may also need to provide proof
that you are current in your immunizations, and provide medical evidence that you do
not have tuberculosis.
As a part of your training, and due to the fact that you will be working with patients
during your clinical rotation, you may need to also demonstrate that you have medical
insurance and also liability insurance.
Many facilities will also require that you undergo drug and criminal background testing.
North Dakota Phlebotomy Training Schools:
Bismarck State College
Bismarck State College offers a comprehensive phlebotomy technician training course.
The program is for 24 credit hours that can be put toward your associate’s degree. It
can be completed in two semesters. The first semester will cover anatomy, medical
terminology, and phlebotomy basics. The second semester covers the clinical
internship. The program only accepts 10 students a semester, so it’s important to sign
up fast.
Visit their website here:
http://www.bismarckstate.edu/academics/programsp/phlebotomy/Default.asp
Sanford Health
Sanford Health, located in Fargo, offers a full-time program of 8 hour days for a total of
5 weeks. Classes are offered at multiple locations around Fargo, and require students
to demonstrate that they have graduated high school.
Official Website:
Turtle Mountain Community College
Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt offers classroom instruction, lab
exercises, and a clinical internship where you can get hands-on experience. Class sizes
are small, and do tend to fill up fast so it’s important that you sign up early to secure
your spot.
View website here:
More Phlebotomy Schools in North Dakota:
External Websites used for this Article:
In gathering information about the average salary, we used Salary.com‘s current numbers. Since Salary.com’s
data changes rapidly, we may not line up exactly with what it says on their website. We will try to continually
update our website to be as accurate as possible.
