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Phlebotomy Technician

What is it?

A phlebotomy technician, also known as a phlebotomist, plays a crucial role in healthcare by drawing blood from patients for various purposes, including:

  • Diagnostic testing: Blood tests are essential for diagnosing various medical conditions, monitoring treatment progress, and screening for potential health risks.
  • Blood transfusions: Phlebotomists may draw blood for transfusions in patients requiring blood product replacement due to blood loss, injury, or certain medical conditions.
  • Blood donation: They may also work in blood donation centers, collecting blood from volunteer donors to meet the needs of patients requiring blood transfusions.

Here’s a breakdown of the key responsibilities of a phlebotomy technician:

Blood Draw Procedure:

  • Verifying patient information: Phlebotomists confirm patient identification and verify the ordered tests or procedures to ensure they are drawing the correct blood for the intended purpose.
  • Preparing the phlebotomy equipment: They gather and prepare necessary supplies like needles, syringes, blood collection tubes, tourniquets, and antiseptic wipes, ensuring all equipment is sterile and functioning properly.
  • Patient identification and site selection: They identify the patient correctly and locate suitable veins for blood draw, considering factors like patient comfort and vein accessibility.
  • Applying a tourniquet: A tourniquet is applied to the upper arm to restrict blood flow and make the vein more prominent for easier blood draw.
  • Performing the venipuncture: Phlebotomists insert the needle into a vein, carefully following established procedures and ensuring minimal patient discomfort.
  • Collecting the blood sample: They collect the required amount of blood into the appropriate tubes, ensuring proper filling and avoiding contamination.
  • Applying pressure and dressing: After removing the needle, they apply pressure to the puncture site to stop bleeding and apply a dressing to protect the area.
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Additional tasks may include:

Phlebotomists properly label blood collection tubes with accurate patient information, test type, and collection time, ensuring accurate identification for testing.

Depending on the facility, they may centrifuge blood samples to separate components like plasma and serum, or prepare them for transport to the laboratory for further analysis.

They ensure the phlebotomy work area is clean, organized, and properly disinfected to prevent the spread of infections.

Phlebotomists effectively communicate with patients to explain the procedure, address any concerns, and answer questions. They also collaborate with nurses, doctors, and laboratory personnel to ensure proper communication and handling of blood samples.

Length of Training

12-13 weeks

Type of Training

In Person

* Salary Range

$35,900 - $45,500

(entry level – experienced)

* Regional Jobs Available

549

(3 year forecast)

A woman wearing a mask sits in a chair while a healthcare worker in gloves prepares to draw blood from her arm, discussing scholarship opportunities for those pursuing medical jobs.

Is it Right For You?

Here are some essential skills and qualities for success as a phlebotomy technician:

  • Dexterity and hand-eye coordination: Skillful handling of needles and equipment is essential for successful blood draws.
  • Compassion and ability to put patients at ease: Phlebotomists interact with patients who may be anxious or apprehensive about blood draws. Having a calm and reassuring demeanor and the ability to build rapport is crucial.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy: Following proper procedures, using sterile equipment, and accurately labeling blood samples are vital for patient safety and ensuring reliable test results.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Effective communication with patients and healthcare professionals is essential.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team: Phlebotomists may work independently when collecting blood but also collaborate with other healthcare professionals. 

Overall, phlebotomy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system by providing a crucial service that supports various medical practices and diagnostic procedures. It’s a rewarding career path for individuals seeking to work directly with patients, contribute to patient care, and enter the healthcare field.

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A group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrating outdoors. Text on the image reads "Over $12 million in scholarships being awarded." These scholarships are paving the way for promising careers.
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Stephanie underwood - Chief financial Officer

Stephanie Underwood serves as Chief Financial Officer at Great Jobs KC, where she leads the organization’s financial strategy in support of its mission to create economic mobility through education and workforce opportunities. With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit finance, Stephanie brings deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. She is passionate about using her career as a platform to serve and support mission-driven organizations, helping them maximize impact through strong financial stewardship.

Prior to joining Great Jobs KC, Stephanie served as Chief Financial Officer for Griffith Centers, a behavioral and mental health organization, where she oversaw financial operations for a multi-million-dollar organization spanning residential, educational, and community-based programs. She also spent nearly a decade as Vice President of Accounting Services at NFP Partners, providing CFO-level leadership to nonprofit organizations across the country, with a focus on strategic growth, audit readiness, and governance.

Outside of her professional role, Stephanie volunteers her time at her church and serves on the board of a local nonprofit. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to aligning financial strategy with mission impact. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and is proud to be a first-generation college graduate.

 

 

 

Adult Learner College Scholarship

Program offers:

  • Up to $25,000 paid directly to the college over the course of up to six years.
  • Once awarded, the Scholar can enroll full or part-time the fall semester following awarding.
  • Scholarship can be used at any of our college partners. See our current list of partners HERE.
  • Scholarship can be used towards an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a credit-bearing credential. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Be a high school graduate or GED holder (24 years or older).
  • Live in one of the six eligible counties. (Kansas: Wyandotte, Johnson; Missouri: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte)
  • Be income eligible. (FASFA Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less)
  • Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have not previously been awarded a KC Scholars Scholarship (Traditional or Adult Learner).
  • Is not currently enrolled in a Great Jobs KC Skills Training Program.
  • US Citizenship/Residency is not required to apply.

If you need more information on program details, please find our FAQs HERE

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Jimmy Swift - Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Swift is responsible for overseeing our core programs, our adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training, and our KC Scholars Scholarship Program, which includes 11th Grade Traditional Scholarships and Adult Learner Scholarships. 

Jimmy has a career in education that spans more than 25 years and is built around supporting and improving the performance of career training programs and leading the operations of degree-granting institutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management and has served as Campus President, Vice President of Career Services, and Executive Director of various career schools.  

Most recently, Jimmy served as the Vice President of PLA University at Phalen Leadership Academies, bringing access to job skill training to the parents and families of the Scholars served by Phalen Leadership schools across the country.  Beyond his higher education experience, Jimmy serves as the Executive Board Chairman for Project Safety Net NY, a nonprofit community-based agency delivering a broad range of health, education, and prevention services to the New York Community. As the Chief Operating Officer for Great Jobs KC, he and his team are poised to make a substantial impact on the economic stability and future of Kansas City.

Great Jobs KC
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