Career Development
How to Gain Phlebotomy Work Experience
As an aspiring phlebotomist, you might have had your training and received a phlebotomy certificate of competence, but how to gain phlebotomy work experience? You decide to take up a job however, you find experienced candidates get prioritised over you.
Although it is not a requirement in most jobs, it’s common that employers prefer to hire experienced phlebotomists. If you are also thinking of gaining some work experience as a beginner, you have just arrived at the right place!
In this blog, we will explain how to gain phlebotomy work experience and where you can get your desired phlebotomist jobs.
Table of Content
Phlebotomy Competency Training
To progress in your career as a phlebotomist, you need to undertake certain competency training that will equip you with a better understanding of phlebotomy techniques.
Once you have undergone the basic training of phlebotomy, you can enrol in the Phlebotomy Competency Training. The phlebotomy certificate of competence allows you to attend the live blood draw sessions to build confidence that requires you to work independently. As a trainee, you will practise taking blood from simulation arms, manikins and also live blood draws.
The successful participants then can progress to the Phlebotomy Certificate of Competence, which allows them to work as phlebotomists. The perk of getting enrolled in the Advanced Phlebotomy Competency Training offered by the Phlebotomy Training Institute is, that you’ll not only get the competency certificate, and competency assessment form but also a recommendation letter from your supervisor to boost your chances of getting hired at any clinic, hospital or healthcare settings.
Volunteer Program Participation
Just after you achieve your Phlebotomy Certificate of Competence, the next thing you would be doing is looking for a job. However, it might be a tough row to hoe as a beginner.
That is why it is recommended that you participate in healthcare volunteer work to gain some hands-on experience. This will enrich your CV and, at the same time, broaden your opportunity to secure a phlebotomist job.
To kick start volunteering, you can try at your local hospitals, doctor’s office,s or non-profit organisations. Many of the veteran’s hospitals and clinics also have well-developed volunteer service programs. These programs can be a perfect way for you to obtain the experience and start your career.
There are opportunities in local blood banks and blood drive organisations as well where you can volunteer. Although volunteer work is usually unpaid, the experience you gain will be extremely valuable in the future.
Where to find Phlebotomy Jobs
Now that you have acquired work experience through volunteering, you can apply for phlebotomy positions. You can either go to hospitals and clinics in-person or search online. Also, if you have volunteered in healthcare centres, there might be opportunities to apply for permanent positions.
While looking for jobs as a beginner, type “phlebotomy jobs for beginners’ in the search bar and you will find a number of jobs popping up. The following is a list of the websites where you can look for phlebotomist jobs-
Besides, you can attend job fairs like the Healthcare Job Fair, particularly held for healthcare workers. This is a recruitment agency that holds events for medical, nursing and allied health employment opportunities both at home and abroad.
Conclusion:
A fully trained, skilled phlebotomist has ample opportunities to obtain their desired job and gradually progress in their career. It is such a profession that every healthcare sector and lab requires. So, after completing your training, you would not sit idle rather, opportunities would be knocking at your door.
FAQs:
Will volunteering experience count as job experience?
Yes, volunteering experience will count as job experience. If you are a fresher and trying to secure a job as a phlebotomist, you should try to do some volunteering in hospitals, clinics or non-profit organisations. This will help you stand out among the other candidates.
How do you find volunteer opportunities?
The best way to find volunteer opportunities is to directly visit your local hospitals or clinics. Besides, check online and visit specific websites that provide volunteer opportunities in the field of phlebotomy. Some of the websites to look for volunteering are-
What is phlebotomy competency certification?
The Phlebotomy competency certification provides a theoretical understanding of phlebotomy and practical sessions of taking blood from simulation arms and manikins. Upon completion of the training, successful participants earn the Phlebotomy Certificate of Competence which allows them to work as phlebotomists.
Is it possible to get a phlebotomist job without experience?
If you want to get a phlebotomy job with no experience, you should enrol in a phlebotomy program or pursue a degree in medical assisting. You also need to emphasise on improving your professional skills like communication and interpersonal skills.
Where do you find phlebotomy jobs?
There are a number of job search websites where you can look for phlebotomy jobs. Some of them are-
Can you get a job after phlebotomy training?
If you have taken the right phlebotomy training and learned the techniques properly, you can definitely get a job once you have completed your training.