All About Clinical Opportunities
What Is A Phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who draws blood and ensures that the proper amount is drawn and labeled for further testing. Phlebotomist’s other job tasks include: measuring and recording blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and oxygen levels. Maintaining patient records, cleaning, preparing and sterilizing equipment, sending blood, urine and fecal samples to the lab for testing, and performing blood transfusions in some cases. Phlebotomists can also get involved in conducting research and run or assist with blood donations. They often need to explain to patients the rationale behind the tests being performed and can serve as a source of comfort for concerned patients.
How To Become A Phlebotomist
To become a phlebotomist, you will need a minimum of a high school diploma or educational equivalent to begin your training program as a phlebotomist. Although many phlebotomists do receive on-the-job training, career routes can vary according to your background and time availability. Most employers prefer to hire candidates who have phlebotomy certification. Requirements for certification vary, but most do necessitate the successful completion of an exam to become certified. Phlebotomists or phlebotomy technicians don't need to be certified in every state, though some states do require it and most employers seek those who have completed a phlebotomy certificate program and earned professional certification. These training and educational programs to become certified are available at community colleges, vocational schools, or technical schools. Phlebotomy programs usually take less than a year to complete, and at the end of the training you will take a certification exam. Phlebotomy certifications expire every one to four years and will need to be renewed periodically to remain in good standing to practice.
Average Compensation For A Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists made a median salary of $35,510 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $41,490 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $29,860. A phlebotomist's average wage is $14.91 per hour, but this figure can vary depending on certain factors such as need, specific job responsibilities, training, education, and experience level. A phlebotomist's location may also influence their compensation.
Sources:
Explore Health Careers: Phlebotomist
Phlebotomist Overview U.S. News
National Center for Competency Testing or the American Medical Technologists for information on becoming certified.
What is a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants work along with physicians in medical offices and clinics to help with many day-to-day tasks. Such as performing routine clinical and administrative duties under the direct supervision of a physician or other health care professional. Your duties will vary by office but may include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting during diagnostic examinations.
How to Become a Medical Assistant
To become a certified medical assistant (CMAs) or registered medical assistants (RMAs) you need to complete a medical assisting program that tends to be offered by many local community colleges. You will also want to complete an internship or externship toward the end of your program to gain workplace experience. Experience that will allow you to practice and develop the skills you have been learning in your program and a boost to your resume once you finish your program and are looking to get hired as a certified medical assistant. After completing your medical assistant program you will want to take one of the two certification exams, the one you take will depend on employer preferences or the state you want to work in. The two different options are the Certified Medical Assistant CMA (AAMA)® exam and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)® exam. Both will test you on all the different knowledge and skills you learned during your program.
Compensation for Medical Assistants
The average medical assistant makes $14-16 an hour or an average salary of about $36,000 a year. With the top 90% of earners bringing in around $42,000 a year and the lowest 10% bringing in $30,000 a year.
Sources:
How to Become a Medical Assistant
American Association of Medical Assistants
What is an EMT?
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) respond to emergencies and are most frequently found in ambulances running to and from an emergency scene. They work to provide first-line medical or emergency care for injured or sick individuals at the scene and during transport to the hospital for care. They typically operate in teams with one person serving as an emergency vehicle operator (driving the ambulance) while the other continues to provide emergency care to the patient while on their way to the medical facility. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) conduct basic, noninvasive interventions to help save lives and reduce harm during an emergency event. You can also become an advanced emergency medical technician with additional accreditation and training which allows you to also conduct limited advanced and pharmacological interventions.
How to Become an EMT
To become an EMT you will first need a high school diploma or GED. Then before entering your EMT program, you will need to gain CPR certification, which is provided by many local and online organizations. Students can use both the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association to find more info on local and online learning options for certification. Next, aspiring EMTs must complete an education program in emergency medical technology that is approved by the state they wish to work in, accredited programs can be found in the database provided by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. These are most commonly provided by emergency care training facilities, community colleges, and trade/technical schools. After the completion of your program, you must take and pass the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician cognitive exam. You may also have to take and pass a psychomotor exam and interested individuals should check with their state’s EMS office to find out where tests are administered and what score they need to pass.
Compensation for EMT’s
The average EMT makes $33,000- $37,000 a year or about $11-14 per hour. With the upper 90% of earners making $45,000 a year and the lowest 10% making $30,000 per year. Additional increases in pay can be achieved by becoming an advanced EMT which has an average pay of $39,000 a year and a top 10% earner making $53,000 a year.
Sources:
Difference Between EMT and Paramedic
What is a CNA?
A CNA, or certified nursing assistant, helps patients with daily living tasks and other healthcare-related needs under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). CNA's are also known as nursing assistants, patient care assistants, or nurse’s aid. Some of the different tasks a CNA may be responsible for are repositioning patients, obtaining vital signs, answering patient calls, feeding patients, cleaning rooms, helping with medical procedures, helping with patient hygiene, gathering supplies, among other tasks.
How to Become a CNA?
To become a CNA you must complete a state-approved training program, these programs are generally found at local community colleges, high schools, vocational or technical schools, or local hospitals. One of the most popular programs is run by The American Red Cross which runs for 4-8 weeks depending on class size and location. Before entering the program participants must have a highschool diploma or GED, a background check, TB test, and a physical. There are also online learning programs available but many will have the same prerequisites before enrollment. Most programs are comprised of class hours and clinical hours, and each state has a designated number of clinical hours that an individual must complete before applying for certification and taking the competency exam to become a CNA.
Compensation for CNA’s
The average CNA makes $29,221 a year, or an average wage of $14 an hour. With the top 10% of earners making up to $40,000 a year and the lowest 10% making as low as $18,000 a year.
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What is a Patient Care Tech (PCT)?
A patient care technician plays a role in helping nurses, doctors, and other health staff in caring for patients during hospital stays. Patient care techs keep an eye on patients and communicate needs and concerns to medical staff while reporting any changes in status to the patient’s care team. Patient care techs bear the responsibility for making patients feel comfortable and cared for, which often requires them to provide emotional support and guidance to patients during their stay. Patient care techs also help with patient hygiene, monitoring patients’ food and liquid intake, obtaining specimens, conducting tests and recording results, and checking vital signs.
How to Become a Patient Care Tech
Becoming a patient care tech requires a high school diploma or GED. As well as the completion of a state-approved training program for where you want to work. A PCT training program lasts from 20-27 weeks long on average and upon completion, you will take an exam to acquire CPCT/A certification. Once employed, on-the-job training must be completed to finalize your training to fill your role on the health care team.
Compensation for Patient Care Tech’s
The average compensation for a PCT is $12-15 an hour or approximately $31,000 a year. With the top 10% of earners making $44,000 a year and the lowest 10% making $22,000 a year.
Sources:
What is a Patient Care Technician
- Josh Klein