If you are searching for a challenging and dynamic career and are interested in helping those in need then you should consider taking a phlebotomy training course.

Becoming a Phlebotomist has never been easier and is an extremely rewarding profession. The act of performing a Phlebotomy involves the medical doctor to use a needle to extract the blood from the veins. During the training course the Phlebotomist will learn to extract the blood for the purposes of testing or transfusion.

Phlebotomy used to be a skill picked up on the job, but today, most phlebotomists in the United States train approximately two to four months in a career center or trade school or one year in a study of anatomy, how to interact with patients, legal aspects of blood collection, Universal and Standard Precautions, and blood collection techniques. A prospective phlebotomist should have a high school diploma or GED and be able to follow simple directions and procedures and handle blood and other bodily fluids without discomfort. Australian phlebotomists require no specific educational prerequisites in order to undergo training, other than culturally relevant language skills. A medical or laboratory technician background would be advantageous to undertake training.

In the United Kingdom there are no pre-requisite qualifications to becoming a phlebotomist – Many healthcare employers still follow the principle of training on-the-job to obtain this. However, the latest trend now in the UK is to obtain more structured learning and practice through attendance and participation in proper theory classes, dry-lab classes (practising on simulated arms). There are several credible course providers across the UK including Phlebotomy Training Services who offer the only accredited Phlebotomy Training course in the UK, accredited by the NOCN . Phlebotomy Training Services follow every competency set out in the National Occupational Standards For Phlebotomy (The CHS1232), written by Skills For Health for the NHS

The training course curriculum will more than likely include studies of the anatomy, circulatory system and classes on blood types and phlebotomy procedures. Students will also learn the importance of the patient doctor relationship and communicating with the patients to calm them and prepare them for the blood draw. Learning how to draw blood in a real world setting is essential for students studying Phlebotomy and there is normally a practicum that involves drawing blood using the venipuncture technique, which draws from the median cubital vein. These practicums are held in a professional lab that has everything required for Phlebotomy training.

There are one year phlebotomy programs offered through vocational/technical schools awarding diplomas as well as 2-year associate’s degree programs offered at community colleges. In addition to earning your phlebotomist certification, some states require you to be licensed or registered. State departments of health, boards of occupational licensing and your preferred college should be able to give you more information regarding the regulations in your state.

Trained Phlebotomists will be employed in medical offices and clinics and will help physicians and nurses with blood drawing and blood transfusions. Phlebotomy is performed most often in a hospitals setting and also at blood donation functions.

Diagnosing various health problems sometimes requires drawing blood for analysis. Whether in a clinic or hospital, this procedure is often performed by someone with phlebotomy training. The phlebotomist uses a variety of skills and techniques to obtain the best specimen. As a phlebotomist, your main responsibilities are to draw blood from patients either for testing samples or for use by a blood bank.

Occupational therapy aims to help individuals of all ages to cope with social, physical, or mental issues.

An Occupational Therapist will, depending on a client’s specific needs, work towards these goals by:

* working with clients one to one or as part of a group

* developing programmes of treatment which help clients to help themselves by making positive progress

Those receiving help from an Occupational Therapist can include those suffering from or experiencing:

* Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis or osteoporosis

* physical disabilities caused by head injuries, multiple sclerosis, strokes, cerebral palsy, etc

* mental health issues, depression, or anxiety

* drug or alcohol problems

* behavioural issues

Help is also given to those in recovery after medical treatment.

Depending on the client’s needs, occupational therapists can:

* help with regular activities (washing, eating, shopping or travelling)

* suggest equipment and aids for the home or workplace

* help with leisure activities and hobbies

* advise on ways of coping mechanisms, such as positive thinking, assertiveness, relaxation and de-stressing techniques

* social skills in relationship and social situations

* studying and working

Occupational therapists also help a client’s support network, including: families, carers and employers.

Their work in general is not carried out alone, and they will liaise and interact with other professionals linked to their clients, such as doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, social workers and charity and voluntary workers.

They work in client’s homes and all centres of health care such as hospitals, day centres, GP surgeries, hospices, residential homes, hospices, etc, along with educational establishments, businesses, workplaces and prisons. The work involves travel to and from various locations with therapists usually working around 37 to 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday. Evening and weekend cover can be needed when working with community mental health services.

Those with ambitions to be an occupational therapist must embark on an approved pre-registration programme and/or have A BSc (Hons) degree in occupational therapy.

Details of suitable vacancies are posted online by the British Association of Occupational Therapists (www.baot.org.uk), NHS Trusts and local authorities, along with local and national press.