Can a Felon Become a Phlebotomist?

It is never too late to be exactly what you want to be. You should not let your criminal history hold you back. Have you always dreamed of entering into the medical industry?

There are opportunities for felons in the medical industry. This may leave you wondering, can a felon become a phlebotomist?

Keep reading to find out.

Phlebotomists

If blood doesn’t bother you, this may be the job for you. Phlebotomists draw blood from patients and prepare the blood for medical testing, transfusions or donation.

There are various tasks that a phlebotomist may be asked to do:

Above all, phlebotomists must be there for their patients. This is before, during, and after the process of taking blood. For instance, a phlebotomist must take steps to prevent the patient from fainting after the procedure.

So, how can you become a phlebotomist? Keep reading to learn more about education and training.

Education / Training

To become a phlebotomist you must complete education and receive a specific certification from a phlebotomy program.

In order to be a part of a training program, you must have a high school diploma or GED. An applicant must also have proof of current health insurance and pass a health exam. This is because of the chance of exposure to Hepatitis and HIV from dealing with blood.

Programs are offered at some community colleges and technical schools. This program will typically last less than one year and it will result in you obtaining your certificate. These programs involve both classroom coursework and laboratory work!

In order to qualify for certification one must have 40 hours of in class education as well as actual experience. Typically to be certified one will need around 100 hours of hands-on experience. You must also pass a test.

The certification test will include a written exam and may include physical examples of what you have learned, such as drawing blood.

Not all states require a certificate to be hired.

Skills Set

In order to be a successful phlebotomist, there are certain skills you can have or obtain. These skills can better your chances when applying for jobs.

Good communication skills are extremely important. While dealing with patients you must explain every step you are taking throughout the process. You must also successfully answer any questions that the patient has. Being empathetic can also be helpful in this position. This can help to make the patient feel at ease.

Being able to accurately follow instructions and procedures is crucial. This is due to the fact that not every person is the same so every time you draw blood, it will be a new experience. For instance, if you are having trouble finding a vein to enter, you must know the correct steps to take.

You must be physically able. This is due to the fact that you will be standing on your feet for long periods of time. You must be able to continue your work without tiring in a short amount of time. Alongside being physically able you should have good hand-eye coordination for when you are drawing the blood from the patients.

Chance For Felons

Even if you have a criminal history it is not too late to become a phlebotomist. Though it may not be an easy road, it will be one that can be extremely rewarding! The most difficult part will be getting accepted into a college or a program.

Having your record expunged can make a helpful difference along your journey in entering the medical field. Though your criminal history does not define you, having your record expunged will ensure that there is not a public trace of your felony.

If expunging your record is not an option for you, you could volunteer at a blood bank. This will benefit you by helping you to build connections and gain experience prior to applying to a phlebotomy program. A phlebotomist may also be willing to let a felon shadow them at the workplace in order to gain experience.

Overall, having a good support system can be very beneficial. Having the support from family, friends, or previous employers can be very helpful. For instance, while you are completing school or a Phlebotomist program you may need financial assistance. A previous employer could provide you with work opportunities to keep you in good standings while you finish.

Why The Medical Industry?

Though entering the medical industry may not be the easiest option for those with a criminal history, it can be one that is extremely rewarding.

Many people enter the medical field due to the fact that every day, you get to care for others. As a phlebotomist you get to stand by the patient and explain to them the procedure that is taking place and be there to support them if needed.

The pay is also a great reason to enter into the medical industry. The average pay to start as a phlebotomist is typically $13. As you gain more experience you have the potential to make more money.

You can also make your way up in the medical industry and increase your income by doing so. There are so many different paths that one can take when it comes to the medical industry. If you gain experience working in the hospital it may be easier for you to find a position higher up that interests you.

The medical industry is also one that commonly has open positions. You can typically expect to find a position just about anywhere you decide to settle.

If the medical industry does not interest you there are plenty of industries that are very welcoming to felons. Furthermore, some companies and industries are more welcoming to felons than others.

Conclusion

Phlebotomists draw blood from patients and prepare the blood for medical testing, transfusions or donation. If blood does not bother you, you are empathetic, and you have good communication skills, this may be the job for you!

There are no laws in place regarding a felon becoming a phlebotomist. This does not mean that it will be an easy journey, it just means that there is nothing that prohibits you from being a successful phlebotomist.

Your past mistakes do not have to define you, if you put your mind to it you can become a phlebotomist in no time!