Many Health Care Workers Enroll In EKG And Phlebotomy Training In Bronx

By Marissa Velazquez


Certain individuals who want to seek employment in the medical field choose to become phlebotomists or EKG technicians. The latter typically work for cardiologists or in the cardiac unit of a hospital. The former are trained to draw blood for testing and can work in a variety of settings, such as clinics, private practices or various medical facilities. EKG and phlebotomy training in Bronx is available to essentially any person who wishes to pursue a career in either of the aforementioned fields.

Those with a history of cardiovascular disease or who have certain heart problems may require an EKG from time to time. The patient's symptoms and his or her doctor's opinion will dictate which diagnostic tests are ordered. For example, a physician may run such a test on an individual who is about to have surgery, or simply as a precaution. The test may also be used to monitor heart problems of which the patient and doctor are already aware. When a specific heart disease must be uncovered, stress tests or Holter tests are generally ordered.

When a standard EKG test is administered by a qualified technician, the latter places electrodes on the client's legs, chest, and arms. The technician then operates the machine and analyzes the results when they are displayed and printed. These results are forwarded to the patient's primary health care practitioner or cardiologist.

The majority of technicians working in this field were trained on the job. However, certain technicians attended college or a vocational school. The latter is typically required for those who do not have any experience in the field. A minimum education of 12 months of schooling is usually required in order for one to qualify for employment at a hospital or physician's office.

A phlebotomist is an individual who draws blood from different patients and ensures that it reaches the proper lab in order to be analyzed. Phlebotomists work in numerous environments, such as general hospitals, blood donation facilities, and different types of clinics. They must have the appropriate skills to use needles and all kinds of blood collection equipment. They must also have a thorough understanding of safety precautions and must strictly follow them on a regular basis.

Phlebotomists can also be trained on the job, but most individuals employed in this particular field receive training at a community college or vocational-technical school. Most healthcare facilities require proof that one has attended a learning institution of this type. The courses are usually short-term, and can often be completed in twelve months.

Phlebotomy students are required to take numerous courses. These almost always include infection control, laboratory safety, veni-puncture methods, and anatomy and physiology. Those planning to work in this field may also participate in training that concerns the proper handling of hazardous materials, as well as CPR classes. The curriculum is generally made up of classroom lectures and hands-on experience in a medical facility.

Certain individuals use positions of this kind as stepping stones with which to begin a medical career. They may work as an EKG tech or phlebotomist while continuing their education. Regardless of one's objectives, prospective students are wise to consider several schools before making a final decision. The coursework is similar from one school to the next, but all programs differ from each other in minor ways. Therefore, obtaining information from multiple schools is the best way for those seeking EKG and phlebotomy training in Bronx to achieve satisfactory results.




About the Author: