Clinical Experience

[Oncologist911]

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Hi everyone,
So I heard working in Healthcare and getting clinical experience, besides the general volunteer work, helps an applicant have a stronger application. So I was thinking Phlebotomy because I would really enjoy it. Should I aim higher? I am not looking passed a certification type training like LPN is out of the question because I am working on improving my undergraduate application, not looking to take on more work. I was told finding a job as a phlebotomist is hard and to become a patient care technician. What do you guys think? Would I be able to even work as just a Phlebotomist with that PCT certification. I live in NYC and we don't need phlebotomy certification here and the PCT includes Phlebotomy. Do you guys have any other jobs in mind? Also I am worried about being able to find a job most places require you to have at least 1 year experience as a phlebotomist. Also, I am not sure where to go to get the training. ASA seems to have bad reviews so does Manhattan Institute both seem to be accredited though. There is also ACE. I would love some feedback. Thank you!

 

[NickNaylor]

In terms of clinical experience I think it would be fine, but it's important to have some exposure to physicians rather than just patients generally.

 

[deleted407021]

Getting direct patient contact is very valuable and I'm certain you will recognize that after a while, but make certain to do some shadowing as you ultimately need to be able to communicate that you know how a doctor operates in various settings, seeing as that's what you want to be, anyway 😀

 

[SpeedySavior]

Look into medical assistant training. There is a lot of patient contact, a lot of exposure to medicine, a lot of different things you can do and a demand for the job. It takes most people about 2 months to finish their certification, but it can be finished quicker if you work overtime.

 

[Oncologist911]

I am not interested in medical assistant. I am really liking phlebotomy. Do you need to be a CNA before being a phlebotomist? CNA is completely useless to me because I want to be a physician. One place told me you need that certificate before, but I'm not sure if its even worth it.

 

[genericpremedstudent]

Phlebotomy is a great choice. You can't get anymore direct contact with a patient than sticking a needle in someone. Just be prepared to be a human pin cushion in a class filled with people who saw an ad for the program during a commercial on jerry springer.

 

[Affiche]

I went through a certification course to perform blood draws on my research participants. In my opinion, it's great because you learn how to interact with patients. You will learn the importance of talking them through what you're going to do, addressing their concerns, making sure they're comfortable throughout the procedure, and even discussing some of their medical history. For example, I work with PD patients, so I frequently ask them about their tremors before attempting to draw blood. I also work with diabetics, so if they'd like a glucose reading, I make sure to ask them about it so I can grab one while I'm already drawing their blood (saves them a finger poke later).

 

[Oncologist911]

Thank you guys. Do you have advice on how to find a good school to take the class?

 

[SpeedySavior]

Do you need to be a CNA before being a phlebotomist?

No.

CNA is completely useless to me because I want to be a physician

I know a substantial amount of med students that were CNA's (and some who still balance out work with medical school). They don't think it's useless now. Tons of patient contact, experience in the "care" part of healthcare.

I had the option between medical assistant and CNA (props of being in a BS/MD program). If it wasn't for medical assistants getting to poke people with a pointy needle, I would've went CNA.

 

[Oncologist911]

Lmao, yeah thats fun

 

[Easonred57]

CNA is completely useless to me because I want to be a physician.

CNA is actually one of the more useful things you can do if you want to be a physician, in my opinion. Lots of close contact with patients providing direct care, and you get to see things from a nurse/nurse aide's point of view. You're never too good to give a bed bath 😉

 

[genericpremedstudent]

Thank you guys. Do you have advice on how to find a good school to take the class?

check your local community colleges and vocational colleges.