If you are interested in pursuing a career as a phlebotomist, feel confident knowing that you are selecting a vitally important career in the medical field that boasts strong job prospects. Phlebotomists are responsible for collecting blood samples from patients or donors in a clinical setting. Phlebotomists are trained to analyze the collected blood sample using advanced technology. It is important that you have good dexterity and can work well under pressure if you want to become a phlebotomist. As the aging members of the baby boom generation continue to require significant medical care and attention, the demand for phlebotomists will continue to remain strong. You might be interested in learning more about the history of the practice of phlebotomy since you have chosen this career path.
In a historical context, phlebotomy was the practice of “blood-letting”. Ancient physicians believed that blood was the cause of illness. The Egyptians, Romans and Greeks experimented with extracting blood in order to eliminate “evil spirits” from the body. Barber shops during that time period were very different from the barber shops you see and think of today. In today’s world the first thing that comes to mind when considering barber shops is haircuts. However, during that period barber shops were good for haircuts, tooth extractions, surgery or blood-letting procedure. It was truly believed that such acts as blood-letting, starving, vomiting and purging could heal most ills. Obviously, the practice of phlebotomy is very different today and characterized by tight regulations. Phlebotomists today must work under the supervision of a medical doctor and must complete extensive classroom education and clinical training in order to enter the profession. Clearly, there is a major difference between the practice of phlebotomy in a historical context and the practice today.
Working in the field of phlebotomy can be very fulfilling as you are routinely providing medical care and attention to others. This is also a very respectable profession in the medical industry. The practice of phlebotomy is tightly regulated today. Phlebotomists must work under the supervision of a medical doctor and follow rigorous protocol. However, in a historical context, the practice was very different. Ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks all experimented with blood extraction in order to remove the body of evil spirits that had invaded it. The fact that blood-letting could be done in barber shops should tell you all you need to know about the lack of regulations on the practice in ancient times.
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