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Becoming a phlebotomist is as good of an idea than ever due to the tremendous growth predicted by bls.gov’s latest statistics! At 25% growth it is way above the national average for all careers let alone the medical field. In the article below we will cover what a phlebotomist is, what a phlebotomist does, all the steps in the process to become a phlebotomist and what to expect along the way. Lets not waste anymore time, lets get started!

What is the process to become an Phlebotomist?

It is most common for phlebotomists to enter the field with a post-secondary non-degree award from an accredited phlebotomy program. It is important to know that only 4 states (CA, LA, NV and WA) require certification for all phlebotomists. But, it is more and more common for employers to require certification for phlebotomists that they employ. That being said, getting certified is critical to your future success as a phlebotomist.

Below we cover the steps to become a phlebotomist.

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STEP 1 – Get or Have your H.S. diploma or GED

This is a must and without it you cannot become a working certified phlebotomist.

STEP 2 – Take accredited Phlebotomy Training

Selecting the right program for you is important and the National Accrediting Agency for Laboratory Sciences oversees and accredits all phlebotomy courses. Check the cost, availability, location and what time schedule you will have before you decide on a training program. Below is a link to a database of accredited schools from the National Accrediting Agency for Laboratory Sciences.

(NAACLS) Accredited Phlebotomy Schools

Check with your state health board to see if there are any background checks needed. Also, remember that California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington require their phlebotomists to be certified.

About Online Phlebotomy Classes

You can take some course online for phlebotomy. But they are only general education courses. The core portions of training are clinical and are done in person so you can learn the techniques in a hands on environment. For more details about online training for phlebotomy click here.

Step 3 – Complete the Phlebotomy Training and Prep for Certification Exam

After successfully passing the accredited training program you will be eligible to take the phlebotomy certification exam. It is important that you study hard for the exam for it is the most important thing employers are looking for today in new phlebotomists.

Step 4 – Pass Phlebotomy Certification Exam Get Certified!

Below are the certifying bodies that offer phlebotomy certifications across the country.

The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
The National Phlebotomy Association
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
The American Medical Technologists (AMT)
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Each of the certifications offered by these bodies are accepted by employers. Again, if you live in CA, LA, NV and WA, see your state board for specific information regarding certification.

What is a Phlebotomist and What do they do?

There may be some out there that are wondering what a phlebotomist is and what they actually do. The core job of a phlebotomist is to draw blood from patients. Blood is drawn for many reasons such as, testing, research or blood donation. They also need to be ready for patients to have adverse reactions to blood being drawn. It is common for people to faint or get uncomfortable around blood and needles. Being calm and carefully explaining what you are doing is really advantageous to the job as a phlebotomist. Below we cover the specific job duties for phlebotomists.

Phlebotomist Job Description and Duties

Draw blood from patients and donors
Explain what you are doing to patient to relieve any stress surrounding venipuncture procedures
Verify patient or donor identity
Properly label all drawn blood
Enter any and all necessary patient information
Maintain and clean work area and supplies (needles etc.)

Step 5 – Finding a job as a Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists work in donation centers, hospitals and medical centers. They work with many patients daily and are moving around a lot all day long and are on their feet all day. Each workplace is pretty similar for the phlebotomist due to the fact that they do the same function regardless, which is to draw blood. Below are the percentages of where phlebotomists work.

Hospitals 37%
Laboratories 32%
Other Healthcare services 15%
Offices 8%
Outpatient care centers 2%

About Phlebotomists salary

 
At 25% growth, the field of venipuncture is doing great for phlebotomist! BLS.gov predicts great things in the future! Find out more below!

What is the average salary for a Phlebotomist?

The average phlebotomist’s salary is $33,670 per year and the average hourly wage is $16.19 per hour.

Phlebotomist’s salary by state

Area Name / Hourly Avg. Wage / Annual Avg Salary

Alabama / $14.17 / $29,470
Alaska / $20.81 / $43,290
Arizona / $15.59 / $32,430
Arkansas / $13.82 / $28,750
California / $20.86 / $43,380
Colorado / $16.8 / $34,930
Connecticut / $19.41 / $40,370
Delaware / $18.32 / $38,100
Florida / $15.22 / $31,660
Georgia / $18.18 / $37,810
Hawaii / $15.23 / $31,680
Idaho / $16.91 / $35,180
Illinois / $15.36 / $31,940
Indiana / $14.57 / $30,310
Iowa / $15.72 / $32,690
Kansas / $14.59 / $30,340
Kentucky / $14.13 / $29,390
Louisiana / $14.41 / $29,970
Maine / $18.52 / $38,510
Maryland / $19.1 / $39,720
Massachusetts / $15.14 / $31,500
Michigan / $18.15 / $37,740
Minnesota / $13.35 / $27,770
Mississippi / $15.21 / $31,630
Missouri / $15.74 / $32,730
Montana / $15.26 / $31,730
Nebraska / $17.92 / $37,260
Nevada / $19.42 / $40,390
New Hampshire / $18.4 / $38,280
New Jersey / $13.95 / $29,010
New Mexico / $18.85 / $39,200
New York / $14.76 / $30,700
North Carolina / $14.58 / $30,330
North Dakota / $15.86 / $32,990
Ohio / $14.51 / $30,180
Oklahoma / $18.49 / $38,450
Oregon / $16.43 / $34,180
Pennsylvania / $18.88 / $39,260
Rhode Island / $13.48 / $28,040
South Carolina / $14.13 / $29,400
South Dakota / $15.28 / $31,780
Tennessee / $14.43 / $30,010
Texas / $16.87 / $35,100
Utah / $16.53 / $34,380
Vermont / $18.26 / $37,980
Virginia / $14.41 / $29,970
Washington / $16.66 / $34,650
West Virginia / $15.64 / $32,520
Wisconsin / $15.81 / $32,890
Wyoming / $15.17 / $31,560

Source: www.bls.gov

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Phlebotomy Training Information By State

 

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