Phlebotomy is related to drawing blood from patients. A phlebotomist works widely in the medical field, and they have high demand in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic, and blood donation centers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment demand for phlebotomists is predicted to increase by 22 percent between 2020-2030, outpacing the average growth rate for all other occupations.What is a Phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is an allied health care professional who draws blood from patients, typically for diagnostic tests, research, or donation.
Sometimes their works vary, such as collecting the blood of a life insurance applicant, maintaining machines related to plasma collection, etc.
They are expected to be calm and relaxed to make patients relaxed during tests. Frequently they need to explain to the patient the reason for drawing blood, the next steps in their diagnosis, etc.
A phlebotomist should be well trained for comfortable blood withdrawal and ensure the process's safety protocols.
What are the Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomy is a field where the requirements are concise. But, it can vary from state to state.
Some basic prerequisites:
You need some academic background to be a phlebotomist:
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Phlebotomist?
The demand and salary of a phlebotomist are very high compared to the educational and other costs.
However, the cost varies from state to state and in different institutions. We’ll discuss the average cost. For some institutions, the cost includes books and lab fees.
Training Costs
The training costs could be either online or at school. Here is the average cost in USD.
Types | Cost |
|---|---|
Online | $300 to $700 |
At a technical school | $700 to $1400 |
Additional Costs
There might also be additional costs like certification, course fee, training kit, and practice. Again, this varies from state to state.
Type | Cost |
|---|---|
Certification | $80 to $150 |
Continuation of education courses online | $50 to $75 |
Phlebotomy training kit | $100 to $500 |
Practice vein | $120 to $150 |
The overall cost of phlebotomy training is much lower than most other health training. If you think about entry-level nurse practitioners, they spend around $81,810 to $185,280 for school.
How to Become a Phlebotomist?
The Journey to being a phlebotomist is short, easy, and enjoyable. The criteria differ in various states. However, you have to follow some basic steps everywhere.
Let’s learn more details about each of these steps.
Step 1: Complete a High School Diploma or GED
Completing your high school education or equivalence (GED) is the primary requirement to apply for the phlebotomy program.
You can start your phlebotomy career without a college degree. However, your age must be at least 18 to join any phlebotomy program. It'll be a plus if you completed biology, chemistry, or health education in your high school curriculum.Step 2: Complete a Post-secondary Education Phlebotomy Program
Many community colleges, technical schools, and vocational institutes offer phlebotomy training programs. The program duration is about one year.
The requirements to join a phlebotomy program:
An authorized phlebotomy program includes the following subjects:
You also get clinical/hands-on training, including the procedure of veni-puncture and capillary collections. You also learn communication skills and specimen handling.
Step 3: Pursue A Phlebotomy Certification Or License
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that 3 states require a license for phlebotomists: California, Louisiana, and Nevada.
Certification is not mandatory but highly recommended because most employers prefer a certified one.
Some organizations provide Phlebotomy Technician Certification, as shown in the below section:
Let’s learn a little bit more about the certification process.
National Center for Competency Test
You can be eligible for the NCCT phlebotomy certification test through one of the following 3 routes.
National Health Career Association
To appear for a CPT exam, you need to fulfill one of these requirements:
American Society of Clinical Pathology
You will be eligible for the certification exam if you have one of the following routes:
National Phlebotomy Association
Eligibility criteria for the exam in NPA for completing an Allied Health Program includes:
American Medical Technologist
You need to complete the following path following routes to be eligible for the RPT exam in AMT.
Education:
Step 4: Find And Be Offered A Job
Phlebotomists work in hospitals, clinics, blood banks, diagnostic centers, insurance companies, etc.
19500 job openings are projected for phlebotomists over the decade. Once ready, you can apply to an employer of choice and present your qualifications.Important Qualities Needed to Be a Phlebotomist
Some qualities can make you a good phlebotomist and amplify your career growth.
A professional phlebotomist needs a developed sense of intuition and requires the following qualities:How Much Do Phlebotomists Make?
According to the BLS data, a phlebotomist’s average earnings is $17.97 per hour or $37,380 per year.
The average salary can vary in different states:States | Avg. Salary (Annual, in USD) |
|---|---|
Hawaii | $42,431 |
Massachusetts | $41,948 |
Nevada | $41,659 |
Washington | $39,205 |
New York | $38,232 |
California | $35,767 |
Lousiana | $26,650 |
Final Thoughts
Phlebotomists often hold a respectable position in the healthcare sector. They possess unique skills that are often in demand and necessary in many hospitals and diagnostic clinics. Being a phlebotomist is also an opportunity to serve people and be a part of the healthcare system.
Phlebotomy can be a good career option if you want to work in the healthcare industry without the complex educational background that other professionals such as physicians and nurses have to go through.
This career path is recommended if you love helping your community and people of all ages. The career requires dedication since it can sometimes be strenuous, for example, when there is an epidemic in the community.
Moreover, there has been a steady increase in demand for phlebotomists in all states. This demand will only continue to grow as projected by the BLS.
Hence, it can be an ideal and fruitful career for anyone interested in the industry.
Additional FAQs – Becoming a Phlebotomist
How Long is the Training Duration to Become a Phlebotomist?
How is the Working Environment for a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists often spend a long-time standing during the work day. Their job often involves collecting blood samples, operating laboratory equipment, maintaining health records, etc. It can often be strenuous.