Sometimes a blood test is necessary for doctors to identify or rule out a specific medical condition or assess how well a patient is responding to medication. Insurance companies may request blood samples from patients in order to evaluate their health, and they may also collect blood or plasma in order to use it to help save the lives of others.
According to the U. S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2020, phlebotomists earned an average annual salary of $36,320. The highest 10% earned more than $50,740, while the lowest 10% made less than $26,690. However, wages can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of company you work for, where you are employed, as well as your qualifications and level of education.
How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?
It can take anywhere from four months to a year and a half to become a phlebotomist, depending on the school and training program you select and the certifications you apply for. Expect to study for three to a year, complete practicum training hours, and complete an additional 20 to 40 hours of coursework to become certified.
Typically, you spend two thirds of your time learning phlebotomy in the classroom and one third gaining practical experience through internships and externships. Anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and practical instruction are all part of your phlebotomy training.
What is a phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a medical student who works primarily taking blood samples from patients for testing. Work environments for phlebotomists include clinical settings, private medical practices, assisted living facilities, public and private hospital systems, and testing labs. In addition to drawing blood, phlebotomists regularly perform these functions:
How much does it cost to become a phlebotomist?
The cost of becoming a phlebotomist varies from state to state and from school to school. Online training courses that are accredited can range in price from $300 to $700–$800. Phlebotomy training in a physical classroom can cost anywhere from about $700 to $1,400 or more.
Some employers, like hospitals and the Red Cross, provide their staff with training for little to no cost. Phlebotomy certification costs between $80 and $150 at first, with renewal fees varying. When planning your budget for your phlebotomy education, don’t forget to account for the costs of textbooks and other training materials.
What types of skills do you need to be a phlebotomist?
Phlebotomy technicians also use these abilities outside of their technical training in the workplace:
Steps to become a phlebotomist
Follow these steps to become a phlebotomist:
1. Graduate high school or get a GED
Phlebotomists must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, or have a GED. A high school diploma generally takes four years of study. The average GED exam candidate spends about three months studying.
2. Complete a phlebotomy training program
Find a phlebotomy training program that suits your budget and schedule, enrol in it, and complete all of the coursework and practical training successfully. There are numerous schools and hospitals where you can enroll in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program in phlebotomy. Training programs for phlebotomy can last anywhere from four months to a year.
3. Get certified by a recognized body
Following completion of your training, you can apply for certification with a nationally renowned certification body like the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Healthcareer Association (NHA), National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), American Medical Technologists (AMT), or American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT).
Gaining certification improves your chances of landing a job, demonstrates your dedication to your field, and gives you access to a network of other professionals who can help you in your new career. The time it takes to become certified varies. You should receive your official certification in about two weeks after preparing for, taking, and passing the certification exam.
4. Apply for positions and get a job
You are now prepared to enter the profession after finishing your coursework and practical training and having obtained professional certification. Utilize the employment resources provided by your school, online job boards, your social networks from both home and school, as well as professional associations and certifying bodies, to find the job you want. There is no standard length of time for hiring.
5. Stay current as your industry changes
Continue to read about developments in the field while working as a phlebotomist, connect with other medical professionals, join professional organizations, and keep your certifications current. As in any profession, this step is ongoing.
Phlebotomist salaries and career outlook
According to Indeed Salaries, the top-paying U. S. cities for phlebotomists are:
Top-paying U.S. states for phlebotomists
Based on nationally averaged salary figures, the top-paying U. S. states for phlebotomists are:
HOW TO BECOME A PHLEBOTOMIST! COST, CLASS + ROTATIONS | PHLEBOTOMY EP 1
FAQ
Is doing phlebotomy hard?
Phlebotomy is not difficult, but it does require extensive training and practice. Blood-drawing phlebotomists will learn a lot on the job and get better as they get more practice. Those who have trouble seeing bodily fluids might find this job challenging.
Which phlebotomy certification is best?
- Best Overall: Phlebotomy Career Training.
- Best Accelerated Program: Chicago School of Phlebotomy.
- Best Intensive Program: National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
- Best Online Option: American National University.
- Best Value: Heart to Heart Healthcare Training.
What to Know Before becoming a phlebotomist?
- Dealing with Nervous Patients. While many patients simply dislike needles, some suffer from severe needle phobias.
- Finding Veins. …
- Answering Difficult Questions. …
- HIV and Bloodborne Pathogen Training. …
- Privacy Laws and Workplace Policies. …
- Getting a Salary Boost.
What are the different levels of phlebotomy?
Professional Certification Limited phlebotomy technician, certified phlebotomy technician I, and certified phlebotomy technician II are the three certification levels offered by the California Department of Public Health. The only procedure you can perform as a limited phlebotomy technician is skin punctures.
