Phlebotomy Classes, Jobs, Salary and Schools
Your complete guide to phlebotomist schools, jobs and salary information. Learn how to find schools near you and earn your phlebotomy certification.
MPN (MedicalProfessionsNow) Quick Facts:
| Average Salary | $15 hourly, $30,250 yearly |
| Education Required | HS Diploma/GED. Most states require certification/licensure (2 semesters). |
| Job Outlook | Excellent (27% growth in the next 10 years) |
| MPN's Take | Must be okay with blood, needles and erratic hours |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)
Overview/How to Become a Phlebotomist
If you enjoy helping people, have strong communication skills, and are interested in working in healthcare, you’re smart to consider a career as a phlebotomy technician. They play key roles in hospitals, doctor’s offices, diagnostic labs and blood donor centers, draw blood from patients and prepare it for testing, transfusions, donations and research.
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As a phlebotomist technician (as it’s sometimes called) you can expect to perform the following tasks in four steps when working with a patient:
Step 1: Before approaching the patient, you’ll sanitize, assemble and organize your tools on a work tray. These tools will include blood collection devices, needles, disinfectant, bandages and gauze. You’ll want to make sure everything is in order before you approach the patient.
Step 2: After greeting the patient, you’ll verify his or her identity and medical records. You’ll want to communicate warmly and confidently with the patient in order to build confidence and trust.
Step 3: Next, you’ll locate the patient’s vein, wipe his or her skin with disinfectant, and draw blood into a tube or bag.
Step 4: After you’ve drawn the blood, you’ll treat the puncture according to protocol and make records of the sample you’ve collected.
As you complete these tasks, you’ll want to keep in constant communication with the patient, clearly explaining the work you are performing. This will help keep him or her comfortable and in the loop. Remember, a lot of people feel nervous, squeamish or dizzy when faced with needles and blood, so it will be your job to put them at ease. Depending on where you work, your job description may also include pricking patients’ fingers and taking their vital signs.
MPN Expert Tip: If you’re unsure if you’re okay being around blood, go give blood yourself and see how you feel.
Your job will be closely related to that of medical and clinical laboratory technicians, who examine body fluids, study cells and match blood for transfusions. While laboratory assistants are often trained in blood work, their job requires them to exercise a broader set of skills as well. Since many lab assistants are certified in blood work, you can also explore this career option after you undergo your phlebotomy career training.
If you’re interested in a career, you should first work to get your phlebotomy certification. Most states require certification before they begin working. And if you live in a state that doesn’t require this (for example, Arizona), it’s still a good idea to receive training; this way, you’ll have a better chance at landing phlebotomist jobs and receiving a higher phlebotomy salary.
In order to pursue your certification, you’ll need to enroll in an accredited training program in your area or online. Once enrolled in a program, you’ll receive comprehensive training, both in a classroom and in a clinical setting. Armed with your new knowledge, you’ll be able to confidently tackle your state’s certification exam and pursue your first job!
How long is phlebotomy training? The answer is it depends. Accredited training programs can take up to 6 months (2 semesters) but there are also shorter (not great) programs that take only 3-6 weeks.
Still undecided? Checkout this great video on taking blood from a live patient:
Schools and Courses
Before researching phlebotomy courses, find out which training programs in your area are accredited — this way, you won’t waste time and money on a school that isn’t government-approved. Use a search engine to find schools near you, then read about each program in order to determine whether or not it’s accredited by a respected agency like the National Phlebotomy Association or the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians.
Then, in order to find an accredited school that’s truly right for you, consider whether you want to take courses in a physical classroom or pursue your certification online. Both options will give you the necessary knowledge and hands-on training you’ll need, so choose a path that works for you and will set you up for success.
Remember, in a physical classroom, you’ll have the advantage of directly interacting with teachers and classmates, which can really enhance your learning experience. If this sort of experience is important to you, look for brick-and-mortar programs at community colleges, vocational schools and technical schools near you.
Use the table below to find Phlebotomist schools near you. Search (on the right) by city, zip code etc
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (www.nces.ed.gov)
However, if you have a full-time job or a hectic schedule, the pros of an online program can far outweigh the lure of physical classrooms. After all, online classes allow you to complete your coursework on your own time and at your own pace. They also tend to cost less than brick-and-mortar programs, so if you’re on a tight budget, enrolling in phlebotomy training online may make a lot of sense.
MPN Advanced Expert Tip: Before applying to any schools, contact and apply to at least three schools to compare prices, programs and curriculum.
No matter which type of program you choose, your courses will provide you with classroom training as well as a hands-on clinical experience. Your courses will teach you how to draw blood safely and efficiently, and how to effectively communicate with patients and medical personal. Classes will also cover pertinent topics like infection control and specimen preparation.
In addition to specific lessons, you’ll also learn more general information about anatomy, physiology and medical terminology. This broader knowledge will help round out your education and ensure that you have a full and complete understanding of your new field.
If you want to learn a more specialized set of skills, consider choosing a school that will provide you with more specific knowledge. For instance, if you’re interested in working alongside heart doctors as a cardio technician, opt to enroll in a program that focuses on advanced, cardio-related techniques.
Depending on the program you choose, you can expect to spend between three weeks and six months training at a cost of $500 to $2500 dollars. Remember, this time and money is well worth it if you’re excited about the prospect of starting a new career.
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The following schools are known for having top programs:
- University of Alaska, Anchorage (Anchorage, AK)
- Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI)
- Baker College of Auburn Hills (Auburn Hills, MI)
- Bellevue College (Bellevue, WA)
- Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA)
- Davenport University (Grand Rapids, MI)
- Dixie State College of Utah (Saint George, UT)
- Goodwin College (East Hartford, CT)
Requirements
While you don’t need previous healthcare experience to enroll in a training program, you will need a GED or high school diploma. You may also need to pass a background check and be up-to-date on all your vaccinations.
The amount of training hours you’ll have to complete will depend upon your state’s education and training requirements. Again, some states won’t require you to train at all (but remember, training could increase your phlebotomist salary potential and make you more employable). States that do require training call for somewhere between 160 and 200 hours worth of classroom and clinical time.
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be ready to take your certification test. Register to take a test in your area through a certification agency like the National Phlebotomy Association or the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. You may be required to become a member of the agency before you take your test.
MPN Expert Tip: If you’re serious about this career, take a short practice test right now to see what type of content you will be studying. This will go a long way in helping you make a decision.
The exact details of your test, which will cost you roughly $100 to take, will depend upon the association you choose to take it through and the state in which you live. However, if you’ve received the proper training, you should be prepared to tackle the questions comfortably and confidently no matter what. If you want to study up just in case, ask your program instructor for a practice test, or find one online on your chosen agency’s website.
Beyond your training and certification, it’s also important that you have the innate skills and traits it takes to become truly successful. To be a good at your new career, you’ll have to have solid communication skills and be patient, kind, cheerful and understanding. You’ll also have to have steady hands and be able to stay on your feet for extended periods of time.
Depending on your state’s education and training requirements, you may have the opportunity to take courses throughout your career, as well. Some states require that you continue your education in order to stay up to date with changes in the field. Your continuing education will probably cover topics like venipuncture, medical lawsuits, patient injury and blood contamination.
Jobs Outlook
If you choose to pursue a career in phlebotomy, you’ll have a good shot at both finding and keeping a job. Phlebotomists are in high demand in hospitals, doctor’s offices, diagnostic labs and blood donor centers, and even more will be needed as time goes on. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for blood work careers is expected to grow at an amazing rate of 27 percent over the next several years. This means that roughly 27,000 new positions will open, and you could fill one of them.
Checkout salaries and employment stats by setting below:
| Healthcare Setting | Average Hourly | Average Yearly | Current Employment |
| Laboratories | $15.49 | $32,220 | 29880 |
| Employment Services | $15.46 | $32,160 | 2870 |
| Ambulatory Health Care Services | $15.14 | $31,480 | 18960 |
| Physicians Offices | $14.96 | $31,120 | 9870 |
| Hospitals | $14.70 | $30,580 | 41590 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)
Once you get certified, it’s time to start looking for your first job. To begin your search, inquire about job openings at hospitals in your area. Hospitals employ the largest volume for this career in the country, so this is a good place to start.
Next, search for job openings online. Start by looking at healthcare-specific job boards, such as:
Then, explore more general job boards, like:
Before you apply for a job, write and polish your resume and cover letter. First, list all of your prior education and work experiences in your resume, even if they don’t relate to the medical field. Then, when writing your cover letter, use an engaging tone to explain how your past jobs and education (including your certification training!) will make you a good fit at the available job. Before submitting your application, double-check for spelling and grammatical errors, as both are major turn-offs to potential employers.
Salary
Since phlebotomy jobs are considered entry-level positions in the medical world, your phlebotomy pay scale will be on the lower end of the healthcare spectrum, though well above minimum wage. If you’re just beginning your career, you can expect to make between 12 and 17 dollars an hour, which comes out to between $25,000 and $35,000 a year. On average, this career demands an annual income of about $30,000. You won’t make as much compared to other technicians like ultrasound ($65,860 per year) and x-ray ($40,000 to $60,000 per year) but those professions require much more education and training.
MPN Expert Tip: Use the table below to find your state’s average phlebotomy technician salary:
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)
However, you won’t necessary make the same amount your entire career, as these phlebotomy jobs do provide room for phlebotomy salary growth. As you gain experience, your earning potential will increase. Veterans who take on leadership roles can make anywhere from $40,000 to $45,000 a year.
Your exact phlebotomist salary will also depend on how much education and training you have under your belt. If you choose to get certified, you’ll make more per hour than others who aren’t fully trained.
The state you work in matters, too. According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (or the ASCP), phlebotomists in California, Illinois, Colorado and Minnesota make the highest wages, while those in Ohio, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Texas and New York make the lowest. Generally, you can expect to make more if you work in a large metropolis, regardless of the state in which you live.
You can expect to work full time (which comes out to about 40 hours a week). If you work in a hospital or lab, you can also expect to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed. While your job may not fold into a typical nine-to-five timeframe, the erratic hours will be worth it if you truly enjoy what you do.
MPN Wrap Up: This is a great career choice for you if:
- You’re okay with being around needles and blood a lot.
- Want to help people while making a decent salary.
- Want an in demand job and career stability.
- Don’t mind working some nights and holidays.