Phlebotomists are the people who draw blood when you head to your healthcare provider, although most people don’t realize they’re called that. A phlebotomist plays a crucial role in the healthcare team by ensuring the safe and hygienic collection of blood and other biological samples from patients. This is what allows physicians to diagnose and treat various medical conditions accurately.
If you’re on the hunt for your dream career and are looking to find a job that is lucrative but also aligns with your interests, aptitudes, and passion, phlebotomy might be something for you.
In this article, I’ll give an in-depth overview of the rewarding career of phlebotomy, a comprehensive guide to becoming a phlebotomist. Plus, I’ll throw in information on what it takes to get there and what you’ll need to do to keep up with your credentials once you’re licensed.
What Do Phlebotomists Do?
First things first—what does a phlebotomist actually do? To put it simply, a phlebotomist’s primary responsibility is to collect blood samples from patients. This can be achieved through different methods such as venipuncture, skin puncture, or arterial puncture.
In addition to drawing blood, they may also be required to transport and analyze blood samples, maintain laboratory equipment, and ensure the safety of patients and themselves by adhering to strict sanitation and infection control protocols.
Phlebotomists are typically employed in a variety of healthcare settings, such as:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Blood Banks
- Diagnostic Laboratories
In terms of hours, phlebotomists’ shifts can vary quite a bit. For example, a phlebotomist working in a hospital may be required to work long hours or night shifts, as hospitals operate round the clock. At the same time, a phlebotomist working in a clinic or laboratory may have a predictable daily schedule.
Regardless of the work setting, phlebotomists must be able to handle stressful situations with a high level of professionalism, compassion, and efficiency.
Steps to Becoming a Phlebotomist
Now that we’ve covered what a phlebotomist is, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to become a phlebotomist. The path to becoming a phlebotomist is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. Here are the steps you’ll need to take in order to become one.
Step 1: Get a High School Diploma
First, you need to have a high school diploma. An equivalent degree, like a GED, can also be applicable to start off your journey to becoming a phlebotomist.
Step 2: Graduate from a Phlebotomy Program
It’s necessary to graduate from a phlebotomy program, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the program.
During these programs, students will learn the fundamentals of performing venipunctures and skin punctures, as well as proper techniques for handling samples and interacting with patients. They will also study anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and safety procedures.
We’ll go over a couple of the phlebotomy program options available a little bit later on.
Step 3: Get Certified
Once you complete the phlebotomy program, you’ll need to take a national certification exam which is offered by several different organizations, like:
- National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
- American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
- National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
While certification may not be required by law for all states, it’s still a good idea to get certified anyway. That way, you’re better prepared to start your new career.
Remember, there are still some states and localities where you’ll require a license, so it’s necessary to check the requirements in your state.
Step 4: Find a Job in the Field
Once you’ve completed your certification, you’re ready to get to work! You can apply for phlebotomy positions at local medical centers, hospitals, and pharmacies by submitting your resume either online or in person.
Phlebotomy Program Options
As I mentioned earlier, the phlebotomy programs available vary depending on the type of degree/certification and the delivery method. Let’s check out a couple of different program options that you can
Option 1: Obtain a Certificate of Completion
This is the most popular option. It includes a classroom curriculum and hands-on training, including venipuncture, skin puncture, and the operation of various blood collection equipment. These certificates are offered by independent agencies and are typically shorter courses, lasting several months rather than several years.
Option 2: Earn an Associate Degree
It usually includes general education courses along with specialized courses, which cover medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology – in addition to phlebotomy-specific coursework.
If you’d like to earn your Certificate of Completion or Associate Degree in Phlebotomy, you can enroll in on-campus programs offered by community colleges or vocational schools. These programs offer a variety of resources, such as tutoring, counseling, and financial aid.
Option 3: Online Programs and Hybrid Programs
This is an option that provides the flexibility of studying at home. The benefit of taking online or hybrid courses is that it can provide you with the opportunity to complete the coursework at your own pace.
Online programs require students to have a reliable computer, internet access, and a webcam to participate in classes, while hybrid programs are a combination of online lectures and on-campus laboratory training.
However, it is critical to verify that the program is accredited by an accrediting body. This ensures that the curriculum has met the standards for quality education in the field of phlebotomy.
The two main accrediting bodies for phlebotomy programs are the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Continuing Education Requirements for Phlebotomists
If you choose to become a phlebotomist, you’ll have to stay up to date with the latest techniques, technology, and medical industry regulations. You can do this by earning continuing education units that are certified by phlebotomy organizations.
Continuing education units (CEUs) are required by certification agencies to maintain certification, renew a license, or remain in good standing with an employer. Various certifications that require CEUs include Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT).
CE opportunities come in various forms, including professional certifications, workshops, and conferences. These events provide a practical approach to the industry’s current problems and concerns. Workshops and conferences are available both in-person and online, with some being multi-day events focusing on a particular topic.
Employers often offer free or subsidized continuing education (CE) opportunities to their staff, which can include attending accredited events, in-house training, or e-learning. By taking advantage of these opportunities, phlebotomists can acquire more skills and broaden their knowledge base.
Overall, continuing education is crucial for phlebotomists to remain competent and engaged in their profession. By doing so, they can keep up with the industry’s constant changes while improving patient outcomes—and getting a nice raise to boot
How much do Phlebotomists Make?
As with any profession, the salary of a phlebotomist can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and level of education.
You’ll typically start out in entry-level positions like a laboratory assistant, with a salary ranging from $32,000 to $36,000 annually. With the experience and appropriate certification, it’s possible to advance to senior roles in blood banks, hospitals, and some diagnostic companies, which may have an annual salary of up to roughly $480,000.
Another way you can earn yourself a salary increase is by becoming a traveling phlebotomist. These are professionals that work with different healthcare facilities to collect blood samples from patients.
They are often hired through contracting agencies, and they can make approximately $8 to $10 more per hour than in-house phlebotomists. Of course, this isn’t the only way to up your phlebotomist salary. With additional certifications or qualifications, you can also earn higher salaries. For example, a phlebotomist who has a certification in medical assisting may have more job responsibilities and, thus, a higher salary.
In addition, some employers offer incentives such as bonuses or health benefits to phlebotomists who are willing to work extended hours or holidays. Even if you don’t have extra credentials, this can be a nice way to get a heftier paycheck.
What’s the Job Outlook for Phlebotomists?
One of the most important things phlebotomists should bear in mind is the job outlook. After all, there’s no point studying for a career path that’s going to be given over to robots in the near future!
The good news is that the job outlook for phlebotomists is promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031, which is a pretty good growth rate. This growth can be attributed to the aging population and the associated increase in the demand for medical procedures, including blood work.
So, the bottom line is that becoming a phlebotomist can be a great long-term career path.
Next Steps
If you are passionate about helping others and seeking a career with stability, phlebotomy may be the ideal career choice for you. With patience, persistence, and proper training, you can begin your journey to becoming a successful phlebotomist.
If you’re considering a career in phlebotomy, I highly recommend consulting with career coaches for personalized guidance.
A career coach can help you navigate the steps required for certification and licensing, provide insights into the job market and provide support for continuing education. With their guidance, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to succeed in this growing field!