A phlebotomy career allows professionals to work with a diverse range of people and draw blood at hospitals and healthcare facilities, as well as in unusual jobs. For example, some phlebotomists might go from home to home to collect blood samples from life insurance applicants used in underwriting procedures to determine their eligibility and rates.
Other phlebotomists draw blood at clinics to rule out or diagnose medical conditions. Finally, some phlebotomists work at blood banks and are tasked with keeping blood donors safe, comfortable, and entertained while donating vital fluids to save lives.
Phlebotomists primarily collect blood using a procedure known as venipuncture, in which a vein is punctured to collect blood. For this reason, they should not only be comfortable working with blood and needles but also collecting and transporting samples.
The procedures to do venipuncture correctly and safely are learned in a phlebotomy program so that students understand what they need to do to protect themselves. Safety and accuracy are essential skills for phlebotomists. In addition, for many patients, having blood drawn can be an uncomfortable experience fraught with anticipation and anxiety, so phlebotomists must also have a calm and compassionate chair-side manner.
Careers in phlebotomy are in high demand for nearly every healthcare facility. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that phlebotomy jobs are expected to grow 22 percent nationally between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the national average for all occupations at 4 percent in the same period (BLS 2021).
In that same decade, a staggering 28,800 new positions are anticipated in industries such as hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, ambulatory healthcare, physician offices, and outpatient care centers. In addition, long-term care and home health jobs are also in high demand, and most phlebotomists work full-time.
If working with blood and needles is not a career deal-breaker, read on to learn more about becoming a phlebotomist.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Phlebotomist?
Becoming a phlebotomist can take a year or less to complete, depending on the education program and whether a student pursues national certification. A few states also have different certification requirements for employment in that state, and this may make the process longer.
Education programs can take from as little as eight weeks to less than a year to finish depending upon the school type, and program students enroll in. Programs at vocational schools may be quicker, whereas those at community colleges could take longer. Completing both the instructional and clinical hours of a program is essential to obtaining a certificate or diploma and finding employment.
National certification is generally not required but can help obtain employment. This could take several months or more to complete, depending on how prepared a student is for the exam and how motivated they are to seek certification. However, there are generally time limitations when a student can have completed a program and still sit for national certification.
Certification is required in only a few states, so it is possible to be working as a phlebotomist in less than a year, particularly when a student enrolls in one of the quicker-paced programs.
Phlebotomy Program Cost & Career Salary
Phlebotomy programs aren’t costly relative to the salary you can earn. Courses range in cost from $700 to $3,000, depending on the school and length of training. Additionally, students who pursue certification will need to pay $90 to $200 for the test fee. States requiring licensure will also incur a $58 to $200 cost.
The BLS (May 2020) reports that the mean hourly wage for the field was $17.92, equivalent to $37,280 annually. However, California, New York, Washington, D.C., Alaska, and Washington had higher mean wages for phlebotomists—all above $41,000.
It does take special skills to become a phlebotomist. Constant client interaction and fast-paced workplaces require that professionals in the field have:
•Compassion: Because some people do not like to have their blood drawn, phlebotomists need to be understanding and compassionate about this anxiety and fear.
•Dexterity: Since phlebotomists are inserting a needle into a vein, they need to be accurate and precise in what they do. Good hand-eye coordination is necessary, but so is the ability to successfully insert a needle into a vein during the first attempt.
•Attention to detail: Not only do phlebotomists need to be able to draw blood, but they must also draw the correct amounts, do so for the number of tests needed, collect that blood, track it, and enter it into a database. Phlebotomists must take extreme care not to mix up or incorrectly label samples.
Many phlebotomists work in laboratory settings, but others work for ambulatory services, providing them more flexibility on the job. Still, they may need to work weekends or evening hours, like in a laboratory.
Keep reading to discover more about becoming a phlebotomist, including the steps to take toward education and national certification.
Steps to Become a phlebotomist – Education & Experience
Many people want to know how to become a phlebotomist, so here are some general steps to take:
Step 1: Complete High School (four years). To be accepted into phlebotomy programs, students should have a high school diploma or a GED. In fact, students can enter most programs directly upon completing high school. Students who wish to pursue this career should take courses in health, science, and psychology to help prepare them for additional studies.
Step 2: Complete an Accredited Phlebotomy Program (eight weeks to a year). A phlebotomy education typically takes a year or less to complete. Graduates receive a certificate or diploma. These programs, usually available through vocational schools and community colleges, include education in anatomy, medical terminology, and physiology. Classroom and lab work are essential components of instruction, and while the requirements for enrollment can vary, they may include:
•High school diploma or GED
•A minimum GPA while in high school
•Immunization records
•Background check
•CPR certification
Once accepted into a program, students typically need to pay tuition and fees. These may or may not cover the costs for textbooks and a uniform. Also, students who drop out of a program after enrolling may be assessed a withdrawal fee.
When enrolling, students may wish to look for a program approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Nearly 60 phlebotomy programs nationwide are listed as approved on the NAACLS site as of January 2022, meaning that they have reached specific education standards in phlebotomy and that staff and faculty have attained specific education levels.
Step 3: Pursue Professional Phlebotomy Certification (timelines vary). While certification is not required in all states, it does increase employability. California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington require phlebotomists to hold a certification.
The eligibility requirements to sit for a certification exam vary based on the testing agency. However, for all agencies, aspiring professionals must:
•Complete a phlebotomy education course
•Hold a current CPR certification
•Have graduated from high school or have obtained a GED
•Complete the required clinical training either with a necessary number of on the job training hours or several venipuncture’s
Students should verify the requirements with each testing agency to ensure they meet the requirements. Once requirements are met, students can apply to take the exam for certification. Top recognized certification agencies include:
•American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals (ACA)
•American Medical Technologists (AMT)
•The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT/MMCI)
•The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
•American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
•National Health career Association (NHA)
Fees for these exams and the format of the tests vary. Fees range from $58 to $200. The phlebotomy exam through the National Center for Competency Testing, as an example, comprises 125 scored questions and 25 unscored pretest items. Students have three hours for testing, and they may need to demonstrate practical knowledge of some skills, such as taking blood.
Step 4: Maintain Certification (annually). Continuing certification requirements will vary depending on the organization. However, an annual fee and completion of continuing education are typical requirements. Maintaining certification demonstrates a professional’s dedication to maintaining quality work on an ongoing basis and has met knowledge standards set by a third-party agency.
The BLS reports the job prospects are the best for those who receive certification from any available reputable certifying organizations. In other words, although certification may take extra work and an ongoing commitment to education, having a certification can result in career benefits.
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