Phlebotomy Training - How to Become a Phlebotomist

Want to know what it takes to become a Phlebotomist or what special type of Phlebotomy training is needed for this high valued career? Phlebotomy training offers people the opportunity to join part of a hospital work setting where individuals perform the task of drawing blood samples that are used to help doctors determine the cause of diseases, illnesses and other health conditions. Individuals that become Phlebotomists generally seek out this career because the necessary schooling doesn’t involve lengthy training and earnings are modest. Becoming a Phlebotomist also offers workers job security; therefore, if you are interested in the rewarding job, learn what training is involved and jump start your career today.

Training to become a Phlebotomist will take anywhere from two to four months. Time of length for training will vary from school to school, as each school will have their own Phlebotomy curriculum that may not be universal with other schooling programs. Requirements to take part in Phlebotomy training include having a high school diploma or GED. Individuals that are interested in becoming a Phlebotomist must be able to handle working with blood on daily basis, as this is the main task of the career. Individuals should also possess being professional and caring to patients.

Courses that are completed in the two to four month span include but are not limited to Anatomy, how to work with patients, Physiology, working with blood, lab operations, and the legal side of the profession. Students will also be taught standard procedures and precautions when dealing with blood and how to properly collect blood specimens, caring for patients after the procedure, and storing or shipping blood samples that are taken.

There are currently only two states that require individuals seeking to become a Phlebotomist to become certified – California and Louisiana are the two that require a proper licensing. However, obtaining certification is crucial even in states that do not require licensing as competition for Phlebotomy jobs will be fierce. After individuals complete the necessary requirements at an accredited institution, they will be able to become certified by three organizations. Those three organizations are the National Phlebotomy Association (Nationalphlebotomy.org), Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (Aspt.org), and American Society for Clinical Pathology (Ascp.org). Visit each site to gain access to the requirements of what each requires for the ability to apply for certification. Each certification program differs and may require different clinical hours between each agency before individuals are able to apply.

According to the National Labor Statistics, a Phlebotomist earns between $12.50 and $13.00 per hour. Phlebotomists earn slightly higher if he or she works in a private doctor lab, while others earn fifty cents an hour less by working in a hospital or private clinic. The National Labor Statistics also states that the job outlook for a Phlebotomy career is excellent. In fact, this career is expected to grow fourteen percent over the next decade.

University of Utah: “Blood Collection Procedures”

Bureau of Labor Statistics: “Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians”

ShorelineCommunity College: “Phlebotomy offered by: the Medical Laboratory Technology Program”

National Phlebotomy Association (Nationalphlebotomy.org)

Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (Aspt.org)

American Society for Clinical Pathology (Ascp.org)