What Does it Take to Become a Phlebotomist?
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Hospitals, outpatient care centers, blood donation centers and other healthcare facilities rely on phlebotomists to draw blood and perform blood transfusions. Steps to becoming a phlebotomist include completing some basic educational requirements and receiving hands-on training.
For those without hemophobia and with a desire to work in healthcare, a career as a phlebotomist can be fulfilling. But how does someone become a phlebotomist?
What is a Phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who draws blood and performs blood transfusions. Before taking blood samples, a phlebotomist also verifies the patient’s identity and labels the collection tubes accordingly.
What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
In addition to drawing blood and performing blood transfusions, a phlebotomist handles the following duties:
Where Do Phlebotomists Work?
Phlebotomists work at facilities involved in collecting blood or performing blood transfusions. Some facilities provide outpatient phlebotomy services, while others focus on inpatient care.
Assisted Living Centers/Senior Citizen Homes
Many senior living communities provide medical care to their residents. If a resident has an acute illness or chronic disease, a healthcare provider may order blood tests to make an initial diagnosis or monitor the resident’s response to treatment. Phlebotomists help by collecting the blood samples needed to perform these tests.
Labs
Laboratories perform tests on blood, urine and body tissues, making it possible to diagnose illnesses, monitor chronic health conditions or determine if a patient's medications are working. Phlebotomists aid in these activities by collecting, labeling and tracking patient blood samples.
Hospitals
When a medical professional orders a blood test, a phlebotomist goes to the patient’s hospital room and collects a blood sample, eliminating the need to transport the patient to a draw site. Some hospitals also have outpatient laboratories on their premises. In these labs, phlebotomists collect blood samples from walk-in patients.
VA Clinics
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates medical clinics throughout the United States. These clinics need phlebotomists to draw blood samples, label them and send them for processing.?
Outpatient Care Centers
Many outpatient facilities, such as primary care offices and specialty practices, need phlebotomists to collect blood samples. If the facility relies on an outside laboratory for blood analysis, its phlebotomists may also be responsible for packing and shipping the samples.
Blood Donation Centers
Blood donation centers need phlebotomists to verify donor information and collect blood bags. At many donation centers, phlebotomists are also responsible for screening procedures to ensure each person is eligible to donate. The screening process may include taking the donor’s blood pressure, checking their hemoglobin level , or taking their pulse.
5 Steps to Become a Phlebotomist
Five main steps are required to become a phlebotomist. Although phlebotomy doesn't require a four-year degree, it does require some education and training. Some states also require phlebotomists to obtain certification.
Complete Your High School Education or Receive a GED
The first step is to earn a high school diploma or pass the General Educational Development (GED) exam . Community colleges, technical schools and other educational institutions include a diploma or GED among their minimum requirements for admission.
Apply to an Accredited Phlebotomist Program
After obtaining a diploma or GED, it is time to apply for admission to an accredited phlebotomy program. This training program prepares students to draw blood and handle specimens safely. Phlebotomy programs typically include instruction in basic anatomy , sanitation procedures, blood physiology and skin puncture techniques.?
Complete Your Training
Phlebotomy training takes between four and eight months to complete. Since phlebotomy is a hands-on profession, many training programs include internships or clinical practicums to help students feel more comfortable working in a hospital, outpatient lab or other healthcare facilities.
Earn Your Certificate
California requires phlebotomists to earn a certificate before working in a healthcare facility. Candidates in California should complete this requirement before applying for full-time employment within the state.
Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT)
The LPT certificate allows the holder to perform blood collection via skin puncture only. To obtain this credential, an applicant must meet one of the following educational requirements:
LPT candidates must also complete at least 20 hours of classroom training and perform a minimum of 25 skin punctures. A California Department of Public Health (CDPH)-accredited program must provide the training.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I)
Phlebotomists with the CPT I credential can draw blood via skin puncture and venipuncture, which refers to blood collection from a vein. CPT I candidates must meet the same educational requirements as LPT candidates. The training requirements depend on the amount of on-the-job phlebotomy experience each candidate has.
0 to 40 Hours of Phlebotomy Experience
40 Hours to 1,040 Hours of Phlebotomy Experience
1,040+ Hours of Phlebotomy Experience
Certified Phlebotomy Technician II (CPT II)
The CPT II credential has the same educational requirements as the LPT and CPT I. Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
Each candidate must also have at least 1,040 hours of on-the-job phlebotomy experience, which must include a minimum of 20 arterial punctures.
Pass the Certification Exam
Some employers require phlebotomists to possess the CPT credential through the National Healthcare Association. Candidates who need the CPT credential should pass the certification exam before applying for jobs.
How Much Does a Phlebotomist?Make?
In 2021, phlebotomists had a median hourly wage of $17.97 ($37,380 per year). Phlebotomy compensation depends on several factors, including industry and geographic location.
Salary by Industry
The median phlebotomist salary by industry is as follows:
Salary by State
In 2021, phlebotomists in California earned an average of $48,070 , making the Golden State the top-paying place in the United States for phlebotomy professionals. The District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) is second, with an average annual wage of $45,390. These states round out the top five:
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Career in Phlebotomy
Phlebotomists draw blood and perform blood transfusions, making them valuable to the healthcare team. A phlebotomist needs to earn a high school diploma or GED and complete an accredited training program. Some states and employers have additional requirements, such as obtaining a license or passing a national certification exam.
Top Takeaways
(Reporting by NPD)