The need for medical professionals is growing rapidly and there’s no shortage of areas with an increasing need. People looking for a quick path to a new career are choosing phlebotomy due to its relatively short study duration and favorable employment outlook. A phlebotomist salary can start around $29,000 with experienced professionals making $40,000 and up.
Phlebotomy Salary and Certification What Every Student Should Know
Deciding which courses to study, depends on how long you want to be enrolled in classes. Some certification programs can be completed in as little as four months, while others can last as long as two years. If you’re looking for a quick change, the shorter courses would be the best bet, just make sure the school you choose will adequately prepare students to take national and statewide certification exams.
Different states have varying rules and procedures regarding certification and training, so you’ll want to make sure the program you choose will satisfy all requirements needed to go to work in your state. Many technicians also choose to obtain national certification, obtained through passing an exam. The National Phlebotomy Association has more than 15,000 certified members.
Phlebotomists salaries can vary quite a bit depending on geography, certification and experience level. Calculations compiled from various sources show the hourly wage can vary from $10 to $18. Those living in major metropolitan areas often have higher salaries based on the cost of living. Phlebotomists in rural and suburban areas may make a little less, due to the cost of living being a bit lower.
Most new phlebotomists try to get in at a hospital, where wages are typically higher. Hospitals, particularly emergency rooms, can be fast-paced work environments with people working all shifts, including overnights. However, those jobs tend to get fairly competitive and, while the wage may be a bit lower, there’s plenty of opportunity for phlebotomists outside of the hospital. Private clinics, blood donation centers, and laboratories offer a good wage for professionals with the right phlebotomist training.
Phlebotomists draw blood to use for testing, collection and donation. Properly trained phlebotomists learn to collect blood from patients without causing unnecessary pain or injecting a needle into the wrong place. Modern methods of collecting blood require special methods and while registered nurses and certified nursing assistants are qualified to pull blood, many hospitals and clinics prefer to have a phlebotomist handle that aspect, due to their experience and specialized training.
There are plenty of educational options for anyone looking to enter the profession full time. The largest financial and time commitment would be obtaining a 4-year bachelor’s degree. A two-year associate’s degree is also available in phlebotomy. With recent spikes in demand, vocational schools are offering phlebotomy training courses that allow students to earn their certificate in a matter of months. These programs are becoming very popular with people looking to make a career change quickly.
The average phlebotomy salary will rise steadily as the need continues to grow. With an ever-increasing population of senior citizens, medical professionals continue to be in high demand, particularly in specialized areas that require narrowed training in one area.