How to Become a Phlebotomist
The Definitive Career Guide


Avg. Salary
$38,450

Education Duration
1-2 Years

Job Outlook
22%

The word Phlebotomist can sound a little intimidating, but the career doesn’t have to be.

If you are interested in working in the medical field and don’t have an issue with blood, then you may be a good fit for this career.

As a Phlebotomist, you will spend your days taking blood samples from patients in order to fulfill doctor’s orders.

Working as a Phlebotomist can provide entry-level experience in the medical field.

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What is a Phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists are responsible for taking patients’ blood samples.

This can be done by placing a needle in the arm of the patient and using a syringe to pull the blood out.

A Phlebotomist may also attach an IV to a patient to take blood or to insert medication.

Often, you can find Phlebotomists working in labs and in hospitals or doctor’s offices.

This career takes a bit of training and hand-eye coordination but can be a great profession or a step toward a promising medical career.

Duties

As a Phlebotomist, it will be your responsibility to take blood samples from patients and send them to the lab to check for issues.

This career requires a steady hand and not having a fear of needles.

You can find a Phlebotomist doing these activities on a daily basis:

  • Identifying patients
  • Labeling vials
  • Deciphering the best methods of blood drawing
  • Collecting blood samples
  • Transporting blood samples
  • Cleaning and sanitizing equipment

Salary

Working as a Phlebotomist can be considered an entry-level career in the medical field.

Since this career only requires one year of education, and sometimes less, the salary can reflect that.

Most Phlebotomists in the United States will make about $37,380 annually.

After several years of hands-on experience working as a Phlebotomist, and earning certifications, it’s possible to make up to $48,490 a year in this career.

However, this isn’t the salary you should expect when just beginning your journey in this field.

Those who are just beginning their career will make close to $28,990 or less, depending on the type of facility you work in and the population of the surrounding area.

  • Annually
  • Monthly
  • Hourly

Annually National Average Salary: $38,450

$28K
$30K
$38K
$45K
$48K
10%
25%
50%
75%
90%

Average Annual Salary by State

StateAvg. Annual Salary
Alabama$32,010
Alaska$42,630
Arizona$37,040
Arkansas$32,980
California$48,070
Colorado$40,500
Connecticut$41,820
Delaware$42,520
District of Columbia$45,390
Florida$35,710
Georgia$37,480
Idaho$35,120
Illinois$38,570
Indiana$34,980
Iowa$34,050
Kansas$35,020
Kentucky$34,890
Louisiana$32,100
Maine$34,160
Maryland$41,790
Massachusetts$44,020
Michigan$36,250
Minnesota$39,840
Mississippi$33,980
Missouri$35,670
Montana$35,820
Nebraska$34,270
Nevada$35,170
New Hampshire$40,500
New Jersey$40,570
New Mexico$34,460
New York$45,390
North Carolina$36,250
North Dakota$36,760
Ohio$35,770
Oklahoma$33,030
Oregon$41,350
Pennsylvania$37,930
Rhode Island$43,010
South Carolina$34,530
South Dakota$31,440
Tennessee$34,910
Texas$35,340
Utah$34,820
Vermont$37,530
Virginia$37,080
Washington$43,770
West Virginia$32,530
Wisconsin$37,700
Wyoming$34,510
Puerto Rico$20,920

Annual Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $48,070.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

California - $48,070
New York - $45,390
District of Columbia - $45,390
Massachusetts - $44,020
Washington - $43,770
* Salary information based on May 2021 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Phlebotomists, OCC Code 31-9097, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

How to Become a Phlebotomist

Step 1 Enter a Training Program

There are certain pieces of knowledge that you must acquire in order to be a successful Phlebotomist.

In order to learn everything that you need to know, you will have to join a program.

Training programs for Phlebotomists can be found at community colleges, universities, and training centers across the country.

It’s possible to earn a certificate online or in person, but you must always practice hands-on experience when working as a Phlebotomist.

This means that you will need to take an internship and do lab work in person.

Training programs can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a year or more.

Some of the things that you will learn in a Phlebotomist training program include:

  • Blood Collection and Storage
  • Laboratory Safety
  • Biology
  • Chemistry

You will also gain experience with hands-on training, taking blood, and inserting needles into fake skin as well as real skin at some point.

The length of the program can matter in different ways, short programs may not provide all of the necessary instruction.

Longer programs typically also provide students with the chance to work an internship as well as earn an Associate’s degree, for two-year programs.

Step 2 Become Licensed

Once you earn a certificate or degree as a Phlebotomist, you will need to become licensed in order to gain employment in some states.

Look up what is required from your state to be sure, but so far, the only states that require licensing are:

  • California
  • Nevada
  • Louisiana
  • Washington

Even though a license isn’t required in the other states, it doesn’t mean that it is useless.

Having a license will show employers and patients that you are competent in your job and that you are a responsible Phlebotomist.

Being licensed as a Phlebotomist can also help with promotions, career moves, and other opportunities.

Prospective license holders must pass an exam in order to gain licensure, the exam can vary from state to state.

Step 3 Gain Experience

Finding a career as a Phlebotomist can be easy if you are looking in the right places.

Most Phlebotomists work at hospitals, doctor’s offices, and labs.

There are also some others who work at blood drives and donation centers.

It’s possible that while you were going to school that your program required an internship.

Sometimes, employers will hire Phlebotomists right out of school after they’ve interned at the company.

This is a great way to build rapport with clients and employers, so if you are offered an internship, don’t hesitate to take it.

Some other ways to gain experience as a Phlebotomist include:

  • Attending seminars
  • Volunteering at Red Cross
  • Volunteering at drug treatment centers
  • Shadowing a medical professional

Step 4 Obtain Certification

Even if your state doesn’t require licensure, you could still earn certifications in other areas to show you are competent as a Phlebotomist.

Having certifications provides proof that you are knowledgeable and help you get ahead in your career.

Most certifications require that Phlebotomists have at least two years of experience in the field before taking the exam.

Make sure that any agency you go through to obtain certification is accredited.

This can be found through your local community college, hospital, or training school.

Some of the accredited agencies include:

  • National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  • American Society of Clinical Pathologists
  • American Association of Medical Personnel
  • American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals

Each association has its own list of certifications available for Phlebotomists.

A few of the certifications available are:

  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician
  • National Certified Phlebotomy Technician
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist

All certifications require that you pass an exam.

Recertification is required every 3-5 years.

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Education

Since phlebotomy requires a skillful hand and knowledge of the medical field, it is important that a Phlebotomist get the education that they need.

Most phlebotomy programs in the United States can range anywhere from 8 weeks to 2 years and offer different levels of education.

It’s important to make sure that the program you enter is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science.

There are training schools that provide phlebotomy programs online, and it’s also possible to earn a certificate or a degree through a community college or university in person.

To be eligible to enter most phlebotomy programs, you must have the following:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • A GPA of 2.5 or higher

You will learn many different things in a phlebotomy program, including classes on subjects like:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Biology
  • Laboratory Departments and Organization
  • Specimen Collection
  • Equipment and Techniques

While working toward a certificate, students will likely need to partake in an internship or clinical studies.

This can be done through many different facilities, including:

  • Hospital labs
  • Patient care centers
  • Doctors offices
  • Nursing homes

Tuition for an online program can be as little as $25 in some areas, and as much as $2,500 for other programs.

If you are looking for more education and want to earn an Associate’s degree, this will take around two years.

There are many types of degree programs for Phlebotomists, including medical assistants and medical technicians.

These programs will go more in-depth than a one-year or less program, and you will take courses that include:

  • Microbiology
  • Hematology
  • Blood Banking
  • Chemistry
  • Urinalysis
  • Laboratory Math

This type of degree will also require an internship and/or clinical studies.

Clinicals can provide students with hands-on experience so that they don’t go into the workforce completely confused.

Having an Associate’s degree as a Phlebotomist can set you apart by showing employers that you have the knowledge it takes to do a good job.

Video About The Career


Certification and Licensing

After enrolling in a program and passing you will earn either a certificate or a degree, depending on the type of program you choose.

Gaining a couple of years of experience as a Phlebotomist will help you in your question to gain certification.

Earning a certification as a Phlebotomist can open many new doors, but you must make sure that the association you are going to get certified with is accredited.

Some of the accredited associations include:

  • American Society of Clinical Pathologists
  • American Medical Technologists
  • National Health Career Association
  • American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians

Although certification is voluntary in most states, many employers like to see one on your resume.

For that states that do require certification, please follow state laws when finding the association to connect with.

The states the require certification are:

  • California
  • Louisiana

This is because it shows the employer and the patients that you have knowledge as a Phlebotomist, and can do the job that needs to be done.

There are several certifications that can be gained through various associations.

Some of the most popular certifications are:

  • Phlebotomy Technician from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists
  • Certified Phlebotomy Technician from the National Health Career Association
  • Certified Phlebotomist from the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians

All of the certifications require that you have at least a year of experience as a Phlebotomist in the last five years before you are eligible to apply.

Most certifications require that you pass an exam, which can cost anywhere from $60 to $250, depending on the certification and the association.

Earning a certification as a Phlebotomist can provide extra job support, as well as introduce new promotions and raises.

These certifications are good for two years and must be renewed in order to stay up to code in the medical field.

It may be hard to find a career without certification as a Phlebotomist.

Certification Example:

phlebotomy certificate

Average Training Program Duration: 1-2 Years

It doesn’t take too long to become a Phlebotomist, as little as 8 weeks in some areas.

However, you don’t want to enter a program that isn’t long enough, as you won’t learn the required knowledge and have a harder time finding a job.

Most phlebotomy programs take around 8 months to a year to complete, and that includes clinical lab work and possibly an internship.

Programs that take 8 months or less may not provide an internship in some areas.

Another important thing to consider when looking for programs is if they are accredited, some shorter programs do not have accreditation.


Job Outlook

Every year, it seems that there are more and more medical facilities popping up all over the country.

Thanks to all of the new hospitals, doctor’s offices, and laboratories, Phlebotomists should not have a problem finding a job in the next decade.

In fact, this career will grow around 22 percent over the next ten years.

Compared to other careers in the medical field, the growth rate for Phlebotomists is much faster.

Taking a patient’s blood is still an extremely reliable and essential part of the medical field, so this career will likely be around for a long time.

Phlebotomists are often found working at blood drives and blood banks, which can create more job opportunities as well, especially during a public health emergency situation.

Employment Growth Projection: 22%

129,600
2020
158,400
2030

That's a higher than average projected growth of 28,800


Should You Become a Phlebotomist?

Overall Satisfaction: Medium

Overall Satisfaction

Having a career as a Phlebotomist can be a bit stressful, especially when working in a big hospital or lab.

The stress can come from how many patients need to be seen at once, and the orders from doctors.

There isn’t much upward mobility without education in this career, either.

This can cause a bit of trouble for Phlebotomists who want to maintain a great career.

Depending on the location of the job, the hours can be stressful.

Those who work in labs or doctor’s offices will likely have hours from 9-5, while those who work in hospitals may have different shifts.

Working as a Phlebotomist is a good entry-level career in the medical field, but will not provide much upward mobility.

Average Salary: Low

Average Salary

Most Phlebotomists in the United States will make around $37,380 a year on average.

Those who are just starting out as a Phlebotomist will likely make closer to $28,990 in most areas.

Having a solid education, earning certifications, and having many years of experience can provide a salary close to $48,490 a year.

There are many things that can determine the salary of a Phlebotomist, including the location in which they work.

Phlebotomists working in large populations like California or Washington D.C. will make closer to $50,000 a year.

While Phlebotomists who are working in states like Iowa will make closer to $30,000 a year on average.

Job Growth Outlook: High

Job Growth Outlook

If you are looking to begin a career as a Phlebotomist, now would be the time to start your journey.

This career will grow around 22 percent over the next ten years, which is much higher than many other jobs in the medical field.

Phlebotomists are essential in hospitals and labs because taking blood is still one of the most accurate ways of diagnosing and treating patients.

Having certifications or further education will provide many more career growth opportunities in this career.

Education Duration: 1-2 Years

Education Duration

There are a few different options for the length of programs when becoming a Phlebotomist.

Some people choose to enroll in an 8-week program, which can teach the basics of Phlebotomy.

Other programs offer more extensive education and can take up to a year to finish.

Programs should teach you how to draw blood and provide hands-on experience working in labs.

It doesn’t take long to become a Phlebotomist, anywhere between 8 weeks and 1 year, with the average length being about 8 months, depending on the program.

Personal Skills Needed

Personal Skills Needed

In order to have a successful career as a Phlebotomist, you must not have a fear of needles or blood, and you should have a steady hand.

Other personal skills that will help you to do well in this career include:

  • Compassion
  • Detail-oriented
  • Ability to multitask
  • Team player
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Understanding of insurance and payment processing
  • Understanding of medical terminology
  • Empathy
  • Customer service skills
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Physical stamina

Being kind-hearted in this career can be helpful because some patients may be scared, injured, or upset when getting blood drawn.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q.

What is the average salary for a Phlebotomist?

On average in the United States, a Phlebotomist makes $37,380 a year.

This is the typical salary for a career that doesn’t require a degree.

However, it’s possible to earn more money with education, certifications, and the required hands-on experience.

For Phlebotomists who have been working in the field for a while, the salary can be up to $48,490 in some areas.

There are some Phlebotomists who make closer to $30,000 a year, like in Iowa or Kansas.

Q.

How long does it take to become a Phlebotomist?

It can take as little as 8 weeks to become a Phlebotomist.

However, the average program takes about 12 months to finish.

The longer programs will provide more clinical lab work and hands-on education than a shorter program.

It’s even possible to earn an Associate’s degree to work as a Phlebotomist, which can take about two years to finish.

Most longer programs will also give students the chance to work an internship, supplying even more education and work experience.

Q.

What does a Phlebotomist do?

The role of a Phlebotomist is simple, even if the word may be hard to say.

These skilled individuals will take blood samples from patients and send them to a lab to be accessed.

They will also clean and sanitize work areas, help keep patients relaxed and at ease, and report any findings to doctors or medical staff.

Some Phlebotomists may work in blood banks or labs as well, which can provide a whole new list of duties like taking blood donations and analyzing data.

Q.

What is the demand for Phlebotomists?

Having a Phlebotomist in a doctor’s office or hospital will always be a requirement.

This is because a Phlebotomist is trained in taking blood for diagnosing diseases that could harm people.

The career will rise as much as 22 percent over the next decade, which is a lot more than many other careers in the medical field.

There are many reasons for the demand in Phlebotomists over the next decade, which includes advancements in technology that have made it easier to diagnose illnesses.

Q.

How much does it cost to become a Phlebotomist?

Since there are so many types of programs to become a Phlebotomist, there is a wide range of prices.

Some programs can cost as little as $250 to complete.

There are other programs that can cost up to $3,000, depending on the length of the program.

Other expenses could include certifications, licensing, and other fees for schooling.

This means that it can cost anywhere from around $500 to over $4,000 to become a Phlebotomist.


USA Phlebotomist Info by State

USA MapWashingtonOregonCaliforniaIdahoNevadaUtahArizonaMontanaWyomingColoradoNew Mexiconorth-dakota/South DakotaNebraskakansas/OklahomaTexasMinnesotaIowaMissouriArkansasLouisianaWisconsinIllinoisKentuckyTennesseeMississippiAlabamaGeorgiaFloridaSouth CarolinaNorth CarolinaVirginiaMichiganMichiganIndianaOhioWest VirginiaPennsylvaniaNew YorkMarylandMarylandDelawareNew JerseyConnecticutRhode IslandMassachusettsVermontNew HampshireMaineAlaskaHawaiiNew JerseyVermontNew HampshireMassachusetts

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