Nearly 70% of the fluid in the human body is contained in arteries and veins.
Blood is a common method for numerous lab tests and, in rare cases, can serve as a treatment.
In past centuries, phlebotomy was known as bloodletting and used to correct internal fluid imbalances that were thought to cause illness.
But today, phlebotomy refers to venipuncture.
Phlebotomists are trained individuals who serve as an essential part of the healthcare continuum.
Typical skills for the position include being compassionate, detail-oriented, and stressful environment.
The basic education requirements to work as a phlebotomist include a GED or high school diploma and completion of a certificate or training program.
These courses can be found at vocational schools and healthcare academies throughout Tennessee.
Currently, the Volunteer State does not require state certification, but many employers look for this professional credential.
The field of phlebotomy is growing, with a projected 10% increase in job demand through 2031.
Here are a few Memphis Phlebotomy schools to help prepare for an interesting, high-potential career.
Phlebotomy Technicians annual average salary in Tennessee is $31,892 - ABOVE U.S. AVERAGE!
#1 The University of Memphis
About the School
The University of Memphis, founded in 1912, is a highly regarded public research in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee.
The main campus in east Memphis, near Audobon Park, serves nearly 20,000 students.
Courses Offered
The University of Memphis offers a hybrid 8-week phlebotomy program within a separate Health Care Academy that also includes medical assisting, surgical technology, and limited radiology.
Didactic, core education, offered online, is combined with significant on-site hands-on experience.
Typical coursework includes:
- Patient Identification
- Safety & Infection Control
- Basic Anatomy & Physiology
- Selecting proper veins and tubes
- Order of blood draws
- Legal Issues in Phlebotomy
Students must successfully complete at least 40 punctures, both vein and capillary.
The program also strongly emphasizes training in laboratory and medical clinic procedures for blood handling.
Up to a 200-hour clinical internship is also available but not required.
Address: 3720 Alumni Ave, Memphis, TN 38152
#2 Southwest Tennessee Community College
About the School
The Southwest Tennessee Community College is a public community college with three specialized campuses throughout Memphis.
The university’s phlebotomy program is highly ranked within the state.
It combines a comprehensive curriculum of core competencies with laboratory, hospital, and clinical requirements.
Courses Offered
The 18-credit-hour, two-semester program covers phlebotomy, anatomy, physiology, and laboratory basics.
In addition to the coursework required for admission, basic English and writing skills are necessary.
Coursework includes:
- Introduction to Medical Laboratory Technology
- Phlebotomy Didactic
- Phlebotomy Clinical I & II
The program also requires a criminal background check and professional malpractice insurance.
Additional costs, ranging from $400 to $800, will be necessary for uniforms, duty shoes, laboratory tests, and certification and license fees.
Address: 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134
#3 Northwest Phlebotomy School
About the School
Northwest Phlebotomy School is a private education program located in downtown Memphis, minutes from the Mississippi River.
Courses Offered
The Phlebotomy Training Course is a private healthcare training program that provides basic instruction and experience for working as a phlebotomist in Tennessee.
These one to three-day classes are typically held at the Courtyard Marriott Memphis Airport.
They are an academic hybrid of didactic study, specialized lectures, and hands-on experience.
The course agenda includes:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Phlebotomy equipment and techniques
- Patient demographics
- Safety procedures
An advanced four-hour IV Certification placement course is also available.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required to register for the course.
Address: 1780 Nonconnah Blvd. Memphis, TN 3813
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| | #1 | The University of Memphis |
| | #2 | Southwest Tennessee Community College |
| | #3 | Northwest Phlebotomy School |
Tennessee Salary by Metro Area
This table provides a breakdown of average salaries by metro area, showing how wages differ across regions within the state using recent BLS data.
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 150 | $35,990 | $17.30 | $45,520 | $27,720 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 80 | $38,750 | $18.63 | $47,880 | $30,320 |
| Cleveland, TN | 40 | $37,240 | $17.90 | $42,670 | $34,380 |
| Jackson, TN | 110 | $37,720 | $18.14 | $49,050 | $27,340 |
| Johnson City, TN | 160 | $38,190 | $18.36 | $45,560 | $33,900 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | 150 | $37,740 | $18.15 | $45,290 | $33,950 |
| Knoxville, TN | 560 | $37,630 | $18.09 | $45,500 | $26,060 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 460 | $40,320 | $19.38 | $48,310 | $32,470 |
| Morristown, TN | 50 | $38,060 | $18.30 | $47,280 | $28,890 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 980 | $42,860 | $20.61 | $54,190 | $31,700 |
* Employment conditions may vary by location.
Schools by City in Tennessee
