Educations Portal

In 2006, the BLS (Bureau of Labor and Statistics stated that healthcare comprised the single largest industry in the U.S. economy–supplying 14 million jobs.  By 2016, healthcare is expecting a growth of over 3 million new jobs, greater than any other trade.  The majority of medical careers don’t require a four year degree.  If you’re looking for a quick route into the thriving healthcare industry, you should think about phlebotomy training.

If you’ve ever donated blood or had your blood tested, you’ve gotten a glimpse of what phlebotomists do. Laboratories employ phlebotomists to collect quality blood samples from patients and provide accurate labratory test results–from toxin screenings and cholesterol counts, testing for viral infections and pathogens.  Phlebotomists also coordinate continuing education (a requirement for recertification), and arrange presentations on new techniques, research, and safety techniques.

Why Become a Phlebotomist?
Within the rapidly expanding healthcare industry, employment of clinical laboratory technicians (which includes phlebotomists) is expected to grow 14 percent from 2006 to 2016–faster than the average for all occupations. The increase in new jobs is a result of increasing population and the development of new laboratory tests.

In addition to this rising profession, phlebotomy offers an excellent opportunity to earn a livable wage. In 2008, ASCP stated that phlebotomy technicians made an average of $24,350. According to the BLS, median annual earnings for medical and clinical laboratory technicians were $34,270 in May of 2007

Because phlebotomists need less training than other healthcare and laboratory professionals, they typically earn lower wages.  However, the relatively nominal schooling can allow you to jump into the healthcare industry more quickly than would be possible with other career paths.

Becoming a Phlebotomist
If phlebotomy sounds like the right career for you, your best bet is to begin in high school, forming a solid foundation in math and science.  After you’ve earned your high school diploma, it is easy to find phebotomy training through degree programs and vocational schools located across the country.  With certified training or an associate’s degree, phlebotomists can commonly find entry-level work.To take it a step further and greater your chances and earning power, a bachelor’s degree in biochemisty or biology is what you want to acquire. Phlebotomy training although not extensive will also not be easy; physiology, human anatomy with an intesity on the circulatory system will be necessary.   On-the-job phlebotomy training includes supervised practical experience drawing blood, disposing of biohazardous materials, and basic laboratory procedures. Hands-on phlebotomy training is also intensely safety-focused, since workers risk frequent exposure to blood-borne illnesses–including Hepatitis and HIV.

Successful completion of phlebotomy training is a general prerequisite to gaining state certification.  Depending on your location, your state typically requires you to become licensed through at least one of the six allowing agencies that give certification for phlebotomy–a few examples are National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the American Certification Agency (ACA). Recertification of phlebotomists is sporadic but also reinforced by these institutions.

Gaining Recognition: Phlebotomy on the Rise
If you want to increase your earnings, responsibility, and enhance your hiring potential, you can also gain certification as a donor phlebotomy technician (DPT).  They are also known as phlebotomists who gather blood, sometimes at out-of-the-way places.  With the proper training and dedication, a supervisory position with greater earning power is what can be expected.  Depending on what state you live, phlebotomist supervisors earn a yearly salary of $35,000 to $55,000.

Most importantly, this can be a stressful environment and you must be able to perform the neccessary duties, be precise in your work, and be an effective communicator.  If you are a knowledgeable and thorough and feel confident enough to deliver vital information to nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, you’re already one step ahead. Check out phlebotomy degree programs today.