Phlebotomists are an important part of the healthcare industry. Continue reading to learn what you need for certification and how much phlebotomists earn annually.
What is a Phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a type of medical professional who draws blood for laboratory tests. They then store and record these samples before sending them to the lab.
Typically, these samples are drawn by puncturing a vein with a needle, but sometimes smaller samples are collected through finger or heel pricks.
The job responsibilities of phlebotomists often include:
- drawing blood samples and bandaging patients afterward
- checking and recording patients' blood pressure, oxygen levels, pulse, and temperature
- preparing and sterilizing equipment
- sending blood samples to the laboratory
- updating patient records
While a phlebotomist nearly always works to collect lab samples, they may occasionally help with performing blood transfusions or blood donations.
Steps to Become a Phlebotomist
The specific requirements to become a phlebotomist will depend on the state you live in and the certification you pursue, but generally becoming a phlebotomist requires the steps below.
Step 1: Graduate High School or Earn Your GED
In order to take the phlebotomy programs required to become a phlebotomist, you'll need to first have a high school diploma or GED.
A high school education provides the foundation for topics like biology and anatomy. You can also take elective or college–level courses that focus on healthcare.
The General Educational Development (GED) tests are available to students who are no longer enrolled in high school but don't have a diploma.
This is a four–part exam that certifies that you have high school–level academic skills. The four parts can be taken together or at different times.
Step 2: Complete a Phlebotomy Program
Many states require phlebotomists to have completed a phlebotomy certificate or diploma program.
These programs can be taken through community and technical colleges or even specific phlebotomy schools.
Certificate programs can often be finished in under a year, while diploma programs can take more than a year.
Students in phlebotomy programs will often receive a mix of classroom education and hands–on clinical experience.
Class topics include:
- anatomy and physiology
- blood collection procedures
- customer service skills
- ethics and professionalism
- medical terminology
- overview of laboratory processing
- safety procedures
Depending on the program you choose, you may be able to take the classroom portion of your program online, though your clinical experience will still need to be done in person.
Step 3: Earn a Phlebotomy Certification
While a phlebotomy certification isn't necessary in every state, employers are more likely to hire candidates that have obtained a phlebotomy certification.
Often, the training program you take will prepare you for a specific certification exam. There are a few different phlebotomy certification agencies.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician — American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
The Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification is offered through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians.
To qualify for this exam you must have one year of full-time phlebotomy experience or six months of full–time phlebotomy experience with a letter from a healthcare supervisor.
Alternatively, you're eligible to take the test if you've successfully completed an accredited phlebotomy program that includes 75 successful venipunctures and five finger sticks.
Your certification expires on December 31 of each year. To renew your certification, you'll need six continuing education credits.
Certified Phlebotomy Technician — National Healthcareer Association
The National Healthcareer Association also offers a Certified Phlebotomy Technician certification.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. They must also have either completed a phlebotomy technician training program or have one year of supervised phlebotomy work experience.
After passing your exam, your certification must be renewed every two years. To renew, you must have completed ten continuing education credits and paid a recertification fee.
Phlebotomy Technician — American Medical Certification Association
The Phlebotomy Technician Certification is offered by the American Medical Certification Association and requires students to pass an exam.
The exam is two hours long and has 100 questions. Students can take this test in person or online.
Students are tested on:
- collection of blood and non–blood specimens
- equipment selection and maintenance
- infection control and safety
- patient identification, assessment, and site preparation
- professionalism and regulatory compliance
- specimen processing and transportation
Phlebotomy Technician – American Allied Health
American Allied Health offers a national certification for phlebotomy technicians. The required exam for this certification is offered online.
The test is made up of 150 questions and you have two hours to finish. Because this test can be taken online, you'll get instant results and immediate proof of certification.
Students must meet one of the following requirements:
- graduation from an allied health vocational training program
- one year of work experience in the field
- military experience/training in the field
- reciprocity from another certifying agency
Once you're certified, you'll need to renew your certification annually. To do so, you must complete five continuing education credits each year.
Phlebotomy Technician – American Phlebotomy Association
The American Phlebotomy Association also offers a phlebotomy technician certification. Students must pass an exam to become certified.
To take the test, students must have a high school diploma or GED and have completed an approved phlebotomy program.
Students must also have 40 hours of labs and lectures, a minimum of 100 successful venipunctures, and a minimum of ten successful skin punctures.
The certification needs to be renewed every two years and renewal requires six continuing education credits.
Phlebotomist Technologist – National Phlebotomy Association
The phlebotomist technologist certification is offered by the National Phlebotomy Association. Students must pass an exam to earn certification.
To take the exam, students must have attended an Allied Health Program that included venipuncture techniques and clinical practice.
This program must award 16 continuing education units or be offered as a course with at least 160 hours of lecture time and 200 hours of practical experience.
Registered Phlebotomy Technician – American Medical Technologists
The certification to be a registered phlebotomy technician is offered by the American Medical Technologists.
There are three ways to qualify for this certification exam:
- graduate from an approved phlebotomy program and have successfully completed a minimum of 50 venipunctures and ten skin punctures
- complete a minimum of 1,040 hours of acceptable phlebotomy work experience and have completed at least 50 venipunctures and ten skin punctures
- be a phlebotomy instructor, have completed a phlebotomy program, have a minimum of three years of phlebotomy teaching experience, and have completed a minimum of 50 venipunctures and ten skin punctures.
Once you pass the certification exam, you'll need to renew your certification every three years.
What is the Average Salary for Phlebotomists?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for phlebotomists is $37,380. That's about $17.97 per hour.
The bureau estimates that there will be a 10% increase in phlebotomy jobs between 2021 and 2031.
Become a Phlebotomist Today
Phlebotomists need to earn a GED, take a training program, and obtain certification before practicing. Contact Best Accredited Colleges for help getting started today.
