How to Become a Phlebotomist
The healthcare industry is expanding faster than any other industry. Careers in phlebotomy, as a standard position in most medical facilities, are also expected to grow.
Overview & Salaries
How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make?
$29,730 (median salary)
Expected growth from 2012-2020:
+27,100
Specialization Options:
Lab technician, mobile phlebotomy, and management
Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions need a certificate from an accredited phlebotomy program. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a associate’s degree can help you stand out in the hiring process. Learn more by clicking our “Education Required” tab up top.
(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Phlebotomist page)
Discover the Best Places to Become a Phlebotomist
While mostly working in hospitals, phlebotomists are employed by a variety of different industries, including:
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories
- Ambulatory health care services
- Offices of physicians
- Specialty care facilities
- State governments
- Home healthcare services
For phlebotomists, California offers the highest wages and employment opportunities in the nation, having an average yearly salary of $38,440 and employing roughly 11,000 people in the career. Texas is second, having over 8,000 phlebotomy jobs currently, but offering a substantially smaller yearly mean income at $29,270.
Salary & Employment Information by State for Phlebotomists
Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a career in Phlebotomy. All data has been derived from the 2012 Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Employment and Information Data for Phlebotomy
Why Become a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomy is a critical aspect of the growing healthcare industry. As a phlebotomist, you will be responsible for preparatory medical techniques such as obtaining blood samples, doing venipuncture and documenting patient samples. You will work directly with patients and senior medical professionals, learning a lot about the healthcare industry while setting out on a valuable career. Because hospital care is always needed, this is a secure position that is in steady demand all over the United States.
Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Phlebotomist
- Basic Phlebotomy Skills
- Specimen Processing
- Safety Standards in Phlebotomy
- Fundamentals in Health Care
- Medical Terminology for Health Care Workers
- Clinical Internship
Degrees to Help You Become a Phlebotomist
Getting a career in phlebotomy is faster than many careers because most employers only require the completion of a certificate program, rather than a full two-year or four-year degree.
A certificate program in phlebotomy will teach you the basics required to obtain an entry-level position in the field, such as: Collecting patient samples, techniques for drawing blood, patient communication and lab testing. While Associate and Bachelor’s degrees are not usually offered in phlebotomy, classes in the field are required for other four-year programs in fields such as nursing and medical lab studies.