There is so much information and important medical research that can be gained through the analysis of blood. Any capable phlebotomist plays a vital part in the medical industry, from analysis to diagnostics, and a range of processes in between. But what education do you need to be a phlebotomist? There are certainly no specific degree requirements in order to become a phlebotomist, but there are a range of associate’s and bachelor’s degrees that are available and that could help to advance your career prospects in phlebotomy.
The Basics of Phlebotomy
The main role of phlebotomists is that they do blood work that is then used in laboratory testing, as well as for blood transfusions, including medical studies too. As a result, they can work in a range of different medical and healthcare settings, from hospitals, health centers, blood banks, and laboratories. Interestingly, there are no set requirements in terms of education to become a phlebotomist, but it does help if you have at least got an associate’s degree in a relevant field. Many phlebotomists also complete phlebotomy training as a class that is part of a health-related bachelor’s degree program. This could be a degree in nursing, for example.
You can get certified as a phlebotomist in the US through the National Phlebotomy Association, as well as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. It depends on what state you live and work in, but some states do require this in order for you to work as a phlebotomist. As part of this, there are also some requirements to get recertified, usually annually, and take courses that will help your professional development as a phlebotomist.
PhlebotomyU Courses
PhlebotomyU offers several courses. In our CPT I classes, students will receive hands on experience and practice this procedure in clinical and classroom settings. Contact PhlebotomyU today to learn which course is best for you.
Education Requirements to be a Phlebotomist
Degree Programs
Many phlebotomists will gain on-the-job training, as well as classroom experience through a college degree in a health-related field. There is no specific college degree for phlebotomy, but having an associate’s degree is usually considered a minimum. If you have studied a bachelor’s degree in a medical or healthcare field, then that can be a good stepping stone for an aspiring phlebotomist. Topics that will be good to have covered in a degree program include anatomy, vascular anatomy, physiology, experience of skin puncture techniques, as well as safety in a medical setting and how to properly handle specimens of blood.
Certification
In most cases, certification to be a phlebotomist is required in some states. The guidelines around certification can vary, depending which certification body for phlebotomy you choose, but they can look for anything from work experience to relevant degree classes to help. If you live in a state that needs you to be certified, then this is something that will need to be renewed annually, and continuing professional development is part of getting certified.
When it comes to your continued professional development as a phlebotomist, there are a range of topics that you could look to cover, to improve how you work, as well as your career options. These include topics such as blood contamination, injuries to patients, venipuncture, lawsuits, and other related topics to phlebotomy.
Phlebotomy Career Information
Did you recently graduate, or do you know someone who did? Check out these cool gifts for phlebotomists to celebrate becoming certified. A phlebotomist is classed as a specialist in a laboratory who is expert at collecting samples of blood. These can then be used for testing, medical studies, and used for transfusions of blood. As well as working in hospitals and other healthcare settings, phlebotomists can go on to train others as part of their and other’s continuing professional development programs.
You might think that this sounds like a career for you, but are the wages going to be what you’re looking for? As of 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it was reported that any phlebotomist working in a hospital earned on average just over $35,000 per year. For those phlebotomists working in a doctor’s office, the average phlebotomist salary was increased by an extra $300 per year, so that is something to consider and bear in mind when deciding where to work. It was also found that the states that paid the most for phlebotomists were Alaska, New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
Working in phlebotomy is a specialized medical career that does offer prospects and a good outlook. If you have at least got an associate’s degree, then it will be a career that could be quite straightforward to get into. However, having a bachelor’s degree will help to improve your career prospects within phlebotomy and make you a more valuable employee. Getting certified can help too, although this isn’t a strict requirement for all employers.
Enroll at PhlebotomyU Today
After achieving your CPT1 certificate at PhlebotomyU, you will be ready to find your dream phlebotomy job. As a nationally accredited phlebotomy training program, PhlebotomyU prepares its students with the skills they need to succeed afterwards including career services , a phlebotomy internship, and more. Interested? Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions.
