There are many ways you can start working in the healthcare industry. Once of these ways is to get a phlebotomy certificate and work in various types of medical centers.
Many different types of medical offices require phlebotomists to draw blood from patients. There are also different types of jobs you can get with a phlebotomy certification. Most people become certified phlebotomists to start or advance their medical careers, though they may have different long-term goals.
What Do Phlebotomists Do?
Phlebotomy technicians draw blood from patients or donors, most often via venipuncture. In some cases, arterial blood draws can occur, though this requires extra advanced training and certification. Finger pricks are also commonly used to get a small amount of blood from the patient.
Blood draws are typically done for diagnostic testing in many different types of healthcare facilities. Blood donation and medical research are also common reasons for doing a blood draw.
Most states require phlebotomists to complete required training to draw blood. The amount and type of training required is based on the regulations of each state.
Where Phlebotomists Work in the US
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics [1], these were the most common places for phlebotomists to work in 2023.
| Employers | Percentage of Phlebotomy Workforce |
|---|---|
| Hospitals; state, local, private | 35% |
| Medical and diagnostic laboratories | 31% |
| All other ambulatory healthcare services | 17% |
| Physician offices | 8% |
| Outpatient care centers | 2% |
These are the types of medical centers and healthcare facilities that hire phlebotomy technicians:
- Hospitals
- Medical clinics
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Mobile laboratories
- Blood and plasma donation centers
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- Home healthcare agencies
- VA clinics
- Research facilities
- Ambulatory services and outpatient healthcare facilities
- Public health agencies
The job duties you will have a phlebotomist depends on the type of medical facility at which you’re working. Hospitals might have you doing blood draws from patients for diagnostic tests. In a blood or plasma donation center, you’ll be starting, managing, and disconnecting IVs for donation. In a research or diagnostic laboratory, you might spend time testing and evaluating samples. Phlebotomists in assisted living facilities will work closely with elderly patients.
Individual Goals for Phlebotomy Careers
People have different reasons for pursuing a phlebotomy certificate. Some medical workers want to expand their skillset and be qualified for more roles in their current position. Other people use phlebotomy as a means to enter the healthcare industry and plan to advance to lead phlebotomist, to phlebotomy trainer, to a phlebotomy manager.
There are people that plan on being phlebotomists while they go to nursing school or medical school.
Others want to get a job in a diagnostic or research laboratory and phlebotomy is a path towards getting a job in that setting.
Quite a few medical assistant students also take phlebotomy as a means to have a well-rounded skillset as they start their medical career.
There are other healthcare professionals that aim at working in a hospital and pursuing training in another discipline like radiology, nursing, or lab tech. Perhaps they have heard that hospitals like to promote from within, so this is a way to work and get experience in their local hospital while going to school.
Phlebotomy Is a Flexible Career Choice
You can work part-time or full-time as a phlebotomy technician, in many cases. Some hospitals will allow you to work a part-time shift and more hours if you want them. Clinics in large metro areas often need mobile phlebotomists, so you may be able to work in a different location regularly. A few phlebotomists work as independent contractors. Many phlebotomists work full-time at a hospital, blood donation center, or clinic. Ask around and read medical message boards in your local area to find out what working conditions are like in your local area.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for phlebotomists are projected to grow 8% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the average of all jobs. [1]
Data from May 2023 shows that the mean average salary of all phlebotomists in the US is $41,810 per year with the mean average hourly wage being $20.10 per hour.
In California in 2023, the average mean wage for phlebotomists was $25.18 per hour and the average mean salary was $52,370.
How Do I Become a Phlebotomist?
To become a certified phlebotomist in California, you must complete an approved training program and pass the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT I) exam. Certified phlebotomists must also complete continuing education hours and renew your state license every two years.
In addition to California, you must be certified to do venipunctures in Washington, Louisiana, and Nevada. In these states, you must complete the required training programs and take a certifying exam.
Become a Phlebotomist in as Little as 16 Weeks
If you want to start a career in phlebotomy, you can earn your CPT I certificate is about 16 weeks at Campus Sacramento, formerly MTI College. Our phlebotomy training program will prepare you to receive your state license as a certified phlebotomist. Students learn general phlebotomy techniques, infection control and safety, and patient communication. If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, we also offer a hybrid program, Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy, which is about 48 weeks long. If you want more information about either of these programs, contact our Admissions team or call 888-675-2460.
[1] Note: The data provided above are from a source unaffiliated with Campus, are for informational purposes only and represent the employment field as a whole. They are not solely specific to Campus graduates and, by providing the above information, Campus makes no representation, direct or implied, or opinion regarding employability.