How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?
Well, the answer is hidden in this article. So keep reading to know how much time you’ll commit to grow into an expert in this field.
In addition to that, you’ll learn about their certification timeframe, what you’ll know, training requirements, and more.
How Long To Become A Phlebotomist
Do you want to join a medical field that requires many skills and different levels of patient interaction? Then, include phlebotomy in your career list.
The occupation involves drawing blood for medical testing, donation, and other purposes.
A phlebotomist collects blood samples using needles, syringes, and blood tubes. This is to ensure the effectiveness and safety of patients.
Due to the critical nature of phlebotomy, interested candidates are expected to have significant scientific knowledge, excellent interpersonal skills, and technical aptitude.
These competencies will enable them to provide the best patient care.
Average Phlebotomist Training Duration
Let’s find out how long a phlebotomy course is, on average.
Knowing how much time you’ll commit to entering this profession is critical. Having such knowledge will help you make the right choice of program.
Plus, to make adequate preparation for the task ahead. The timeframe to be a phlebotomist depends on your program choice and certification. While true, you can spend anywhere from 3 months to two years.
This timeframe doesn’t include high school diploma training or certification exams. It’s primarily for certificate and associate degree programs. Allow us to look into their duration separately.
Duration of Certificate Programs in Phlebotomy
Finishing a certificate course in this field is a viable way to join the healthcare sector.
You can receive such training at community colleges, vocational centers, or through online programs. Weekend, evening, or hybrid online options are also available for students with busy work schedules.
The time you’ll commit to finishing a certificate course in phlebotomy is around 12–16 weeks. During these periods, you’ll practice specimen collection and venipunctures.
Some classes you’ll take include anatomy and physiology, psychology, infection control, and specimen collection & handling.
Finishing a certificate program in this field at community colleges costs $600 to $2,000. This amount will change based on certain factors, including your school choice and specialty area.
Time Commitment for an Associate Degree
Unfortunately, there is no associate degree in phlebotomy as a field.
Anyone looking to advance in their education will opt for degrees in related majors such as medical assisting or medical lab tech. These majors have courses that are closely related to this field.
Moreover, having an associate degree is optional when entering this occupation. Most employers prioritize candidates who complete a certificate course in phlebotomy and are certified.
But it’s an excellent place to advance in your education.
Meanwhile, it takes an average of two years to finish an associate degree in programs with courses related to phlebotomy, and the cost of completing such courses can reach up to $40,000.
Duration of Online Phlebotomy Programs
For those looking for flexible studies to balance their work schedules, there are online studies you can explore.
They cover everything you need to know to become an expert in this field. Moreover, some courses are self-paced and can be completed within 4–8 weeks.
Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, psychology, infection control, medical terminology, and course tech for drawing blood.
The cost of finishing such programs ranges from $700 to $1,300. After completing your studies, you can take the professional exams for phlebotomists.
Timeframe for Phlebotomy Certification
As with other healthcare professions, an attestation of competence is optional for aspiring phlebotomists. However, having one can be highly beneficial.
It will showcase your industry competence to prospective employers and give you an edge over other applicants in a competitive job market.
It will take you several weeks to obtain a phlebotomy certification.
Most courses take an average of 11 to 16 weeks to finish. Before writing the professional test, you must send your application at least two weeks beforehand.
Additionally, you’ll need to meet all the set requirements, which may differ from one credential to another.
You can acquire some attestation of phlebotomy competence, including ASPT, CPT, PTC, and ACA. Some reputable non-governmental agencies provide these qualifications.
Learning Outcome
There’s so much to take home. Most certification programs have a rigorous curriculum with clinical instructions and hands-on experience.
You’ll be taught how to draw blood from patients and then get prepared for an EKG through cardio-phlebotomy courses.
Conditions for Entry
Before enrolling in a phlebotomy training course, you must familiarize yourself with their entry conditions.
These requirements vary across schools and states in the country. So you’ll need to contact your preferred institution for accurate details.
While true, most programs demand candidates hold at least a high school diploma or GED.
In addition, a background check, including drug screening, will be conducted to ensure you’re eligible to apply.
Immunization records such as hepatitis B, measles, rubella, mumps, and tuberculosis test results will be demanded from applicants.
Finally, you’ll be expected to have basic computer skills. This essential is peculiar to those enrolling in online courses. It will help you save a lot of distress.
Phlebotomy Training Cost
Similarly, you must know the cost implications of growing into an expert in this field. It will help you know whether or not you can afford the program of your choice. Plus, to make adequate preparation timely.
Research shows that finishing a phlebotomy program costs as little as $300–$800. However, certain factors can make you pay more or less than this amount.
Such variables include your choice of phlebotomy program, institution, and residential status.
Additional costs can add to your overall expenses. These include books, lab materials, accommodation, transport, and more.
For those who need certification, the average cost is $80 to $150, depending on their choice of qualification.
Average Earnings from Phlebotomy
The pay of practitioners in this field is pretty handsome. BLS reports that the median wage of a phlebotomist is $37,380 annually or $17.97 per hour.
Certain elements can influence how much you’ll earn working in this field. They include your level of education, years of experience, location, and employer, among others.
Phlebotomists with higher education and experience can receive up to $48,490 annually.
Then, those residing in megacities such as California, New York, and Massachusetts earn an average of around $43,770–$48,070 per year.
Critical Skills for Phlebotomy
You must rely on some vital skills to thrive in this industry.
They include communication, compassion, skill, and attention to detail.
Others are critical thinking, mathematics, organization, hand-eye coordination, stamina, working under pressure, and problem-solving skills.
Phlebotomy is a fantastic career in healthcare. This professional path is for those passionate about assisting nurses and doctors to provide quality healthcare.
As you can see above, you’ll primarily receive training on how to take bold samples from patients.
If you’re concerned about the time implication of becoming a phlebotomist, you must know that a few months to two years is enough.