Phlebotomy Employment Opportunities

Phlebotomists are skilled healthcare workers that draw blood for analysis. They are knowledgeable of human anatomy and physiology, blood collection techniques, safety procedures and protocols, first aid and CPR. Phlebotomy employment opportunities exist in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private healthcare facilities, laboratories, and blood banks.

The healthcare industry is growing as the general population ages, resulting in increasing employment opportunities. The healthcare sector, especially phlebotomy, is desirable for employment because the industry is not prone to economic cycles. That is to say, depressions and recessions have little to no impact on career prospects. Specifically, the United States Bureau of Labour predicts a 14% increase in phlebotomy employment opportunities from 2006 to 2016.

Phlebotomy employment requires special training. First, phlebotomy training programs must be completed through community colleges, some hospitals, career and vocational colleges. Certificate, associate and bachelor’s degrees are available. Most commonly, phlebotomists complete certificate programs. These programs range in length from 12 weeks to one year. On average, certificate programs cost $1500 to $3000. Phlebotomy programs should be accredited by the United States Department of Education, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NAACLS), or similar. Programs should meet the guidelines and use materials set by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Completing a phlebotomy program does not automatically qualify graduates for phlebotomy employment. Nationally recognized certification is required by most employers; certification is also required by law in California and Louisiana. Phlebotomy certification is available through ten national agencies; these include the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Certification demonstrates that phlebotomists have a thorough understanding of the procedures and protocols outlined by the CLSI and the OSHA. Phlebotomists that possess certification are at an advantage when searching for phlebotomy employment.

Phlebotomists may find full time or part time employment. Part time phlebotomists are no less experienced than full time employees. The responsibilities of full time and part time phlebotomists are unchanged, simply the hours are reduced. Phlebotomy employment opportunities exist as a mobile phlebotomist. Mobile phlebotomists work for hospitals, laboratories, or blood collection drives. Mobile phlebotomists travel to private homes as well as public venues to collect samples. Mobile phlebotomists provide patients with services they could not previously access.

Phlebotomy employment opportunities are available in healthcare facilities, laboratories, and blood banks. Many schools offer career centers and job placement programs where phlebotomists can find current phlebotomy employment listings. Phlebotomy employment opportunities are listed on employers’ websites and can be alternatively accessed by contacting the institute’s human resources department.