What does a Phlebotomist do?

The cost of certification to become a phlebotomist costs anywhere from $80-$150 depending on the state you live in. An accredited phlebotomy training program can be completed online for around $300-$700 depending on the program. Attending in-person in a technical school will cost anywhere from $700-$1400 depending on the state and school. Other costs to consider include training materials and textbooks.

The number of hours a phlebotomist works depends on the work location. In a clinic or donation center, you might work a fairly normal full-time schedule. In a hospital, however, you may require to work night shifts and weekends.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for phlebotomists from 2018-2028 is 23%, which is much higher than average. Phlebotomists should have a generally easy time finding a job and have great job stability.

Medical assistants work alongside physicians to provide both administrative and clinical support. A phlebotomist is solely trained to draw blood.

The primary role of a phlebotomist is to draw blood from patients. They must correctly label and organize blood samples to ensure laboratories can test the blood for disease or underlying health issues.

The median time it takes a phlebotomist to transition to a career as a medical assistant is 1.7 years.

The top phlebotomy certification agencies include:

• American Certification Agency (ACA)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
• National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)