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So you’re considering a career as a phlebotomist. Awesome! Phlebotomy can be a rewarding career, especially for those who enjoy interacting with people and restoring them to health. It can also be a gateway to other jobs in the medical community, such as EMT or nurse practitioner.
But even with proper phlebotomy training, it can also be tough to “get your foot in the door”. The low barriers to entry mean that phlebotomy jobs are a hot commodity. And there is no shortage of compassionate people who want to turn caregiving into a career.
Don’t lose heart! Lots of people become phlebotomists every year, and a career in phlebotomy can be a great step in a larger career goal you might have, such as becoming a registered nurse or licensed vocational nurse. It can even be a great career in itself!
If you’ve ever undergone a blood test or donated plasma, you may have interacted with a phlebotomy expert. A phlebotomist (“fleh-BOT-uh-mist”) draws blood samples from patients for the purpose of conducting experiments, tests, medical procedures, etc. They might also explain the intended procedures to patients in advance, and help patients deal with any adverse reactions to the blood drawing process.
Clinical Training Institute's Bakersfield campus offers a 104 hour phlebotomy program. Day, evening, and weekend schedules are available.
The program is a total of 104 hours in length. 64 of those hours are didactic(classroom), and 40 hours are hands-on, performing blood draws.
CTI's phlebotomy program is licensed by California's Department of Public Health.
High Desert Medical College's(HDMC) phlebotomy program takes five weeks to complete. The first 4 weeks focus on classroom work, while the last week is focused on hands-on phlebotomy, and 40 hour externship.
The total cost of the program is $1,915.
HDMC also offers programs in vocational nursing, ultrasound technology, dental assisting, pharmacy tech, medical assisting, and more.
The phlebotomy program at Liberty Career College(LCC) is 5 weeks long. They have both day and evening classes available.
Their daytime program runs 9:00am to 1:00pm, Monday through Thursday.
Their evening program runs 5:30pm to 9:30pm, Monday through Thursday.
The first 4 weeks are classroom hours. The last week is a 40 hour externship, performed at a local lab or hospital.
The total cost of the program is $2,100, and includes tuiition, lab supplies, and uniform.
LCC also offers a 10 week medical assisting program.
Bakersfield College's(BC) phlebotomy program is 7 weeks long. There are multiple start dates throughout the year.
The program is 88 hours in total, with 48 hours of classroom work, and a 40 hour externship at a local lab.
The cost of the program is $2,200, which includes all supplies, uniforms, and exam fees.
Bakersfield College is the largest college in Kern County, with approximately 28,000 students. Their nursing program is also the largest in Kern County.
Phlebotomy Training Specialists(PTS) offers 3 week phlebotomy certification courses. They have multiple classes every month.
Their program is accredited by the California Department of Public Health, and graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the national exam.
Total cost for the program, including tuition, exam fees, uniforms, and books is $1,995.
Weekday, evening, and weekend classes are available.
A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who is trained to collect blood samples from patients for diagnostic testing, transfusions, or research purposes. The responsibilities of a phlebotomist typically include:
Phlebotomists are responsible for ensuring that the patient's identity is verified and that they are appropriately prepared for the blood draw. This may include explaining the procedure to the patient, ensuring that the patient is in a comfortable position, and cleaning the area where the blood will be drawn.
The primary responsibility of a phlebotomist is to collect blood samples from patients. They must follow strict protocols for the collection, labeling, and transportation of the blood samples to ensure that they are accurate and safe for testing.
Phlebotomists are responsible for accurately documenting the blood collection process, including the patient's information, the type of sample collected, and any complications or problems encountered during the procedure.
Phlebotomists are responsible for maintaining and cleaning their equipment, including needles, syringes, and other blood collection devices. They must also ensure that their equipment is properly sterilized and disposed of after each use.
Phlebotomists may also be responsible for providing basic patient care, such as monitoring patients' vital signs and addressing any concerns or questions they may have about the blood collection process.
In some cases, phlebotomists may be responsible for following up with patients to ensure that their blood test results are communicated to them in a timely and accurate manner.
Overall, phlebotomists play a critical role in the healthcare system by ensuring that accurate and safe blood samples are collected and processed for diagnostic testing and other purposes.
To become a phlebotomist in California, you need to follow these steps:
California requires that phlebotomists complete an approved phlebotomy training program. The program should consist of a minimum of 20 hours of theory and 20 hours of practical training in a clinical setting.
The program should also cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, blood collection procedures, and safety protocols.
In California, phlebotomists must be certified by a recognized agency, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To become certified, you must pass an exam that covers topics related to phlebotomy.
In California, phlebotomists are required to be licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
To obtain a license, you must provide proof of completing an approved phlebotomy training program and passing an approved certification exam.
Many employers prefer phlebotomists with some work experience. Consider seeking out opportunities to gain experience through internships or entry-level positions.
To maintain your certification and license, you may be required to complete continuing education courses and renew your certification and license periodically.
It's also important to note that some employers may have additional requirements beyond what is required by the state. It's a good idea to research the specific requirements of potential employers before beginning your phlebotomy career in California.
They work in various healthcare settings, including:
The salary of a phlebotomist varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, and employer.
In California in 2022, the median annual salary for phlebotomists was $47,080. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,630, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,060. The BLS also reports that the top-paying industries for phlebotomists are outpatient care centers, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and general medical and surgical hospitals.
Experience is a significant factor in determining a phlebotomist's salary. Entry-level phlebotomists typically earn less than experienced ones. In general, phlebotomists with five or more years of experience can earn significantly more than those who are just starting. Additionally, those who hold certifications in phlebotomy may also earn higher salaries than those who are not certified.
The location of a phlebotomist's workplace also plays a role in their salary. Phlebotomists who work in metropolitan areas, such as New York City or Los Angeles, typically earn higher salaries than those who work in rural areas. This is due to the higher cost of living in urban areas, which is reflected in the higher salaries paid to healthcare professionals.
Employer type is also a significant factor in determining a phlebotomist's salary. Phlebotomists who work in hospitals and medical laboratories typically earn higher salaries than those who work in clinics or doctor's offices. This is because hospitals and medical laboratories have higher budgets and may be able to offer more competitive salaries to their employees.
In conclusion, phlebotomists earn a median annual salary of $36,320, according to the BLS. Experience, location, and employer type are all factors that can affect a phlebotomist's salary. Phlebotomists with more experience, those who work in metropolitan areas or for hospitals and medical laboratories, and those who hold certifications in phlebotomy tend to earn higher salaries.