How to Become a Phlebotomist in Maine

If you have determined that a phlebotomy career is the one that suits you best and that you see yourself dealing with various kinds of people afraid of needles every day, you should try looking for the most prominent yet affordable Phlebotomy training in Maine.

We are here to help you by giving you a detailed description of some of the programs offered, as well as salary and job prospects in this state.

Phlebotomy Certification Requirements for Maine

It was not long ago when numerous training options started to be available in the state of Maine.

The only way of entering a phlebotomy program is by having a high school diploma or an equivalent (GED) and passing a background check.

You need to know the enrollment into the phlebotomy program is not available to each and every applicant as there are admission requirements that have to be met, and each institution has its own set of rules.

However, you should find it beneficial to get acquainted with some general requirements that every Phlebotomy training program will have:

• You should have completed your high school education or an equivalency test
• You should be at least 18 years old
• You should be able to speak, read, and communicate effectively in English
• You will have to undergo a drug test and background check.
• You must be willing to pay the tuition that sometimes includes textbooks and other fees, while in the majority of cases, those are considered additional fees and costs.

As in the majority of counties, certification is not required, but everyone would suggest that you considered gaining it as you will be preferred by employers if you are licensed.

Furthermore, you will be given a better payment and more benefits if you are a certified phlebotomist.

First, you will need to enroll in the accredited course and complete 40 hours of theoretical training, and 120 hours of clinical experience, and then, you can apply for certification from the National Accrediting Council for Clinical Laboratory Sciences or NAACLS.

Required Skills

When it comes to necessary skills for this profession, you have to bear in mind that phlebotomists are allied healthcare professionals who must be well trained so as to successfully perform procedures of drawing blood samples.

Also, they need to be detail-oriented as they are in charge of the proper handling, recording, and lab processing routines of the samples.

A phlebotomist has to be ready to address any fears that his/her patients may have.

Compassion, empathy, and patience are the personal characteristics of a successful phlebotomist.

National Certifying Organizations For Phlebotomists

• American Medical Technologists. If you decided to get this certification, there are requirements to meet, such as adequate work experience, and an oral or written exam. It also requires renewal every three years through CEU and re-examination.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology, Training, or work experience, in combination with an oral or written exam, is obligatory for this license. Furthermore, a renewal every ten years through CEU is necessary as well.
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, So as to get it, an applicant must pass a practical and written exam. Also, an annual CEUs is obligatory to maintain certification.
• National Phlebotomy Association. In order to get this certificate, an oral or written exam is required.

Best Schools Offering Phlebotomy Training in Maine

Academy of Medical Professions

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Program

School Website: www.academyofmedicalprofessions.com

In case you have decided to enroll in the Academy of Medical Professions you will be attending a 10-week phlebotomy training program and learn phlebotomy basics, specimen collection, specimen handling, and many other subjects that will prepare you for your work in a healthcare facility.

Eastern Maine Community College

Programs Offered: Introduction to Phlebotomy

School Website: www.emcc.edu

Eastern Maine Community College welcomes students to its 56 hours phlebotomy program.

The first 40 hours are spent in the classroom, and the 16 hours are spent in the clinical.

Future students will need to pay the tuition which $545 as well as certain additional costs, that is $12.90 Liability Insurance Fee, $90.00-$95.00 for the textbook, and any costs related to the immunizations.

Helping Hands Trade School

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Basic/Phlebotomy Advanced

School Website: www.helpinghandsmaine.com

At Helping Hands Trade School phlebotomy training is available via two different options.

Prospective students can enroll in the first option called “Phlebotomy Basic” but only if they are at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and a health assessment.

The need to be willing to pay the tuition that is $1,200.

They can also choose the second option called “Phlebotomy Advanced” for their education.

This program consists of 150 hours of training and the tuition is $1,600.

Kennebec Valley Community College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Certificate Training Program

School Website: www.kvcc.me.edu

You first need to meet the requirements so as to be allowed to enroll, meaning that applicants must complete the required proof of immunization form and have a valid Healthcare Provider CPR card prior to the beginning of the clinical part of the training.

This is a very strict and demanding program, as it requires a minimum grade of “C” in all courses and a final GPA of 2.0 achieved by students in order to graduate.

If you manage to successfully finish this course, you will become eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry Exam.

Northeast Technical Institute

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy/EKG Training Program

School Website: www.ntinow.edu

At Northeast Technical Institute students will be able to attend a program which is a combination of a phlebotomy and EKG training.

It stands out among other phlebotomy programs in the state due to the fact that this option also offers FLEX-TRAIN, the option which allows students to work at their own pace, meaning that the program can be created to fit students lives and schedules.

Washington County Community College

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Training Program

School Website: www.wccc.me.edu

Last, but not least, is the Washington County Community College, the educational institution that offers a 2-semester phlebotomy program.

Before you will be able to graduate from this program, you will need to pass an internship of 80 clinical hours in a medical setting.

This college is founded in 1969 and every year, about 450 students are enrolled in certificate and degree programs.

Job Prospects And Salary Expectations for Phlebotomists in Maine

With the increasing number of phlebotomy courses in the last decade, the number of phlebotomy career opportunities are growing in Maine.

The average salary of a phlebotomist is around $33840 per year, but the most experienced professionals may earn up to $37797.

As an entry-level phlebotomist, you cannot expect to earn the highest possible salary, but as you advance in your experience and education, you will get the opportunity to negotiate the payment with your employer.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Maine