How to Become a Phlebotomist in Rhode Island

When we think about a phlebotomy technician, we believe that this person is only required to draw blood by puncturing skin or veins.

We do not think about other things that he/she has to perform during the day, such as setting up laboratory equipment and storing blood and fluid samples, which is of greater importance than just the drawing of the blood.

These people have to pass a significant amount of training and education so as to be skilled enough to do this job.

In order to become certified, they need to complete a 3-6 month diploma or phlebotomy certification program, and if you are ready to meet these requirements and start your healthcare career as a phlebotomist, we are here to help and support you.

Phlebotomy Certification Requirements for Rhode Island

It is true that the state of Rhode Island does not mandate a certificate so that you can practice phlebotomy upon graduation.

Nevertheless, if you wish to earn more and have a better job, you should consider gaining it.

The way you can earn your phlebotomy certification is by successfully passing a certification exam through one of the certifying agencies in the USA.

You need to know that there are requirements that you need to fulfill prior to taking the exam.

So as to become eligible, future licensed phlebotomists must:

• Successfully complete a training program from an accredited medical facility.
• Successfully complete a minimum of 100 phlebotomy collections, or
• have a minimum of a year experience working in a clinical setting, or
• have successfully completed an LPN or RN program.
• Be 18 years of age.
• Be CPR certified.

Once these criteria are met, you should apply for the examination.

The exam is a computer-based test and if you manage to successfully pass your exam, you will get your certification.

It is necessary that you renew your license as it is valid for a minimum of two years.

Required Skills

Technical and medical skills are a must when these professionals are in question, but other personal skills, such as, being gentle and warm towards patients, a positive and patient personality, are qualities that make a great 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 Rhode Island

Community College of Rhode Island

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Certificate Program

School Website: www.ccri.edu

If the Community College of Rhode Island’s Phlebotomy Certificate program is the one that you have chosen for ou future education, we would like to mention a few important facts about it.

First, it is a great thing that this program can be completed in two semesters so that you can start looking for employment in a very short period of time.

Then, it is offered as a part-time program, so working professionals can also attend the classes.

The best location for the working people is the Lincoln campus, as the program there begins in the fall semester, and classes are offered during the evening.

On the other hand, the Providence campus offers classes during the day in the fall or spring semester, so it is a better solution for those who are not working.

No matter which campus you choose, if you manage to successfully complete this program, you will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination.

Cranston Adult Education Programs

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Technician Program

School Website: www.cranstonadulteducation.weebly.com

The second educational institution on our list which is not at all less important and prominent is Cranston Adult Education.

It is located in Cranston, Rhode Island and its phlebotomy course can be completed in four to five months.

The theory training in the classroom, that will cover topics such as blood-sampling procedures, medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and EKG, can be attended on Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

When the costs for this program are in question, students have to bear in mind that they need to provide money for the tuition and books which are $900, then there is a registration fee of $25 and certain additional supplies such as a 2-3” 3-ring binder, notebook and one set of scrubs.

911 Programs

Programs Offered: Certified Phlebotomy Technician Program

School Website: www.classroom.911programs.com

In case this is the right educational institution for you, you would be glad to know that 911 Programs located in Warwick boasts a 14 week-long Certified Phlebotomy Technician Program.

A great thing to note is that classes are held both during the day and in the evening so it is suitable for working people who want to advance their medical knowledge.

When evening classes are in question, they are held on Monday and Wednesday from 6 pm to 9 pm for the first six weeks of the program and Tuesday and Thursday from 6 pm – 9 pm for the second six weeks.

Upon this phase, there is a two week, 80 hours, clinical rotation mandatory for all students so as to be allowed to graduate.

For tuition, books, lab fees, and clinical fees enrolled students must pay $2500 which includes.

However, there are some additional costs, such as uniforms, liability insurance, and the national examination fee of $105.

Job Prospects And Salary Expectations for Phlebotomists in Rhode Island

One of the reasons why this career is considered ideal at the moment is that phlebotomists are professionals who are going to be in need now and always.

The healthcare field is growing and they are always going to have a need for qualified phlebotomists to work with patients.

Besides the fact that phlebotomy is a stable career option, another reason to become a phlebotomist is quite a satisfactory salary.

Most phlebotomists can find jobs in hospitals or community clinics, labs, blood donor centers, and

private practice offices and we find it useful to mention that the private sector tends to pay higher wages, but at the same time requires certification, even though it is not required on the state level.

Even though phlebotomists’ salary varies from place to place, and depends a lot on your level of education, certification, and experience, the approximate annual salary in Rhode Island major cities ranges from $33326 to $41326.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Rhode Island

Schools by City

• Providence, RI5 Schools