How to Become a Phlebotomist in South Dakota

Phlebotomy Certification Requirements for South Dakota

It is worth mentioning that earning your phlebotomy certification does not take as much time as it is the case with other certification programs for healthcare workers.

This is the reason why so many young people decide to become phlebotomists.

Furthermore,  the state of South Dakota does not require that a phlebotomist should be certified so as to find employment.

However, we always suggest to our readers that, if they are really into phlebotomy, they should take an accredited phlebotomy training program and pass the phlebotomy certification exam.

That way they will not only increase the chance of employment but would be able to negotiate their salary.

Another reason for getting a certificate is that employers are those who insist on securing a certification from one of the certification associations so as to be sure that they hire a skilled and well-trained candidate.

You will need to meet the requirements set by some of the programs, such as:

• Applicants must be over 18,
• They must have completed high school or have a GED certificate
• They need to have a valid CPR certification
• Applicants must pass drug testing and criminal background test
• They must provide proof of immunizations.

How long you will attend education depends on the program you choose and the level you want to reach.

You can start training as a certified phlebotomy technician and finish it in as little as 4-6 weeks, but have in mind that this is just basic training and you can only start working in entry-level positions.

On the other hand, you can choose to earn your associate of applied science degree, which can be achieved in 20 months’ time, and look for better positions within hospitals and other medical facilities.

Required Skills

So as to be considered an excellent phlebotomist, you must have skills in venipuncture, being that the correct lab processing would depend on your quality of work.

Additionally, medical skills are not the only ones that make a great phlebotomist, as he/she must be friendly and compassionate with patients, ready to explain the procedure, and soothe them if they are afraid or upset.

National Certifying Organizations For Phlebotomists

• American Medical Technologists. Work experience, followed by an oral or written exam is obligatory so as to get this certificate. Plus, a renewal every three years through CEU and re-examination is required.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology, Besides training or work experience, an oral or written exam has to be completed to be able to get this license. The renewal every ten years through CEU is an obligatory requirement as well.
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, This certificate can be reached after passing a practical and written exam, An annual CEUs is required to maintain certification.
• National Phlebotomy Association. This certificate can be achieved easily if you pass an oral or written exam.

Best Schools Offering Phlebotomy Training in South Dakota

Southeast Technical Institute

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy/Patient Care Technician Diploma Program

School Website: www.southeasttech.edu

One of the places in South Dakota where you can find excellent phlebotomy education is the Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls.

By enrolling in its Phlebotomy/Patient Care Technician Program, you will be able to get a diploma, learn how to draw blood specimens, and transport them.

So as to graduate from this program, students will need to complete a total of 31 credit hours and they will become qualified to find entry-level jobs in hospitals, blood banks, and other similar health care facilities.

Western Dakota Tech

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant Program

School Website: www.wdt.edu

The second best school of phlebotomy is Western Dakota Tech, located in Rapid City.

It boasts a Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant Program during which students are taught by outstanding instructors how to collect, transport, and analyze blood specimens.

Furthermore, they will be trained in infection control, safety policies and procedures, quality control, professionalism, communication skills, and all the necessary qualities that make a great phlebotomist.

This is a 33 credit hour phlebotomy program and it usually takes nine months to be finished.

Classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and clinical practice are all parts of this program and each part trains enrollees to work in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, medical laboratories, and blood banks.

University of South Dakota

Programs Offered: Phlebotomy Program

School Website: www.usd.edu

It is important to know that the prominence of an educational institution can show you how great it is and the University of South Dakota is the one that is well known and famous for its outstanding program.

You can enroll in its comprehensive program on phlebotomy that is divided into multiple credits.

Besides learning how to practice phlebotomy, enrollees are taught basic computer skills, managing a puncture site after drawing blood, and communication skills.

If you are an aspiring phlebotomist and want to reach a degree from this university, you must be ready to pass all credits and become certified.

Colorado Technical University – Sioux Falls

Programs Offered: Associate of Science

School Website: www.coloradotech.edu/Degree-Programs/Health-Sciences

Colorado Technical University is an educational facility where people can be provided with a diploma in medical assistance along with an Associate of Science degree.

By finishing its program, a candidate can take the national certification test and become a registered medical assistant.

Now, you are probably wondering who it is related to phlebotomy.

Weel, being that the higher learning commission accredits the Colorado Technical University, if you possess a certificate from the university, it holds value for a phlebotomy career.

Lake Area Technical Institute

Programs Offered: Medical Laboratory Technician

School Website: www.lakeareatech.edu

The last on our list, but not at all less important is Lake Area Institute, the school which provides a certificate as a medical laboratory technician which includes phlebotomy.

The program is made as a combination of theory and practical sessions and is accredited by the CAAHEP.

By finishing all the credits, students will earn an A.A.S degree and this can be typically done in 20 months’ time.

Job Prospects And Salary Expectations for Phlebotomists in South Dakota

Finishing education is your first step towards a new career, but finding a job is also a very significant part, as you will need to practice what you have learned.

We are so glad to note that phlebotomists should not worry about employment, as they can look forward to stable job security in the future.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomy job growth of 14% annually is expected in the years to come.

When it comes to the average salary of a phlebotomist in South Dakota, it is approximately $30049 annually, but you can notice in the table below that there are differences in the annual salary of a phlebotomist in different cities.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in South Dakota