Is There a Shortage of Phlebotomists in America?

The answer to this question is “Yes”, even though it does not look like there is a shortage when you visit a busy hospital or clinic.

A shortage of healthcare workers is due to the growing number of aging people who require medical attention.

This creates considerable demand for qualified phlebotomists and now is the right moment to start your way towards this excellent career.

You should not think that years of schooling are needed if you consider a job in the medical field.

This is not the case with phlebotomy, as you can finish your education in less than a year.

That is why this is taken as one of the best entry-level jobs.

If we take into account the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, the demand for phlebotomists will increase by 25% by 2026.

So, if you think that phlebotomy is the right field for you,  you should not be worried about your job prospects as the job market is continually looking for qualified personnel.

Are Phlebotomists in High Demand?

Our aim with this guide was to inform future phlebotomists about everything they need to know related to this field.

We have also included what they can expect from training so as to make the process easier for them.

Furthermore, the article will inform you about where you can find work as a trainee phlebotomist.

It is important that you look in the right places and that you prepare a great resume.

This article can be informative and interesting even to those who have never considered phlebotomy as a career.

Becoming a phlebotomist will make you able to perform an exciting job that has good pay, and through which you will help so many people.

Why Is There Such a Need for Phlebotomists?

Here are two primary reasons why there is a shortage of phlebotomists:

• Aging population. Due to the fact that the baby boomer generation is getting older, more and more blood tests are needed to diagnose conditions. Plus, older people frequently do blood tests during routine checkups to check certain conditions, such as blood sugar levels.
• Advancements in technology. With the development of technology, more conditions and illnesses are easily diagnosed with blood tests. Nowadays, some conditions like anemia and even cancer can be detected through blood tests as they can show if a patient has normal levels of white blood cells and red blood cells. In case an imbalance is discovered, it is a signal of a bad condition or disease.

The two factors have had a huge impact on the number of needed phlebotomists throughout America.

Phlebotomy requires a specific type of training, and not every medical professional is equipped with knowledge on how to draw blood.

That is why major medical facilities and small clinics are constantly looking for phlebotomists.

Should I Become a Phlebotomist?

Having in mind that there is a significant need for phlebotomists and that they can get a job easily once they finish the training, numerous young people get excited about this career field.

What they need to understand is that phlebotomy is not a career for everyone, and this has to be understood before they start a training program.

These are some of the educational and personal requirements that you need to meet so as to start a career as a phlebotomy technician:

• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age to be a phlebotomist.
• He/she must have either a high school diploma or GED.
• No other previous education or experience is obligatory.
• People who are squeamish about blood should not apply for this job.
• Furthermore, phlebotomists are constantly seeing other medical conditions if they work in a hospital or clinic, so those who are not prepared for everything should not try phlebotomy, as it is full of unpleasant medical conditions.
• Being that phlebotomists work with a lot of different people, both staff members, and patients, this job is only for those who are good team players, who are able to work well in a group, and who will have patience when they meet patients who are rude or demanding.
• If you cannot stay calm and be kind to even a person who is insulting you, phlebotomy should not be your vocation as these are two necessary traits.
• Phlebotomy technicians are highly organized people, being that they do not only take a blood sample but also have to store it appropriately and label it correctly.

Now you know all the skills for a career in phlebotomy, and if you find yourself an appropriate candidate for this career field, your next step should be to start a training program.

Where Can I Train to Be a Phlebotomy Technician?

As we have already mentioned, the shortage of phlebotomists in the country caused numerous places to start offering training opportunities.

Those interested in this kind of education can find a suitable educational institution easily if they just do a quick search on the Internet.

There is probably a training program near you or you can choose online training.

Phlebotomy schools are everywhere and sometimes phlebotomy training is offered as standalone programs, or it can be provided as a course in community colleges or universities.

You can attend phlebotomy programs at hospitals as they have created their own training programs because they need phlebotomists.

Their aim is to hire some of the trainees after the training is completed.

Where you will get your phlebotomy education is on you to decide, but many different factors might affect your decision.

We need to mention a few things that you should consider when deciding on a program:

• The location. It is always suggested to choose a program that is convenient for traveling and that is easily accessible to you.
• Your current schedule. If you already have a job, you can attend phlebotomy programs that offer evening classes.
• You need to decide whether you want to attend a college or just take a specific program. If getting an Associate’s degree is your aim, you need to expect a longer period of education to complete it.
• The cost. Phlebotomy training programs cost $700, but there are some that can cost over $3000.
• How long the training will last. If you wish to become certified in phlebotomy, the maximum length of your training should not be more than a year.

What Can I Expect from Phlebotomy Training?

Making a decision where to attend the training is tough, but once you decided, it is good to get familiar with what you are getting into.

This is important to do before you take a course.

When you know what you can expect from a phlebotomy program, you can decide if you are ready to be a phlebotomist.

We are here to help you by providing the most important facts about phlebotomy training.

It is typically split into two parts – the first part is done in a classroom setting.

We have said that hospitals offer this type of training, as well.

Wherever you choose to complete your phlebotomy course, the same basic things will be taught.

During the classroom section of the program, subjects that are covered include:

• Medical terminology
• Human anatomy
• Systems of the body
• Lab safety rules
• Venipuncture techniques

Every program will have its own way of providing education to students, but the subjects above are those that will be covered in detail in each of them.

The second part of the training includes a hands-on approach.

This means that each student will need to perform a certain number of successful blood draws so as to be allowed to pass the course.

Each program has the right to set its own number of venipunctures, but it is about 100.

The more venipunctures you perform during your training, the better phlebotomists you will become.

Our suggestion is to do as many as possible during your training as there will be a supervisor who will help you and explain to you what you are doing wrong.

Once you get a job, you will not have an instructor to guide you.

Can Certification Help Me Get Hired as a Phlebotomist?

Even though certain states do not require a certificate in phlebotomy, our sincere advice is to try getting it.

Once you complete your training, it is up to you to decide whether you want to become certified.

Whether a phlebotomist is required to be certified depends on the state where he/she lives and works.

It might happen that in the future more and more states start demanding certification.

As we have said, it is not a bad idea to get it anyway, as your chances of being hired as a phlebotomist will be higher.

Not only will you be considered a more attractive applicant among your competition if you have certification, but you may also be offered a higher salary.

So as to get a certification, you will not need to devote much more time than standard training.

What you will need to do is to take a course for a few extra weeks, and pass a certification exam.

Once you get a certificate and a job, it will be easier for you to get promoted faster.

Where to Find Work

The places where phlebotomists can work are numerous and the opportunities for phlebotomists are endless.

That is why it is considered the best possible solution for people who do not have a job but are interested in getting one within the medical field.

Hospitals are in constant need of qualified phlebotomy technicians.

Emergency clinics and private practices often need phlebotomists.

You can find a job in local blood banks as there is a need for consistent blood draws.

If you are looking for a job, you should look locally.

A hospital or medical facility near you might be looking for more phlebotomists.

Do not refuse a job if it is a part-time one, as your career can grow quickly and you can advance with experience.

If you have in mind that phlebotomy is an entry-level position, you know that with gaining experience, you will be in charge of more responsibilities in the future.

Why Can’t I Find a Phlebotomy Job?

We keep on saying that there is a shortage of phlebotomists and that all the facilities are in need of qualified staff, but still some people who have passed the training cannot find a job as quickly.

This is not due to the fact that the jobs are not available.

The main problem is a lack of experience.

Even though phlebotomy is an entry-level job, it is a very important one, meaning that medical facilities tend to hire people who have experience and knowledge in this field.

An accident during a blood draw can put the patient in danger, so medical facilities do not hire a person immediately after their training.

What is necessary is that you gain some experience by getting hired to train further on the job or get a job as a phlebotomy intern.

Is There a Shortage of Phlebotomy Volunteers?

Just as there is a shortage of phlebotomists to fill all the jobs available, there is a shortage of phlebotomy volunteers.

People who have completed coursework and do not have the required experience to get hired immediately should look into volunteering.

A huge need for volunteers in a variety of places can make it easier for them to start working and helping a lot of people who need it.

Plus, through volunteering, they will be able to boost their resume and gain more experience.

If you have volunteered, you can put that on a resume and medical facilities may be more likely to hire you once you apply for employment.

These are some of the places that are always looking for trained phlebotomists:

• Nursing homes
• Veterans’ hospitals
• American Red Cross
• Local blood drives
• Prisons

Through volunteering, phlebotomists both improve their skills and become more relaxed with different types of patients.

Places like nursing homes and veterans’ hospitals have older patients and  communication with them can sometimes be troublesome

You need to make sure they are comfortable, and this trait can be reached through experience.

Working as a Mobile Phlebotomist

For people who want to work but have flexibility at the same time, becoming a mobile phlebotomist is an ideal opportunity.

Mobile phlebotomists do ‘freelance’ work.

Organizations and medical facilities hire them on an as-needed basis.

All the medical facilities are occasionally needed to hire a mobile phlebotomist when the demand for blood draws is high.

The only disadvantage of this kind of career is that you are the one who needs to build up a client base.

Actually, the amount of money you will make and how much you will work depends on how often you get hired.

Once you get several stable clients, traveling will not be a problem for you.

You will be your own boss and go where the demand is the greatest.

What Do Phlebotomists Earn Per Annum?

Another good reason to think about becoming a phlebotomist is the salary.

You may already know that entry-level jobs in other industries do not pay as much.

You need to work a lot or continue training to get a decent salary, and the good news is that this is not the case with phlebotomy.

Your starting salary for this entry-level job is $32,000 per year.

Those who have a certification can start even higher.

How high your salary will depend on where you work.

If you find employment in a busy hospital, you can expect to have a higher salary than in a small clinic.

Typically, phlebotomists earn $15.00 an hour.

There are usually options for phlebotomists to either work part-time or full-time.

Most medical facilities are willing to work with a variety of schedules due to the fact that they are in great need of phlebotomists.

If they have a few qualified phlebotomy technicians on staff at all times, you may have a flexible schedule.

Getting Promoted to Other Medical Careers

Phlebotomy may be an entry position in the medical field.

You can always strive towards improvement and promotion.

Being that there is great flexibility in phlebotomy, people decide to continue their education while at the same time working either part-time or full-time.

As you gain experience and continue your training, numerous options can become available to you.

Those who want to remain in the phlebotomy field can get promoted.

Once you gain the needed experience, you can become promoted to a supervisory position.

Your job will be to oversee other phlebotomists in a medical facility.

You will be in charge of the facility, meaning that you need to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Once you start as a phlebotomy tech, you may decide that phlebotomy is not for you, but you still want to remain in a medical profession.

Your career in phlebotomy will be a springboard position for other medical careers, and you can keep on getting an education to become a nurse or even a physician.

What you will become will only depend on how far you want to advance and how much time and energy you can devote to continue with your education.

Higher positions are also available within phlebotomy.

You can choose therapeutic phlebotomy, but it takes more schooling.

These promotions and career advancements are worth considering, as they come with better pay and benefits.

Why Should I Become a Phlebotomist?

We have created this guide so as to give every piece of information when it comes to choosing a career in phlebotomy.

Being that there is a great need for phlebotomists currently is in the country, now is the right time to start your way towards this career field.

Plus, constant growth is expected in the next several years.

If this is not the reason good enough, maybe you will be attracted by the fact that phlebotomy is about helping people and doing something valuable.

We have provided you with everything you should know related to your phlebotomy training and a job, you can make a proper decision.

In less than a year of training, you will be able to help to resolve the shortage of phlebotomists in America.