Phlebotomy is the medical process of drawing blood from patients for the purpose of medical testing. Phlebotomists are professionals who are duly trained and licensed to conduct this procedure. Anyone who wants to pursue a career in this field is required to undergo phlebotomy training. While not all states require certification, it is better to get certified, as there are more career opportunities in store for those who have proper certification. Phlebotomist salary may significantly depend on the employer but on the average, most phlebotomists are paid a lot.
Average Phlebotomy Salaries
The median income of Phlebotomists is roughly over $29,000 annually. This figure is based on statistical data that have been obtained from various medical institutions and clinics. If you plan to pursue a career in this department, the Phlebotomist salary that you are entitled to at the onset may be significantly lower, especially if you don’t have much work experience yet. Since the phlebotomy pay scale is higher than other medical professions located on the bottom of the hierarchy, a lot of people decide to pursue this career.
Nature of Work
Since phlebotomists are professionally trained to draw blood, they may be required to go to different places to collect blood samples, depending on the organization they are working for. The process of drawing blood is referred to as venipuncture and requires appropriate training, as it is classified as an invasive procedure. To get certification, one must be able to complete the number of hours required of a Phlebotomist, though a university degree is not a requirement. However, phlebotomists are required to at least have a high school degree before they can be allowed to undergo training. The Phlebotomist salary may also significantly depend on the nature of work that is assigned to them. Those who are required to go from one place to another just to collect blood samples are typically paid more.
In the past, phlebotomy was taught to medical professionals and assistants as they perform their duties but now it is a requirement to undergo a minimum of two months training before one can be allowed to perform venipuncture. This is completely understandable, as medical institutions want to avoid any kind of accidents or errors during the process of blood collection, which can lead to lawsuits and liabilities that may compromise the name and reputation of the institution in question.
Since phlebotomists are paid by the hour, the number of hours that you dedicate on your job will determine how much your Phlebotomist salary will be. However, on the average, phlebotomists earn $27,000 to $29,000 annually.
Anyone who wants to become a phlebotomist should look for a licensed educational institution that offers phlebotomy training. Since the nature of the job involves more practical application, it is best to get training from an actual school as opposed to getting it online. While phlebotomists will also be required to undergo classroom training, practical applications are a part of the training as well. Certification can significantly help if you want to have access to the maximum Phlebotomist salary. This is why most people only start looking for employment once they have properly secured their certification.