Become a Phlebotomist in Arizona
An essential role in the healthcare field involves drawing blood to collect samples from patients for testing, transfusions, blood donations and research. The person who fills this role is called a phlebotomist or a phlebotomy technician. When you become a phlebotomist, you’ll explain the procedure to patients and help them to relax. After you’ve drawn the blood, you’ll label it and enter the information into a database. If patients have adverse reactions, you’ll be well trained to provide assistance.
Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Arizona
Postsecondary education is almost always required to be considered for employment as a phlebotomist in Arizona. Training programs can usually be completed in a year or less and can be found at community colleges, technical schools and vocational schools. Good communications skills and social perceptiveness to understand people’s reactions are helpful qualities for professionals in this field.
Schools That Offer Phlebotomist Training in Arizona
Formal phlebotomist training in Arizona usually includes both classroom training and hands-on experience in labs and in actual healthcare settings. Some phlebotomist training programs in this state include:
- Arizona Medical Training Institute. Located in Mesa, AZ, this school offers a chance to train as a phlebotomist days, evenings or weekends. It includes 120 hours of classroom instruction and 100-120 hours of externship at an approved medical location.
- Eastern Arizona College. This college, located in Thatcher, AZ is a one-year certificate program that provides the skills and clinical hours required to prepare you for a career as a phlebotomist. The program includes 120 hours in a clinical laboratory setting.
- Gateway Community College. This community college in Phoenix prepares students to draw blood specimens by skin puncture and venipuncture. The program can be completed during days or evenings.
Do Arizona Phlebotomists Need Licensing or Certification?
Licensing or certification is not required to work as a phlebotomist in Arizona. However, most employers prefer candidates who are professionally trained and have obtained certification from a national organization. Certification exams consist of passing both written and practical portions. They’re offered by several different organizations such as American Society for Clinical Pathology, National Phlebotomy Certification and National Center for Competency Testing.
Salary and Job Opportunities for Phlebotomists in Arizona
In Arizona, the earning potential for phlebotomists can be influenced by factors such as education, experience, and certifications. As of the latest data, phlebotomists in Arizona have an average annual salary of $38,030. Entry-level phlebotomists, or those in the lowest 10% of the pay scale, earn about $31,870, while those in the top 10% can earn upwards of $47,240 annually.
Annual Wages Comparison
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $38,530 | $51,610 |
| Arizona | $31,870 | $38,030 | $47,240 |
Regional Wages in Arizona
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | $31,980 | $38,130 | $47,370 |
| Tucson, AZ | $31,200 | $36,820 | $45,530 |
The healthcare sector continues to expand, with phlebotomy being no exception. Nationally, the employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow by 23% from 2018 to 2028. In Arizona, the growth is expected to be even more significant, with a projected increase of approximately 44% in the same period, reflecting a robust demand for professionals in this field.
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Arizona
In Arizona, the employment for Phlebotomists was recorded at 1,390 employees in the year 2020. It is projected to grow significantly by 52% to 2,110 employees by the year 2030. This growth is expected to generate approximately 280 annual job openings from 2020 to 2030 due to growth and replacements.
Nationally, in the United States, the employment for Phlebotomists was 139,400 in 2022 and is projected to reach 150,200 by 2032, marking an 8% growth, which is considered faster than average. The projected annual job openings nationwide are estimated to be 19,500 for the same period.
| Location | Employment (Year) | Projected Employment (Year) | Projected Growth (2020-2030 or 2022-2032) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030 or 2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 1,390 (2020) | 2,110 (2030) | 52% | 280 |
| United States | 139,400 (2022) | 150,200 (2032) | 8% | 19,500 |
The sources of the data presented in the summary and the HTML table are as follows:
The data presented in the summary and the HTML tables are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data, as indicated on the O*NET Online webpage for the state of Arizona. This source provides the most recent wage information for phlebotomists in Arizona and across the United States, which is used to compare and analyze salary trends within the profession.
Working as an Arizona Phlebotomist
Your skills as a phlebotomist in Arizona will be in high demand, and employment opportunities will be available in many different healthcare locations. You can find job opportunities for phlebotomists all across the state of Arizona, especially in large cities such as Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa. Some of the most common settings for phlebotomist jobs include hospitals, diagnostic labs, blood donor centers and doctor’s officers.
Your duties may include assembling and maintaining medical instruments needed for blood collection, explaining the procedure to patients and carefully labeling samples. In some settings, you may have to stand for long periods of time, and you may have to work evenings and weekends. You’ll need to be careful whenever you’re handling needles and blood to avoid injury. Choosing this career offers you a chance to be a vital part of a healthcare team