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
The earnings you’re able to make as a phlebotomist in Arizona can vary based on education, experience and certifications. According to Salary.com, the salary for phlebotomists in Arizona range between $31,115 and $38,583 per year. The average annual pay as of June 2020 was $34,544.
Healthcare in general is a rapidly growing field, and this is especially true in the field of phlebotomy. In the United States, employment of phlebotomists is expected to grow approximately 23 percent between 2018 and 2028, which is better than average for all occupations. The growth rate of employment for phlebotomists in Arizona is projected to be even higher and is estimated to be approximately 44 percent.
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