Becoming a Phlebotomist in Colorado
If you’re looking for a career in the healthcare field that requires less than a year of training, consider becoming a phlebotomist. Just about every healthcare setting requires a phlebotomist, the person who draws blood from patients for lab tests, transfusions and blood donations. Since blood tests are an important part of diagnosing health conditions and nutritional deficiencies, an individual who’s skilled in drawing blood is a vital part of any medical team.
Colorado Requirements for a Career in Phlebotomy
You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to apply to postsecondary programs in phlebotomy training. Colorado employers almost always choose phlebotomy candidates who have completed formal training in the field. Programs are offered in vocational schools, technical schools and community colleges. You may be required to pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
Phlebotomy Training Programs in Colorado
Formal phlebotomy training programs in Colorado usually include instruction through classroom training and lab work. A variety of subjects are covered such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, specimen processing and regulatory considerations. Some phlebotomy training programs in Colorado include:
- Red Rocks Community College. This community college in Lakewood offers a certificate program. Phlebotomy and comprehensive medical terminology are taught in a classroom setting, followed by a 135-hour internship. The internship is full-time Monday through Friday and unpaid.
- Emily Griffith Technical College. Students can complete phlebotomy training in only eight weeks at this technical college in Denver, CO. Training includes skin puncture, venipuncture, syringe with transfer unit and special collection procedures as well as safety procedures and infection control.
- Pima Medical Institute. This phlebotomy technician program in Colorado Springs lasts approximately three months. It consists of classes in CPR and first aid, anatomy and physiology, venipuncture, urinalysis and centrifuging and processing followed by a 160-hour externship.
Do Colorado Phlebotomists Need Certification?
While certification isn’t required for Colorado phlebotomists, almost all employers prefer candidates who have earned professional certification. Testing for national certification is offered by several organizations including the National Phlebotomy Association, National Healthcareer Association and the National Center for Competency Testing. Certification testing usually includes both written and practical testing.
Pay and Job Outlook for Colorado Phlebotomists
As of 2022, the median annual salary for phlebotomists in the United States is $38,530, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Colorado, phlebotomists have an average annual wage of $41,000. The lower 10% of earners in Colorado make around $32,240, while the upper 10% earn approximately $50,350. Salaries can vary depending on several factors, including location, education, experience, and additional skills.
National vs. Colorado Phlebotomist Salaries
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $38,530 | $51,610 |
| Colorado | $32,240 | $41,000 | $50,350 |
Colorado Regional Phlebotomist Salaries
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $32,790 | $39,960 | $41,630 | $48,140 | $51,150 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $32,100 | $35,160 | $40,800 | $43,370 | $52,360 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Colorado
In Colorado, the employment for Phlebotomists was 1,970 in 2020. This is projected to grow by 38% to 2,710 by 2030, indicating a strong demand for Phlebotomists in the state. This growth is expected to result in approximately 290 annual job openings from 2020 to 2030, which includes new job opportunities and replacements.
Nationally, the employment for Phlebotomists was 139,400 in 2022 and is projected to increase to 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.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists
| Location | Employment (Year) | Projected Employment (Year) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 1,970 (2020) | 2,710 (2030) | 38% | 290 |
| United States | 139,400 (2022) | 150,200 (2032) | 8% | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
The data for the employment trends of Phlebotomists in Colorado is sourced from Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections. The national data for the United States is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2022-2032 employment projections.
Working as a Phlebotomist in Colorado
Phlebotomists in Colorado work in settings such as hospitals, diagnostic labs, blood donor centers and doctor’s offices. Besides drawing blood, your role may include explaining techniques to patients, helping them feel calmer and being ready to assist if a patient has adverse reactions. You’ll also prepare instruments, clean medical equipment and dispose of biochemical waste.
You’ll need good physical stamina because you may have to stand for long hours, travel from one site to another and work weekends, evenings and holidays. Compassion and attention to detail are important qualities for phlebotomists. If this sounds like the right career for you, there are many opportunities for phlebotomists all over Colorado, especially in larger cities such as Denver and Colorado Springs.