How to Become a Phlebotomist in Connecticut
Whether you’re going to the doctor for your regular check-up or to the hospital with an acute illness, there’s one thing that is usually key to getting an accurate diagnosis: a vial or more of your blood. A phlebotomist is a medical professional who specializes in taking blood samples and preparing them for testing, while maintaining safety procedures to keep patients safe and blood samples pure. As a phlebotomist, you’ll also need to be familiar with information technology so you can input patient data. As you’ll be working with all sorts of patients, you’ll need great people skills too.
Requirements for Becoming a Phlebotomist in Connecticut
In Connecticut, there are no certifications required for a phlebotomist at the state level, but most employers expect a certification from one of the main national certifying bodies. You’ll also need a high school diploma or a General Equivalency diploma (GED). Certification is awarded after passing an examination, and to take the test you’ll need to have completed a phlebotomy training course that offers classroom teaching and practical phlebotomy experience.
Training Courses and Educational Programs in Connecticut
Phlebotomy training courses offer classroom instruction and practical experience in how to safely draw blood in multiple ways, including through a skin puncture or through tapping into a vein. Just as importantly, they teach proper handling and labeling of blood specimens, how to comply with legal requirements when dealing with private medical information and how to work with patients with a variety of health concerns. Courses are available at a number of locations throughout the state. Here are a few examples:
- The Academy of Medical Training offers two-week Phlebotomy Technician courses in Waterbury and Torrington, including hands-on practical training. The course prepares you for a qualifying examination with the National Healthcare Association, and you also receive a certificate of completion. Connecticut residents may qualify for free tuition.
- The Northeast Medical Institute, based in Stamford, offers day and evening courses. Financing and scholarships are available. The two-week course includes classroom and hands-on training and prepares you for a certification examination with the National Healthcare Association.
- Griffin Hospital School of Allied Health Careers offers an accredited 13-week course with day or evening classes, beginning in January, May and September. The course includes all materials needed, a two-week externship to gain practical skills, and the fee for your national certification examination.
Certification for Becoming a Phlebotomist in Connecticut
While Connecticut does not require certification, many employers expect it, and it is advisable to pass a certification examination if you want to maximize your career options. The American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, the National Healthcare Association, the National Center for Competency Testing and the National Phlebotomy Association offer certification examinations, and require proof of a high school diploma or GED, your successfully completed course, and evidence of your practical phlebotomy experience as part of your training.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The job outlook for phlebotomists in the US is much faster than average, with a projected growth rate of 23 percent by 2028.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, an entry-level Connecticut phlebotomist can expect to earn around $15 per hour, with a median hourly wage of $19 per hour and an annual median wage of $40,460.
Working as a Phlebotomist in Connecticut
As an allied healthcare role, phlebotomy is an in-demand field, meaning that a wide variety of positions are available. Phlebotomists can find work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics for blood and plasma donation, mobile blood banks, testing laboratories, and even nursing homes and prisons. This is a technically skilled role that makes a real difference in people’s lives and health, and can offer flexibility and job security.