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 projected to grow by 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average for all occupations. In Connecticut, phlebotomists enjoy a competitive wage landscape, with an average annual salary of $45,060. Entry-level phlebotomists, representing the lowest 10% of earners, can expect to make around $36,550 annually, while the median annual wage is notably higher than the national median at $45,060. The top 10% of phlebotomists in Connecticut earn $51,160 or more.
National vs. Connecticut Phlebotomist Salaries
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $38,530 | $51,610 |
| Connecticut | $36,550 | $45,060 | $51,160 |
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | $38,180 | $41,490 | $47,350 | $48,780 | $57,220 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $36,360 | $38,400 | $43,790 | $45,440 | $48,990 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the number of employed Phlebotomists in 2020 was 1,350. This figure is expected to rise to 1,520 by 2030, representing a growth of 13%. This projected growth suggests a steady demand for Phlebotomists in the state over the decade. Additionally, there are projected to be 180 annual job openings from 2020 to 2030, which accounts for new positions and replacements.
| Location | Employment (Year) | Projected Employment (Year) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 1,350 (2020) | 1,520 (2030) | 13% | 180 |
| United States | 139,400 (2022) | 150,200 (2032) | 8% | 19,500 |
Nationally, the employment for Phlebotomists was 139,400 in 2022 and is projected to increase to 150,200 by 2032, which translates to an 8% growth rate, considered faster than average. The projected annual job openings nationwide are estimated to be 19,500 for the same period.
Sources of Data:
The data for the employment trends of Phlebotomists in Connecticut 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 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.