How to Become a Phlebotomist in Washington, D.C.
An integral part of the medical team, phlebotomists are responsible for performing blood draws and collecting other specimens for diagnostic testing. The job will require a high degree of manual dexterity, patience and physical stamina. If you’ve been considering a career as a phlebotomist, you might wish to know more about what the job entails. This article should help provide some clarity.
Phlebotomists often work early morning hours, long shifts, holidays and weekends. Those in a hospital setting will have the most variable schedules and face the most significant physical and emotional challenges. Since the phlebotomist is the most visible person on the laboratory team, they will often need to deal with a patient’s fears and frustrations. Therefore, it will be essential to have compassionate communication skills and a calming presence. They will also need to know how to handle emergencies and when to call for help.
Phlebotomists need to be knowledgeable about the myriad of tests that are performed in the laboratory. Without proper education, specimen integrity can be compromised, causing a patient to undergo a collection of the specimen a second time. Phlebotomists will also be responsible for ensuring patients and samples are correctly identified, as clerical errors can have serious consequences.
Licensure for Phlebotomists in the District of Columbia
The District of Columbia does not require phlebotomists to seek licensure. However, medical facilities are strictly regulated, and phlebotomists always work under a licensed professional. In general, laboratories are directed by board-certified pathologists and supervised by medical technologists. In the case of a collection center, oversight may be provided by a general practitioner and a registered nurse.
Training Programs in the D.C. Area
Proper training is essential for a phlebotomist, and as such you will want to seek an accredited training program. In the Washington, D.C. area, a few of the options include:
- Northern Virginia Phlebotomy, LLC. offers phlebotomy training. Staffed with those who currently work in the field, the school promises to prepare students for work as phlebotomists.
- Career Technical Institute provides medical assistant training. This program includes training in EKGs, pharmacology, medical coding and injections as well as phlebotomy. For those who are looking to work in a doctor’s office, this program is likely a good fit.
- Northern Virginia Community College offers a phlebotomy program. The program boasts a high rate of student success.
Accreditation
Acquiring certification is not a requirement to work as a phlebotomist in Washington D.C., however attaining it can accelerate your career options, as most employers prefer to hire certified phlebotomists. Accreditation can be obtained through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), one of the leading organizations in the field. To qualify, you will need to take and pass an examination at the current cost of $135.
Salary Information for Phlebotomists in Washington, D.C.
Phlebotomists in the District of Columbia are among the highest paid in the nation, second only to those in California. As of the latest data from 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that phlebotomists in Washington, D.C. have an average annual salary of $48,210. The lower 10% of earners make $40,740 or less, while the top 10% of earners make $55,450 or more. This reflects a significant increase from the 2019 figures, showcasing the upward trend in salaries for phlebotomists in the area.
National vs. Washington D.C. Phlebotomist Salaries
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $38,530 | $51,610 |
| District of Columbia | $40,740 | $48,210 | $55,450 |
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Metro Area Phlebotomist Salaries
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $36,040 | $40,420 | $47,740 | $51,110 | $58,590 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia, the number of employed Phlebotomists in 2020 was 240. This figure is projected to increase to 270 by 2030, which represents a growth of 13%. This projected growth indicates a steady demand for Phlebotomists in the region over the decade. Additionally, there are projected to be 30 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 grow to 150,200 by 2032, marking an 8% growth rate, 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 | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 240 (2020) | 270 (2030) | 13% | 30 |
| United States | 139,400 (2022) | 150,200 (2032) | 8% | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
The data for the employment trends of Phlebotomists in the District of Columbia 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 the District of Columbia
Phlebotomy jobs should only increase for those living in Washington D.C., with Projections Central forecasting a 22.2 percent growth between 2018 and 2028. Furthermore, the District is a hub of medical activity, with the area being a national center for medical care and research.
A few of the prominent organizations seeking phlebotomists in the Washington D.C. include The George Washington University Hospital, Howard University Hospital, Bio-Reference Laboratories and Washington Hospital.