How to Become a Phlebotomist in Florida
If you want a job in the medical field in Florida, working as a phlebotomist is one of the careers available to you. In this role, you would draw patients’ blood, which could be for different purposes depending on where you work and the patients’ needs. Blood drawing can be for testing, a blood transfusion, blood donations or research purposes. This role also includes additional tasks, such as patient care and using technology to enter medical information.
Requirements for Becoming a Phlebotomist in Florida
In Florida, you need to complete an accredited training course to work as a phlebotomist. You could gain this training through various vocational schools, technical schools or community colleges and usually complete it in less than a year. You have the option to sit for an exam to become certified after you have completed your training course.
Training Courses and Educational Programs in Florida
Training in phlebotomy teaches general medical information, such as anatomy, along with specialized training in blood drawing and samples. Programs are available throughout this large state and online. Some programs available in Florida include:
- Phlebotomy Learning Center of Orlando: This center offers training on nights and weekends for three months. Through the program, you participate in an externship that gives you hands-on training at a lab or hospital. The program prepares you to take a national exam with the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT).
- Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology: This school offers a phlebotomy technician program. In Florida, you can choose from the Miami, Palm Beach or Orlando campuses. This 11-week program provides certification as a phlebotomy technician and prepares students for the National Healthcare Association (NHA) exam.
- Healthcare Training of Florida: This center provides a phlebotomy program in Spring Hill near Orlando and Tampa. The eight-week course for a phlebotomy diploma has flexible class times and prepares students for the National Healthcare Association (NHA) exam. Another option is the phlebotomy test prep for people who already have a basis in the medical field, which only takes four weeks to complete.
Certification for Becoming a Phlebotomist in Florida
Florida does not require phlebotomists to obtain certification after taking a training course. Nonetheless, the training schools prepare you to take one of the various exams for certification in the field, and doing so could improve your chances of being hired. Some employers may make certification a requirement. You can get certified by different organizations, including the NHA, ASPT or National Phlebotomy Association.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment as a phlebotomist to grow 23 percent in the decade from 2018 to 2028. This level of growth is considered much faster than average.
The annual mean wage of Florida phlebotomists is $33,840, with an hourly mean wage of $16.27, according to an Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) report of the BLS. Those just getting started in the field could expect to make closer to $12 per hour at first and then work their way up to higher wages.
Working as a Phlebotomist in Florida
There are various places of employment for phlebotomists. You could draw blood in hospitals, doctors’ offices or diagnostic laboratories. Also, blood donor centers employ phlebotomists, some of which work on-the-go from blood donation buses. In Florida, medical facilities are prevalent, so you could find places to work throughout the state, including in major areas such as Miami, Tampa or Jacksonville.
A career as a phlebotomist can put you into the large medical field in Florida. This is a needed position that is growing, providing plenty of work opportunities. You can quickly get started with a fast training program and optional exam.