How to Work as a Phlebotomist in Iowa
If you’re interested in a healthcare career that doesn’t require a degree or years of education, consider phlebotomy. A phlebotomist works in a doctor’s office, hospital or lab and draws blood for tests or donations. They must be organized to minimize errors with samples and be able to keep patients calm and comfortable.
In Iowa, there are no official licensing or education requirements, so becoming a phlebotomist is a matter of completing a short, post-secondary training program. This typically takes less than a year and will prepare you to begin working in this growing career.
Steps to Becoming a Phlebotomist in Iowa
There are no laws in Iowa that govern phlebotomists, but most employers have minimum requirements. The typical steps you need to take to begin working in this field include:
- Graduating from high school. Employers will usually only hire candidates with a high school diploma or GED.
- Training in phlebotomy. While some employers may be willing to train you on the job with no experience, most require that you already be trained. The easiest way to do this is to complete a phlebotomy certificate or diploma program at a technical or community college.
- Earning certification. Certification may or may not be required by an employer, but many prefer it. The post-secondary training program should prepare you to pass the exam for national certification through one or more agencies.
Phlebotomy Programs in Iowa
If you live in Iowa, you have a few options for phlebotomy training:
- Des Moines Area Community College. This 13-week program confers a certificate and is available in the fall and spring terms. You will complete coursework in the classroom and engage in a clinical practicum.
- St. Luke’s College. St. Luke’s in Sioux City also offers a phlebotomy certificate. The program includes classroom work and lectures as well as practical experience at local medical centers. Upon successful completion, you will have over 100 hours of experience with 100 venipunctures and 15 dermal punctures.
- Iowa Western Community College. Iowa Western’s program also includes a classroom setting and clinical work. By the end of the program, you will have completed 120 hours of work experience practicing phlebotomy skills in a clinical setting.
Phlebotomist Certification
Check with employers before applying for jobs to find out if you need a national certification. The state does not require certification, but many employers prefer to hire phlebotomists with this credential. Some employers may require it but be willing to hire you as you work toward passing the exam.
There are several national organizations that certify phlebotomists. All confer certificates through an exam but may also have other requirements such as classroom or clinical hours. The organizations include: American Medical Technologists, American Society for Clinical Pathology, National Center for Competency Testing, National Healthcareer Association, and National Phlebotomy Association.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data, phlebotomists in Iowa have an average annual wage of $35,980. This is slightly below the national average annual wage for phlebotomists, which is $38,530. In Iowa, the lowest 10% of phlebotomists earn $30,980 or less, while the highest 10% earn $44,940 or more. Nationally, the lowest 10% earn $30,250 or less, and the highest 10% earn $51,610 or more.
Phlebotomist Salaries: National vs. Iowa
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $35,020 | $38,530 | $45,280 | $51,610 |
| Iowa | $30,980 | $33,390 | $35,980 | $39,660 | $44,940 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Iowa
In Iowa, the employment of phlebotomists is projected to experience significant growth. As of 2020, there were approximately 850 phlebotomists employed in the state. By 2030, this number is expected to increase to 1,210, marking a 42% growth rate. This is substantially higher than the national average growth rate of 8% for the same period. Annually, Iowa is projected to have 160 job openings for phlebotomists from 2020 to 2030, which includes new positions due to growth and replacements for existing roles.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in Iowa
| Measure | Iowa | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Employment (2020) | 850 employees | 139,400 employees |
| Projected Employment (2030) | 1,210 employees | 150,200 employees |
| Projected Growth (2020-2030) | 42% | 8% (Faster than average) |
| Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030) | 160 | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- For Iowa’s employment trends: Projections Central, with the 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- For the United States employment trends: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with the 2022-2032 employment projections.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Iowa?
Working as a phlebotomist in Iowa means being part of a rapidly expanding healthcare field, with a projected growth rate that outpaces the national average. Phlebotomists in Iowa are integral to patient care, collecting vital blood samples in various settings, from bustling hospitals to community clinics. While the job demands technical proficiency and a compassionate approach to patient interactions, it offers a sense of stability and the potential for career advancement. Despite salaries being slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living in Iowa may balance the scales, making it a viable and rewarding option for those interested in the profession.