How to Become a Phlebotomist in Indiana
If you’ve ever had blood drawn in a hospital or at your doctor’s office, you’ve seen phlebotomists at work. Every day, these trained professionals interact with patients, draw blood samples and enter sample data into computer storage systems. Along the way, phlebotomists also interact with doctors and other healthcare providers. For all of these reasons, they make critical contributions to the healthcare system.
As in all 50 states, phlebotomists are widely employed in Indiana. In return for their important contributions, they enjoy the respect of their colleagues and make substantial salaries. What’s more, phlebotomists typically enjoy ample work opportunities. Interested in becoming a working phlebotomist in Indiana? We have some important tips that will help you reach your goal.
Getting Trained as a Phlebotomist in Indiana
You don’t need to hold a license to work as an Indiana phlebotomist. In addition, you don’t need to hold a phlebotomy certificate. However, the state still has important requirements. Specifically, you must graduate from a training program backed by a nationwide accrediting organization. Several organizations provide this kind of accreditation, including:
- The National Phlebotomy Association
- The National Center for Competency Testing
- The American Society of Clinical Pathologists
- The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Services
- The National Healthcareer Association *(Hi, Deb. This is not a typo.)
Age and education requirements are typical for phlebotomy training programs. You usually have to be at least 18 years old to enroll. In addition, most programs require you to have high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Where Can You Go for Training?
A number of institutions offer quality phlebotomy training in Indiana. Programs you may want to consider include:
- The University of Saint Francis Phlebotomy Program – Based in Fort Wayne, this program provides 16 weeks of phlebotomy instruction and practice. It prepares you to work as a phlebotomist in a wide range of healthcare facilities. In addition, the training you receive meets the eligibility requirements for national certification tests.
- The Indiana School of Phlebotomy – This school is part of a network that offers phlebotomy training in several states across the country. It provides two tiers of training. Newcomers to the field can learn all the basics in a seven-week beginning program. Those with prior work experience can enhance their skills in a more advanced program.
- The Ivy Tech Community College Healthcare Specialist Program – This program is offered in multiple locations throughout Indiana. It allows you to specialize in a range of healthcare fields, including phlebotomy. To graduate as a Phlebotomy Technician, you need to complete 17 credit hours of coursework over a period of two semesters.
- Medical Career Academy – The program offered at this institution is designed to meet the requirements of the National Healthcareer Association. It offers comprehensive training for prospective phlebotomists. Participants take part in both classroom instruction and real-world phlebotomy procedures.
Phlebotomists Earnings in Indiana
Phlebotomists working in Indiana typically earn about $34,800 a year. However, this figure is just an average and doesn’t take variables like work experience into account. As a rule, starting phlebotomists can expect to make less money than their peers with longer job tenure. Your location will also have an effect on your earnings potential in Indiana. The highest reported salaries are found in Fort Wayne, Gary and Lafayette.
Job Security and Future Job Opportunities
Job security is one of the more reliable benefits of working as a phlebotomist. On a national level, the demand for these skilled technicians outweighs current availability by a significant amount. In fact, federal statistics show that the number of employed phlebotomists will increase steeply through at least 2028. Whether you live in Indiana or another state, this long-term trend bodes well for the future of your career.