Becoming a Phlebotomist in Kansas
Phlebotomists are the medical technicians responsible for making blood draws and getting blood samples ready for testing. This role places them at the heart of the U.S. healthcare system. Whether you’re in a senior center, doctor’s office or hospital, you’ll find phlebotomists hard at work. In addition, these technicians play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of blood testing laboratories.
Many phlebotomists work every day in cities across Kansas. People employed in this challenging field make dependable incomes. They also enjoy the luxury of an increasing demand for their talents and knowhow.
Interested in seeing what it takes to land a phlebotomist job? This guide will answer your questions and help you make the most of your opportunities.
What Are the Requirements for Phlebotomists Working in Kansas?
Very few states have strict licensing requirements for would-be phlebotomists. In fact, Kansas is one of 46 states that let you work without going through any formal registration procedure. However, hospitals and other employers based in the state still expect phlebotomy job candidates to know what they’re doing.
How can you demonstrate your competence? The most typical way is to complete a training course that leads to a national certification test. There is not just one nationwide group that certifies all phlebotomists across the country. Instead, you can follow the process established by any one of several well-established groups. The list of such groups includes:
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- The American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
- The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Services (NAACLS)
Do you need to pass a national certifying exam to get hired by a Kansas-based facility? Strictly speaking, no. However, during your job search, you’ll probably be competing with people who do hold a national certificate. If you can’t match the credentials of these competitors, you may not get the job you want.
Phlebotomy Training Programs in Kansas
Unfortunately, access to comprehensive phlebotomy training is not equal in all parts of Kansas. Some of the best programs are found in greater Kansas City, either in Kansas itself or in neighboring Missouri. Examples of these programs include:
- Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City’s Phlebotomy Education Program – This accredited, longstanding course provides 200 hours of instruction in just five weeks. You’ll spend 68 of these hours in the classroom or in a student lab. However, you’ll spend most of your time working actual clinical rotations alongside professional phlebotomists. About 90 percent of program graduates pass their national certification exams.
- The Kansas City School of Phlebotomy’s Phlebotomy and Accelerated Phlebotomy Courses – These two courses work together to prepare you for employment as a phlebotomist. The Phlebotomy course covers the basics and provides seven weeks of classroom and practical instruction. The Advanced Phlebotomy course adds another four weeks of more in-depth instruction.
Phlebotomy programs are also found in other Kansas cities. Some of these programs will prepare you to take a national certifying exam. However, others will not. Examples include:
- Coffeyville Community College’s Phlebotomy Technician Program – This program combines several hours of classroom credits with extensive practical exposure to the phlebotomy profession. Graduates possess the knowledge needed for national certification.
- Manhattan Area Technical College’s Phlebotomy Program – This program provides you with three credit hours of exposure to the basics of phlebotomy. You will need to undertake further training before you know enough to sit for a national exam.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In Kansas, phlebotomists have an average annual wage of $36,860, which is slightly below the national average of $38,530. Entry-level phlebotomists, or those in the lowest 10% of the pay scale, can expect to earn around $28,230, while those in the highest 10% can earn upwards of $46,750 annually. This data reflects the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data.
Phlebotomist Salaries: National vs. Kansas
| 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 |
| Kansas | $28,230 | $31,210 | $36,860 | $40,850 | $46,750 |
Phlebotomist Salaries by Region in Kansas
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $33,490 | $34,940 | $38,450 | $43,940 | $47,160 |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area | $26,340 | $28,180 | $30,310 | $36,480 | $37,700 |
| Lawrence, KS | $29,810 | $30,640 | $36,740 | $36,970 | $42,000 |
| Manhattan, KS | $29,020 | $29,020 | $30,700 | $36,860 | $37,920 |
| Wichita, KS | $29,290 | $32,470 | $36,620 | $38,970 | $41,350 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Kansas
According to the information, in 2020, there were 1,250 employees working as phlebotomists in Kansas. This number is projected to increase to 1,490 by 2030, indicating a growth of 19%. Annually, there are expected to be around 180 job openings in this field within the state. For comparison, the national employment for phlebotomists in 2022 was 139,400, with a projection of 150,200 by 2032, which translates to an 8% growth rate and about 19,500 projected annual job openings across the United States.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in Kansas and the United States
| Location | Employment (2020) | Projected Employment (2030) | Projected Growth (2020-2030) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 1,250 employees | 1,490 employees | 19% | 180 |
| United States | 139,400 employees | 150,200 employees | 8% | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- Kansas Employment Trends: The local employment trends for phlebotomists in Kansas are sourced from Projections Central, which provides state-level occupational projections.
- National Employment Trends: The national data for phlebotomists, including employment projections and annual job openings, are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which offers comprehensive data on employment across various occupations in the United States.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Kansas?
Working as a phlebotomist in Kansas offers a promising career path with a growth rate higher than the national average, indicating strong job security and opportunities. Phlebotomists in Kansas perform critical tasks such as drawing blood for tests and donations, requiring technical skill, attention to detail, and excellent patient interaction. Employment can be found in diverse healthcare settings, and the role may offer a sense of fulfillment through direct patient care and contribution to healthcare diagnostics. With the demand for healthcare services increasing, phlebotomists in Kansas can expect a dynamic work environment with the potential for professional growth.