Becoming a Phlebotomist in Kentucky
Phlebotomists work in hospitals, physician offices, labs and some other types of healthcare settings. They are valued medical professionals responsible for drawing blood for tests or donations. To be a good phlebotomist, you need the technical skills but also the ability to work well with people, to help them feel more comfortable getting blood drawn.
In most states, there are no official requirements for becoming a phlebotomist, but a training program is strongly recommended. In less than a year you can learn how to work in this field and enter a growing, lucrative industry. As a phlebotomist, you will be an important part of healthcare and make a real difference in the lives of patients every day.
What You Need to Become a Phlebotomist in Kentucky
Kentucky has not set any requirements for phlebotomists, but this does not mean anyone can do the job. Individual employer requirements vary but generally include a high school diploma or the equivalent and completion of a post-secondary program in phlebotomy.
Some employers may also want to see that you have been certified at the national level. An appropriate phlebotomy program will prepare you for certification through a recognized organization.
It may be possible to begin working in phlebotomy in Kentucky without a post-secondary program, but this is uncommon. If an employer is willing to train you on the job, you can start earning right away while learning how to draw blood and work with patients.
Academic and Training Programs in Kentucky
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that most phlebotomists earn a nondegree award from a post-secondary institution. This could be a certificate or diploma and is often available through community colleges. Kentucky has several options:
- Campbellsville University. In Campbellsville, students can complete a certificate program to become a phlebotomy technician. Class sizes here are no more than eight students. You’ll complete 50 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of clinical experience to prepare you for the workplace. This program takes just three to four months to finish.
- Jefferson Community and Technical College. This Louisville campus offers a program for phlebotomy with a lecture class and clinical experience. It requires two semesters to complete and prepares students for certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
- American National University. ANU has two Kentucky campuses with phlebotomy programs, in Louisville and Pikeville. As a bonus, this program includes instruction in using electrocardiograms, which could make you more marketable with employers.
Phlebotomist Certification Options
Certification is not required in Kentucky to work as a phlebotomist. However, many employers only hire certified phlebotomists or those on a path to become certified. National certification is offered by several organizations:
- American Medical Technologists
- American Society for Clinical Pathology
- National Center for Competency Testing
- National Healthcareer Association
- National Phlebotomy Association
To be certified through any of these organizations, you will need to pass an exam. Some organizations have additional requirements, such as a certain number of classroom or clinical hours, before you can take the exam.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In Kentucky, phlebotomists have an average annual wage of $36,160, which is slightly below the national average of $38,530. Entry-level phlebotomists in Kentucky, representing the lowest 10%, earn about $21,470, while the top 10% earn $45,080 or more. Nationally, the lowest 10% of phlebotomists earn $30,250, and the highest 10% earn $51,610 or more.
National vs. Kentucky Phlebotomist Salaries
| 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 |
| Kentucky | $21,470 | $31,120 | $36,160 | $40,450 | $45,080 |
Kentucky Regional Phlebotomist Salaries
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | $25,800 | $29,170 | $35,870 | $36,910 | $43,210 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Kentucky
In Kansas, the employment for phlebotomists in 2020 was recorded at 1,250 employees. This number is projected to increase to 1,490 employees by 2030, marking a 19% growth rate. Annually, there are expected to be around 180 job openings from 2020 to 2030. This growth is slightly higher than the national average, which is projected at 8% from 2022 to 2032, with an annual opening of 19,500 jobs across the United States.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in Kentucky and the United States
| Location | Employment (2020) | Projected Employment (2030) | Projected Growth (2020-2030) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 1,250 | 1,490 | 19% | 180 |
| United States | 139,400 | 150,200 | 8% | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- Projections Central – This source provides state-level employment projections, which is where the data for Kansas’s employment figures for phlebotomists in 2020 and the projected figures for 2030 are obtained.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – The national employment projections and annual job openings data for phlebotomists are sourced from the BLS, which offers comprehensive data on employment across various occupations in the United States.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Delaware?
Anywhere medical care is offered, phlebotomists are in demand. You can find work throughout the state at doctor offices, in medical testing labs and in hospitals. Some examples of recent job listings in Kentucky include: phlebotomist-lab, Baptist Health System in Corbin; phlebotomist, LabCorp in Grayson; phlebotomist, Clark Regional Medical Center in Winchester; and phlebotomist, Owensboro Health in Owensboro.