How to Become a Phlebotomist in Massachusetts
A phlebotomist collects blood samples from patients for lab tests, blood donations, transfusions and research. This is an important role in just about every healthcare setting. When you work as a phlebotomist, you’ll talk with patients to explain what you’re doing and to help them be less nervous about having blood drawn. After drawing blood, you’ll label it for processing or testing and enter information into a database. You’ll provide help if patients have adverse reactions.
What’s Required to Become a Phlebotomist in Massachusetts?
Employers in Massachusetts almost always choose candidates who have completed postsecondary education through a phlebotomy program. These programs are offered at vocational schools, community colleges and technical schools, and most can be completed in a year or less.
Training Programs for Phlebotomists in Massachusetts
Most phlebotomist training programs in Massachusetts include both classroom training and lab work. These programs typically cover subjects such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, infection control and specimen processing, along with hands-on training in clinical settings. Examples of phlebotomist training programs in Massachusetts include:
- Roxbury Community College. Located in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, MA, this community college offers a comprehensive 210-hour program in phlebotomy consisting of 90 hours of classroom instruction, hands-on training and lab work followed by 120 hours of internship at a medical facility.
- Springfield Technical Community College. This certificate program consists of 166+ hours, which includes training in venipuncture techniques, capillary puncture, record keeping, adherence to OSHA safety regulations and two- to three-week, full-time clinical placement.
- Health Training Center. Certification and training programs in phlebotomy are offered at several locations including Attleboro, Worcester, Stoughton, Braintree and Charlestown. This program can be completed in approximately 11 weeks, which includes eight weeks classroom skills training followed by a three-week externship.
Certification or Licensing of Massachusetts Phlebotomists
Massachusetts doesn’t require phlebotomists to obtain a license or certification. That said, obtaining certification from a national organization can help to demonstrate to potential employers that you’re committed to the field and have the needed knowledge and skills.
Certification for phlebotomists is offered by many national organizations including National Phlebotomy Certification, National Center for Competency Testing and American Society for Clinical Pathology. Certification testing may include both written and practical testing.
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations for Massachusetts Phlebotomists
Phlebotomists in Massachusetts earn an average annual wage of $46,190, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,530. The top 10% of phlebotomists in Massachusetts earn more than $57,650, while the bottom 10% earn $38,340 or less. This reflects a robust earning potential for phlebotomists in the state, with opportunities to earn significantly more than the national figures.
Phlebotomist Salaries: National vs. Massachusetts
| 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 |
| Massachusetts | $38,340 | $41,230 | $46,190 | $51,750 | $57,650 |
Phlebotomist Salaries by Region in Massachusetts
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | $39,990 | $43,290 | $46,770 | $51,970 | $69,900 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,330 | $43,300 | $46,510 | $53,140 | $60,010 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the employment trends for phlebotomists are showing positive growth. As of 2020, there were 3,350 individuals employed in this occupation. This number is projected to increase to 4,110 by the year 2030, which represents a growth rate of 23%. Annually, there are expected to be around 510 job openings in this field within the state.
Comparatively, across the United States, the employment for phlebotomists in 2022 stood at 139,400, with a projection to reach 150,200 by 2032. This indicates a growth rate of 8%, which is considered faster than average. Nationally, there are expected to be about 19,500 job openings each year.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in Massachusetts and the United States
| Location | Employment (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030/2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 3,350 | 4,110 | 23% | 510 |
| United States | 139,400 | 150,200 | 8% | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- Projections Central for the state-level employment projections for Massachusetts from 2020 to 2030.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the national-level employment projections from 2022 to 2032.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Massachusetts?
When you pursue a career as a phlebotomist in Massachusetts, you’re fulfilling an essential role in the healthcare field. Your skills will be in high demand, leading to employment opportunities in hospitals, doctor’s offices, blood donor centers and diagnostic labs. Some settings may require working evenings, weekends and holidays, and some positions may involve traveling from one site to another.
Your day may include a variety of tasks besides drawing blood such as cleaning medical equipment, preparing instruments for use and disposing of biomedical waste. There are many opportunities for phlebotomists across the state of Massachusetts. The biggest number of opportunities are likely to be concentrated in larger cities such as Boston, Worcester and Springfield.