How to Become a Phlebotomist in Maryland
If you’re interested in working in the healthcare field but want to avoid multiple years of education, consider becoming a phlebotomist. A phlebotomist is a vital part of any medical team, and learning to fill this role usually takes less than a year. The job involves taking blood samples from patients for medical tests, research, transfusions and blood donations. You’ll need to be a detail-oriented person so you can label blood correctly for processing and input accurate information into a database.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Phlebotomist in Maryland?
A high school diploma or the equivalent is usually required to be accepted into Maryland postsecondary schools that offer phlebotomy training. Vocational schools, technical schools and community colleges are examples of places that may offer professional training in this field. Programs usually consist of both theory and practical training.
Where to Find Phlebotomist Training in Maryland
Phlebotomist training includes a variety of subjects such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, safety, specimen processing and infection control. Hands-on training in a clinical setting gives you the experience you need to begin your career in this field. Some Maryland phlebotomist training programs include:
- Community College of Baltimore County. Students who complete this course lasting 18-24 weeks earn a Continuing Education Workforce Training Certificate and are well prepared to sit for a national certification exam. Courses are offered at the Essex, Hunt Valley, Randallstown and Catonsville campuses.
- College of Southern Maryland (CSM). Located in LaPlata, MD, CSM offers a phlebotomy technician program that’s presented through classroom, online and in health laboratory settings.
- Carroll Community College. This community college offers a phlebotomy certificate, which can be completed in approximately 168 hours. It’s located in Westminster, MD.
Phlebotomist Certification in Maryland
Licensing or certification are not required to work as a phlebotomist in Maryland, but most employers prefer candidates who have passed a national certification test to demonstrate knowledge, skills and commitment to the field. Testing to obtain certification includes both written and practical portions of the exam.
There are several choices of national organizations that offer certification testing. Examples include National Center for Competency Testing, American Medical Technologists and American Society for Clinical Pathology. Requirements may vary between organizations.
Earnings and Job Outlook for Phlebotomists in Maryland
The amount of money earned by phlebotomists can be affected by location, education and experience. The median annual salary for phlebotomists in the U.S. was $35,510 as of May 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the state of Maryland, pay usually ranges from $32,449 to $40,237, with the average Maryland phlebotomist earning $36,025 as of June 2020 according to Salary.com.
The field of phlebotomy is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations, at 23 percent between 2018 and 2028, according to CareerOneStop. The job growth rate in Maryland is projected to be 25 percent between 2016 and 2026.
Work as a Maryland Phlebotomist
A career as a phlebotomist in Maryland can be rewarding and provides the opportunity to find employment in several different settings. While many phlebotomists work in hospital settings, you may also find work in diagnostic labs, blood donor centers or doctor’s offices. Besides drawing blood, you’ll prepare instruments for use, clean medical equipment and dispose of biological waste. You may need to explain procedures to nervous patients or provide help to anyone who has an adverse reaction.
Some settings allow phlebotomists to work during the day, while others may require nights and weekends. You’ll need good stamina if you have to stand most of the day or if you travel from one site to another. Large cities such as Baltimore or Columbia are likely to have the biggest number of job openings, but there are many employment opportunities for phlebotomists all over the state of Maryland.