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
Phlebotomists in Maryland earn an average annual wage of $43,140, which is higher than the national average of $38,530. Entry-level phlebotomists, or those in the lowest 10% of the pay scale, earn approximately $33,730, while those in the highest 10% can earn upwards of $55,270 annually. The field continues to grow, offering promising career prospects for those entering the profession.
Comparison of Phlebotomist Salaries: National vs. Maryland
| Percentile | National Average | Maryland Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $30,250 | $33,730 |
| 25% | $35,020 | $37,480 |
| 50% (Median) | $38,530 | $43,140 |
| 75% | $45,280 | $47,500 |
| 90% | $51,610 | $55,270 |
Phlebotomist Salaries by Region in Maryland
| Region | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $34,420 | $38,340 | $42,490 | $45,950 | $49,990 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | $30,750 | $30,750 | $34,340 | $37,100 | $37,100 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $32,060 | $36,700 | $37,390 | $41,080 | $45,090 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $36,850 | $39,140 | $44,860 | $46,490 | $50,870 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | $36,240 | $36,320 | $36,690 | $43,430 | $46,920 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $36,040 | $40,420 | $47,740 | $51,110 | $58,590 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Maryland
In Maryland, the employment for phlebotomists is projected to grow by 20% from 2020 to 2030, with the number of employed individuals in this field expected to rise from 3,340 to 3,990. This growth is indicative of a strong demand for phlebotomists in the state. Annually, there are projected to be 490 job openings in Maryland for phlebotomists due to this growth and the need to replace workers leaving the profession. Nationally, the employment for phlebotomists is expected to increase by 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is considered faster than average when compared to other occupations. The projected annual job openings in the United States are estimated to be 19,500.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in Maryland and the United States
| Location | Employment (Start Year) | Projected Employment (End Year) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 3,340 (2020) | 3,990 (2030) | 20% | 490 |
| United States | 139,400 (2022) | 150,200 (2032) | 8% | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- Projections Central for the state of Maryland’s employment projections for phlebotomists from 2020 to 2030.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the national employment projections for phlebotomists from 2022 to 2032.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Maryland?
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.