How to Become a Phlebotomist in Michigan

A phlebotomist is a trained medical professional who draws blood from patients for laboratory tests, donations and other reasons. This is a fast-growing career across the U.S. and becoming one does not require a degree.

Requirements for Becoming a Phlebotomist in Michigan

Michigan has no official requirements, licensing or certification for phlebotomists, but employers usually set educational and licensing standards. The requirements most employers have for hiring a phlebotomist include:

A high school diploma or GED
A post-secondary certificate or diploma in phlebotomy
National certification from a recognized organization

Some medical centers, labs or hospitals will train the right candidates for the job rather than require a formal education. But you will have more opportunities if you complete the post-secondary program and get certified.

Training Programs in Michigan

The post-secondary programs available for phlebotomy in Michigan are worth completing to open more doors to job opportunities. Most are at community colleges, take less than a year to finish, and prepare you to pass a national certification exam:

Lake Michigan College. Lake Michigan College offers a Phlebotomy Technician Certificate of Achievement at multiple campuses on the west side of the state. It includes 12 credit hours of courses as well as 100 hours of clinical practice and 100 blood draws so that you can land your first job with real-world experience.
Macomb Community College. In the Detroit area, the Phlebotomy Continuing Education program at MCC takes four months to complete. It includes clinical practice through an internship, phlebotomy courses, preparation for certification exams, and job placement assistance.
Mid Michigan College. The Mid Michigan phlebotomy program is accelerated and takes just nine weeks to complete. It is one of just three programs in the state approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

Phlebotomist Certification

You do not need to be certified to work in this industry, but some employers may require it. Depending on the level of clinical experience you received during your academic program, you may be ready to get certified or you may have to work for a while before qualifying. Certification exams are offered through:

The National Center for Competency Testing
National Healthcareer Association
The American Society for Clinical Pathology
The National Phlebotomy Association
American Medical Technologists

Each organization sets different requirements for taking the exam. For example, the National Phlebotomy Association requires that you have completed a post-secondary program with at least 16 credits or 160 hours of instructional contact time with 200 hours of practical experience.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), career growth for phlebotomy is 23 percent—huge growth that is much faster than average. In Michigan, the growth is much slower, at nearly six percent, but there are still new jobs available all the time.

The average salaries for phlebotomists in the U.S. are $17.07 per hour and $35,510 per year. The top ten percent of earners make nearly $50,000 per year. You can expect to earn just a little bit less in Michigan. The averages here are $16.16 per hour and $33,610 per year, with top earners making around $42,000.

Working as a Phlebotomist in Michigan

Phlebotomy is a skill that is needed everywhere. Most phlebotomists work in hospitals or labs, but they may also be hired in physician offices and other types of healthcare settings. The most job opportunities will be in the state’s larger population centers including Detroit and southeast Michigan, Flint, Grand Rapids and Lansing. Even more remote areas need phlebotomists. Wherever there is healthcare, you should find job opportunities.