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.
If you enjoy working with people, helping medical patients feel comfortable and want to be a critical part of a medical team, this career is a great option. Most phlebotomists work full-time in hospitals and laboratories. They must stay organized and keep track of patient information and samples. In Michigan, you can train and be ready to work as a phlebotomist in less than a year.
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
The phlebotomy profession is experiencing significant growth across the United States, with a projected increase of 23 percent. In Michigan, the growth rate is more modest at approximately six percent, yet the state continues to offer new opportunities in this field.
As of the latest data, the average hourly wage for phlebotomists in the U.S. is $18.52, with an annual salary of $38,530. The top earners can make over $51,610 per year. In Michigan, phlebotomists earn an average of $17.85 per hour and $37,140 annually, with the highest earners making up to $47,100 per year.
Annual Wages Comparison
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $38,530 | $51,610 |
| Michigan | $32,510 | $37,140 | $47,100 |
Regional Wages in Michigan
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | $35,840 | $37,140 | $46,960 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $35,360 | $38,400 | $47,780 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Michigan
In Michigan, the employment of phlebotomists is on an upward trend. The state had 3,550 phlebotomists employed in 2020, and this number is projected to rise to 4,250 by 2030, marking a 20% growth. This is significantly higher than the national growth rate of 8% for this profession. Michigan is expected to have 520 job openings annually for phlebotomists over the decade from 2020 to 2030, which includes new jobs due to growth and replacements. In contrast, the United States is projected to have 19,500 job openings annually from 2022 to 2032.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists
| Location | Employment (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030/2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 3,550 employees | 4,250 employees | 20% | 520 |
| United States | 139,400 employees | 150,200 employees | 8% (Faster than average) | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- For Michigan: Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections, which provide state-specific employment trends and projections.
- For the United States: The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2022-2032 employment projections, which offer national data on occupational employment trends and projections.
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.