Becoming a Phlebotomist in Mississippi
Working as a phlebotomist is a good career option for someone who wants to be in the medical field and doesn’t mind handling blood. This position draws blood samples from patients, handles the blood, follows safety procedures, enters information into medical software and carries out other duties. This is a role that has opportunities for training and working within the state of Mississippi.
Requirements for Becoming a Phlebotomist in Mississippi
Mississippi doesn’t require certification to start working as a phlebotomist. Instead, you need a high school diploma and to pass health and background checks. After that, you can start work through on-the-job training. However, some employers in Mississippi may require a training course and certification, and these qualifications could put you ahead in your career.
Educational Programs in Mississippi
Training in phlebotomy educates you in necessary medical terminology and skills for the job, provides hands-on training and prepares you to take an exam for certification. You can take courses at a community college, a technical school or online. These are some of the training programs you could take in the state of Mississippi:
- East Mississippi Community College: This phlebotomy course includes eight weeks of classroom time and 100 hours of hands-on experience through clinical rotations. Campuses are in Scooba and Mayhew, MS.
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: This course includes 40 hours of classroom training, 60 hours of clinical training and 60 blood collections successfully carried out on your own. The course prepares you for certification from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). This school has campuses throughout Mississippi.
- Mississippi Delta Community College: This is an evening course that includes classroom training and 100 hours of hands-on clinical experience. It prepares students to take a national exam. This college is located in Moorhead, MS.
Phlebotomist Certification in Mississippi
Generally, you need to take a training course before you can sit for a certification exam. Passing the exam makes you a certified phlebotomist technician. You can choose from different certifying bodies, and many of them provide national certification you can use to practice in any state. Some certifying organizations include the NCCT, the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA).
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In Mississippi, phlebotomists earn an average of $30,700 annually, which is below the national average salary of $38,530 for this profession. Entry-level phlebotomists in Mississippi can expect to start at around $23,420 or less, while the top 10% of earners in the state make $45,170 or more. Despite the lower average pay in Mississippi, phlebotomists can potentially increase their earnings through gaining experience and obtaining additional credentials such as specialized training and certification.
The job outlook for phlebotomists remains positive, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 23 percent growth in the field from 2018 to 2028, indicating a strong demand for professionals in this area.
National vs. Mississippi Annual Wages for Phlebotomists
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $38,530 | $51,610 |
| Mississippi | $23,420 | $30,700 | $45,170 |
Regional Annual Wages for Phlebotomists in Mississippi
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | $24,420 | $32,600 | $43,760 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $28,490 | $29,850 | $38,610 |
| Jackson, MS | $23,330 | $33,080 | $43,870 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Mississippi
The employment outlook for phlebotomists in Mississippi is showing a positive trend. In 2020, there were 1,170 phlebotomists employed in the state, and by 2030, this number is projected to increase to 1,420, representing a 21% growth. This rate of growth is significantly higher than the national average growth rate of 8% for this occupation. Mississippi is expected to have 180 job openings annually for phlebotomists over the decade from 2020 to 2030, which includes new jobs due to growth and replacements. In comparison, 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 1,170 employees | 1,420 employees | 21% | 180 |
| United States | 139,400 employees | 150,200 employees | 8% (Faster than average) | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- Mississippi: Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections, which offer detailed employment projections for the state of Mississippi.
- United States: The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2022-2032 employment projections, which provide national data on occupational employment trends and projections.
Working as a Phlebotomist in Mississippi
Whether in Mississippi or other parts of the nation, the phlebotomist role is the same. This position draws blood from patients for purposes of blood testing, donations, transfusions or research. The purpose of the blood could vary depending on your workplace. For example, working in a medical lab could mean drawing blood for testing and research purposes. Other places to work include hospitals, medical facilities, research centers, blood donation centers and clinics.
The position of phlebotomist is a necessary role that’s abundant within the medical field. The necessity of the role and the field’s projected growth rate mean that it’s a smart career path with plenty of employers and hiring opportunities. It’s quick and easy to get started in this career in Mississippi, while you can improve your chances and success by becoming trained and certified in the state.