Becoming a Phlebotomist in Nebraska
Nearly all areas of the healthcare industry are growing, which means any career in this field provides job security and a good income. If you don’t have four years or more to devote to a degree, consider an allied health career like phlebotomy.
A phlebotomist is the person who draws your blood in the doctor’s office, medical lab or donation center. They help you feel calm and comfortable and ensure the samples are organized and there are no errors. A career in phlebotomy provides that hands-on patient experience without a lengthy education. In less than a year you could be a phlebotomist in Nebraska.
Nebraska Phlebotomy Requirements
Like most other states, Nebraska has no laws regarding training or licensing for phlebotomists. In order to start working in this field, you should have a high school diploma or GED and enroll in and complete a phlebotomy program. Many community colleges have these programs, and they take less than a year to complete.
Although there are no state requirements, employers have their own. Always check before you apply. Some may require a certain number of clinical hours, which you can get in most post-secondary programs, or national certification.
Some hospitals, labs or medical centers hire people with no education or experience and train them in phlebotomy. This isn’t typical, however, and it could make it more difficult to earn a national certification credential. Completing a post-secondary program is the preferred path to this career, even if it does include some on-the-job training.
Schools for Phlebotomy in Nebraska
A few colleges in Nebraska offer certificate or diploma programs to prepare you for a career in phlebotomy:
- Bryan College of Health Sciences. This school in Lincoln offers an affordable and quick course in phlebotomy. You’ll complete 24 hours of training over eight weeks. The cost is just $250 plus other fees. The downside to this program is that there is no clinical experience. You may need more training on the job after hiring.
- Southeast Community College. Also in Lincoln, Southeast’s phlebotomy program is an eight-week, two-credit course. You will not get clinical experience, but again the course is affordable at just $215 and takes only eight weeks to complete. On-the-job training is necessary.
- Nebraska Methodist College. In the Omaha area, try Nebraska Methodist’s phlebotomy training program. The program includes 180 clock hours and an externship. Completion of this program prepares you to pass the exam for national certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
National Phlebotomist Certifications
You do not have to be certified to work as a phlebotomist in Nebraska. Holding a credential from a national organization has benefits, though. It puts you ahead of other job seekers with out certification; it may help you earn a higher salary; and some employers do require it. Several organizations are recognized nationwide and offer certification:
- American Medical Technologists
- American Society for Clinical Pathology
- National Center for Competency Testing
- National Healthcareer Association
- National Phlebotomy Association
Certification requirements vary by organization but often include an exam and work experience. For example, the American Society for Clinical Pathology certification includes an exam, an application fee of $135 and the completion of a training program with 100 hours or more of clinical experience.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In Nebraska, phlebotomists earn an average annual salary of $34,010, which is slightly below the national average of $38,530. The lowest 10% of earners in Nebraska make around $30,330, while the highest 10% can earn up to $44,520 annually. This suggests that entry-level phlebotomists in Nebraska may start near the lower end of the wage scale, but there is potential for increased earnings with experience and advancement in the field.
The career outlook for phlebotomy in Nebraska remains strong, with a healthy job market and opportunities for growth in the healthcare sector.
National vs. Nebraska Annual Wages for Phlebotomists
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $38,530 | $51,610 |
| Nebraska | $30,330 | $34,010 | $44,520 |
Regional Annual Wages for Phlebotomists in Nebraska
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, NE | $30,900 | $32,580 | $42,610 |
| Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area | $31,020 | $35,440 | $48,130 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | $31,260 | $35,020 | $45,380 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $31,100 | $36,420 | $44,940 |
| South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area | $29,540 | $31,910 | $39,370 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Nebraska
In Nebraska, the field of phlebotomy is experiencing healthy growth. Employment of phlebotomists is expected to increase by 17% from 2020 to 2030, with the number of employees rising from 810 to an estimated 950. This growth rate is more than double the national average of 8% for the same period. Nebraska’s projected annual job openings for phlebotomists, which include positions due to growth and replacements, is 120. In contrast, the United States as a whole anticipates 19,500 job openings annually from 2022 to 2032. These figures suggest a robust job market for phlebotomists in Nebraska over the coming years.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists
| Location | Employment (2020/2022) | Projected Employment (2030/2032) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030/2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 810 employees | 950 employees | 17% | 120 |
| United States | 139,400 employees | 150,200 employees | 8% (Faster than average) | 19,500 |
Source of Data:
- Nebraska: Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections, which offer detailed employment projections for the state of Nebraska.
- United States: The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2022-2032 employment projections, which provide national data on occupational employment trends and projections.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Nebraska?
Working as a phlebotomist in Nebraska offers a stable and growing career path within the healthcare industry. With an expected employment growth of 17% from 2020 to 2030, phlebotomists in the state can anticipate a robust job market with ample opportunities. The work involves drawing blood for tests, transfusions, or donations, and requires a combination of technical skill, precision, and the ability to provide a comforting presence to patients. Phlebotomists in Nebraska may find employment in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and blood banks. While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the state’s cost of living and the potential for job security make it an attractive place for professionals in this field.