Phlebotomists in New Hampshire
If you’ve been considering a career as a phlebotomist, you might want to know what it’s like to work in the field. Phlebotomists are well-known as the medical professionals who perform blood draws for diagnostic testing. However, you might be surprised to find out that a career in phlebotomy involves a lot more than drawing blood.
As the most publically visible member of the laboratory team, phlebotomists need to be able to interact with patients with care and compassion. Phlebotomists are faced with many challenging situations, from difficult blood draws to patients with extreme anxiety, so excellent communication skills are essential. Complications from the blood draw are not uncommon, and the phlebotomist will need to be able to respond appropriately and know when to call for assistance.
A great deal of knowledge about the tests being performed will be needed by the phlebotomist, who has the critical task of ensuring specimen integrity. Phlebotomists will often need to instruct patients on the collection of other specimens for diagnostic testing, including urine, stool and sputum. They are also responsible for receiving the specimens after collection and ensuring they are correctly labeled and stored.
Being employed as a phlebotomist often requires working long hours, early morning shifts, weekends and holidays. The job requires a significant amount of physical stamina, as phlebotomists are continuously moving from patient to patient. Those in inpatient settings will often need to walk great distances throughout the day while pushing a cart of supplies and responding to pages. Although physically demanding, the career can be very fulfilling if caring for others is something you enjoy.
New Hampshire Licensing for Phlebotomy
Acquiring a license is not necessary for phlebotomists in New Hampshire. However, phlebotomists are subject to significant oversight, since laboratories and doctors’ offices need to meet stringent guidelines. A phlebotomist will always work under the authority of a licensed physician.
Training for Phlebotomists in New Hampshire
In the past, it was common for phlebotomists to train on the job;however, today’s phlebotomists usually obtain training through a certified program. A few of the courses available in New Hampshire include:
- Manchester Community College in Manchester offers a Phlebotomy Certificate.
- River Valley Community College, with campuses in Claremont, Keene and Lebanon, offers a Phlebotomy Certificate.
- White Mountains Community College, with campuses in Berlin, Littleton and North Conway , offers a Medical Assistant Certificate.
Additional Credentialing for Career Advancement
Although New Hampshire does not require phlebotomists to acquire certification, your potential employer likely will. Regardless of where you intend to work, attaining certification will give you more future options and is a meaningful way to accelerate your career. Many organizations offer certifications for phlebotomists, but a leader in the field is the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), from which you can obtain certification by passing an examination.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In New Hampshire, phlebotomists earn an average annual wage of $39,640, which is slightly above the national average of $38,530. The lower 10% of earners in New Hampshire make about $33,300, while the top 10% earn $48,690 or more. Entry-level phlebotomists in the state can expect to start near the lower percentile, but with experience and additional qualifications, there is potential for salary growth.
National vs. New Hampshire Annual Wages for Phlebotomists
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $38,530 | $51,610 |
| New Hampshire | $33,300 | $39,640 | $48,690 |
Regional Annual Wages for Phlebotomists in New Hampshire
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $39,330 | $46,510 | $60,010 |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area | $32,930 | $37,300 | $47,600 |
| Dover-Durham, NH-ME | $30,720 | $42,580 | $45,150 |
| Manchester, NH | $31,960 | $39,130 | $46,620 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | $38,260 | $42,020 | $52,670 |
| West Central-Southwest New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area | $34,810 | $39,640 | $50,220 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, the employment prospects for phlebotomists are on the rise. The state is expected to see a 17% growth in phlebotomist employment from 2020 to 2030, increasing from 720 to 840 employees. This growth is anticipated to generate around 100 projected annual job openings, which includes new positions and replacements. This positive trend reflects a robust demand for phlebotomists in the healthcare sector of New Hampshire.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in New Hampshire
| Year | Employment | Projected Employment (10 years later) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 720 employees | 840 employees | 17% | 100 |
| 2022 (US) | 139,400 employees | 150,200 employees | 8% (Faster than average) | 19,500 |
Source of Data:
- New Hampshire: Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections, which offer detailed employment projections for the state of New Hampshire.
- 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 New Hampshire?
Working as a phlebotomist in New Hampshire is a fulfilling career with a positive job outlook, as the state expects a 17% growth in this field. Phlebotomists in New Hampshire engage in critical healthcare services, drawing blood for testing, transfusions, and donations, often in hospitals and clinics. The job requires technical skill, a steady hand, and a compassionate demeanor to put patients at ease during the blood draw process. With a variety of work environments across the state’s urban and rural areas, phlebotomists have the opportunity to work with diverse patient populations and contribute significantly to healthcare diagnostics and treatment.