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.
Phlebotomist Salaries in New Hampshire
According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 2019, phlebotomists in New Hampshire made annual salaries between $32,670 and $49,380, with the average coming in at $38,040. Wages for entry-level positions will likely be closer to the lower end of the scale. Of course, you will have the ability to increase your salary as you become more experienced.
Opportunities for Phlebotomists in New Hampshire
According to the BLS, phlebotomists are most frequently employed in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, ambulatory health clinics and doctors’ offices. A few of the organizations in New Hampshire who recruit for phlebotomists include Quest Diagnostics, American Red Cross and Dartmouth Hitchcock. With a projected job growth rate in New Hampshire of 21 percent over the next ten years, you can expect to be gainfully employed well into the future.