How to Become a Phlebotomist in New Jersey
Working as a phlebotomist puts you in a job in a hospital, clinic, lab or other medical setting. In this role, you would draw patients’ blood, follow guidelines to properly store the blood, enter medical data, care for patients and carry out related duties. You would help patients when they need their blood tested, when they want to donate blood, for a blood transfusion or as part of research.
Requirements of Phlebotomists in New Jersey
New Jersey does not have specific requirements for becoming a phlebotomist. You may be able to enter a phlebotomy position directly after high school and gain on-the-job training. However, this is dependent on the employer, and some may require the completion of a training program and exam before hiring you. A training program provides the benefit of educating you on everything you need to know about anatomy, medical terminology and drawing blood to carry out this position.
New Jersey Training Courses
These are some of the training and education programs available in the state, including:
- E&S Academy: This is an online and in-person course through a New Jersey school that certifies you to work as a phlebotomy technician. Over one month, you complete 50 course hours online and 30 in the classroom, with campuses in South Plainfield, Lawrenceville and Elizabeth. It’s accredited by the board of education and the NJ Board of Health. The course prepares you to take a national certification test.
- AIMS Education: This school has campuses in Piscataway and Edison. It offers a certificate program to become a phlebotomy technician. The one-month program covers 80 course hours, or you can choose a flexible weekend option that takes three months. The course prepares you to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) exams.
- Americation Career and Training School: This school offers certification as a phlebotomy technician at its campus in Newark. The program is approved by the NJ Department of Education and the American Education Certification Association (AECA). It prepares you to take the American Education Certification Association exam.
Certification for Phlebotomists in New Jersey
It’s not necessary to gain certification to work as a phlebotomist in this state. But like an education program, passing an exam could help you gain a position and show your grasp of the field. If you choose to get certified, you have a choice of certifying bodies. Among others, they include the NHA, NCCT and AECA.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Phlebotomists in New Jersey have an average annual salary of $42,990, which is higher than the national average of $38,530. The lower 10% of earners in New Jersey make about $32,990, while the top 10% earn $52,820 or more. This suggests that phlebotomists in New Jersey are relatively well-compensated compared to the national average.
Phlebotomist Salaries: National vs. New Jersey
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $35,020 | $38,530 | $45,280 | $51,610 |
| New Jersey | $32,990 | $38,480 | $42,990 | $47,260 | $52,820 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $36,380 | $38,570 | $39,470 | $45,140 | $46,750 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in New Jersey
The employment trends for phlebotomists in New Jersey are showing significant growth. In 2020, there were 5,810 phlebotomists employed in the state, and by 2030, this number is projected to increase to 7,660, marking a 32% growth. This is substantially higher than the national growth rate of 8% projected for the same period. New Jersey is expected to have 960 projected annual job openings for phlebotomists from 2020 to 2030, which includes new positions and replacements due to turnover.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in New Jersey
| Year | Employment | Projected Employment (10 years later) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5,810 employees | 7,660 employees | 32% | 960 |
| 2022 (US) | 139,400 employees | 150,200 employees | 8% (Faster than average) | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- New Jersey: Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections, which offer detailed employment projections for the state of New Jersey.
- 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 New Jersey
You can work in various medical settings, such as doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals and labs. Hospitals are the main employer of this position, according to the BLS.
This is an important position with plenty of opportunity in New Jersey. You can expect a steady income with a strong job outlook over time. Best of all, you’ll have a career in the medical field, helping people with the care they need. It’s easy to get started in this field in New Jersey.