Become a Phlebotomist in New Mexico
Drawing blood is an essential part of medical evaluations. Blood tests are used to check for disorders and to evaluate how well a patient’s organs are working. Phlebotomists, sometimes called phlebotomy technicians, are medical professionals who draw blood from patients for lab work, blood donations and research. When you work as a phlebotomist in New Mexico, your skills will be in demand in many healthcare settings.
What’s Required to Become a Phlebotomist in New Mexico
Most employers in New Mexico prefer candidates who have completed postsecondary education in phlebotomy. You’ll need a high school diploma or the equivalent in order to apply to these programs. Vocational schools, community colleges and technical schools are examples of settings that may offer phlebotomy training. You may need to be able to pass a criminal background check and drug test in order to enroll.
New Mexico Phlebotomist Training
Learning the skills needed to become a phlebotomist usually includes both classroom training and clinical experience. Training programs usually take a year or less to complete. Some places that offer phlebotomy training in the state of New Mexico include:
- Santa Fe Community College. This community college offers a 16-week program that provides an opportunity for students to learn skills in a hands-on environment. Students acquire patient communication skills and learn legal and ethical considerations along with anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and working with blood specimens.
- University of New Mexico. Located in Albuquerque, UNM offers a nine-week program that includes 60 hours theory, lecture and review, 60 hours of lab work, and a 100-hour clinical experience at a medical site.
- San Juan College. This college in Farmington, NM, offers a certificate program that consists of classroom education that covers topics such as blood specimen collection and processing, universal precautions, professionalism and equipment and supplies. This is followed by 100 clock hours of supervised applied experience.
Certification of New Mexico Phlebotomists
Certification isn’t required to work as a phlebotomy technician in New Mexico. Obtaining certification from a national organization is still a good idea, though, because almost all employers choose those who demonstrate their knowledge and skills by obtaining certification. Some organizations that offer phlebotomy certification include American Society for Clinical Pathology, National HealthCareer Association and the National Phlebotomy Association.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Phlebotomists in New Mexico have an average annual salary of $35,660, which is slightly below the national average of $38,530. The lowest 10% of earners in New Mexico make about $25,570, while the top 10% earn $44,210 or more. This suggests that while phlebotomists in New Mexico earn less on average than their national counterparts, there is still a potential for higher earnings at the upper end of the scale.
Phlebotomist Salaries: National vs. New Mexico
| 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 Mexico | $25,570 | $30,910 | $35,660 | $39,610 | $44,210 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $24,870 | $32,300 | $37,230 | $39,650 | $44,160 |
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | $26,020 | $27,960 | $34,310 | $38,410 | $47,330 |
| Farmington, NM | $30,630 | $30,630 | $30,820 | $40,130 | $47,930 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $28,920 | $30,160 | $33,820 | $37,490 | $42,540 |
| Santa Fe, NM | $25,570 | $25,570 | $36,050 | $41,590 | $46,500 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in New Mexico
The employment outlook for phlebotomists in New Mexico is positive, with a projected growth rate of 28% from 2020 to 2030. This is significantly higher than the national average growth rate of 8% for the same period. In 2020, there were 970 phlebotomists employed in New Mexico, and by 2030, this number is expected to rise to 1,240. The state is anticipated to have 150 annual job openings for phlebotomists, which includes new positions and replacements.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in New Mexico
| Year | Employment | Projected Employment (10 years later) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 970 employees | 1,240 employees | 28% | 150 |
| 2022 (US) | 139,400 employees | 150,200 employees | 8% (Faster than average) | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- New Mexico: Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections, which offer detailed employment projections for the state of New Mexico.
- 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 Mexico?
There are plenty of opportunities for phlebotomists all over New Mexico, especially in and around large cities such as Albuquerque. You may find work in hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, blood donation centers and diagnostic labs. In some locations, you may have to work unpredictable hours, including evenings and weekends. You may need to be careful when handling needles and specimens to avoid injury or contamination, and some jobs require standing for long periods of time.
Besides drawing blood, you’ll prepare instruments and equipment for use, explain technical information to patients, monitor patients to detect health problems or adverse reactions, dispose of biomedical waste and maintain medical records. It’s helpful to have a detail-oriented and compassionate manner as well as dexterity and good hand-eye coordination. As a phlebotomist, you’ll have a rewarding career that’s essential for any medical team.