How to Become a Phlebotomist in New York
What is it like to work as a phlebotomist? Phlebotomists work primarily in hospitals, donor centers and doctor’s offices, performing needle sticks for blood collection as well as collecting and receiving other specimens for diagnostic testing. This crucial job requires a compassionate demeanor and the ability to safely handle blood and bodily fluids on a regular basis.
As potentially the only medical professional a patient sees on a given day, a phlebotomist will need to interact with care and patience. Patients are often afraid of blood draws and will want to discuss their fears and concerns. As such, a phlebotomist will require excellent listening skills, a calming presence and the training to know when to call for help.
The job will also require a certain level of physical stamina, as phlebotomists are often busy, performing blood draw after blood draw. In a hospital setting, phlebotomists travel throughout various wards, carrying a basket or pushing a cart of supplies. Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are essential skills for phlebotomists, and the specimen collection itself will often be the most challenging and rewarding part of the job. For those on the receiving end of the needle, excellent technical skills will be critical.
New York State Licensing Requirements for Phlebotomists
A license is not required to work as a phlebotomist in New York, and there is no statewide regulatory board for the profession. In general, phlebotomists work under and are supervised by other medical professionals, often a medical technician, nurse, doctor or both. Although on-the-job training is possible, most phlebotomists today will have attended a training course and become certified to perform blood draws. A high school diploma is a required prerequisite for most training programs.
Training for Phlebotomists in New York
If you are serious about phlebotomy training, you will likely want to start with a certification course. These are available in many areas throughout the state. A few of the programs available in New York include:
- Niagara County Community College in Sanborn offers a Phlebotomist Certificate. Students will gain the knowledge and experience to collect blood and other laboratory specimens.
- Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie offers courses in phlebotomy as part of a degree in Allied Health and Biological Science.
- Manhattan Institute in New York provides a phlebotomist diploma. Students will learn the technique of the blood draw, how to properly label specimens and helpful communication skills.
- SUNY Broome in Binghamton offers a Phlebotomy Certificate.Students will be prepared to take a certification exam upon graduation.
Professional Certifications for Phlebotomists
Certification is widely recognized for laboratory professionals, making it an important consideration for those who are seeking employment in the field. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is currently the leading certifying organization for the profession. Participation in a certification process, although voluntary, is a mark of professionalism and worth the time and cost to obtain.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Phlebotomists in New York State earn an average annual salary of $45,430, which is above the national average of $38,530. The salary range in New York spans from $33,640 for the lowest 10% of earners to $60,840 for the highest 10% of earners.
The field of phlebotomy continues to show promising job growth. While specific projections for New York were not provided, the national outlook suggests a robust job market for phlebotomists.
National vs New York Salary Comparison for Phlebotomists
| United States | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $38,530 | $45,430 |
| Low (10%) | $30,250 | $33,640 |
| High (90%) | $51,610 | $60,840 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region for Phlebotomists in New York
| Region | Low (10%) | Median (50%) | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $31,980 | $38,250 | $48,830 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | $27,460 | $39,020 | $49,300 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in New York
According to the data, in the year 2020, there were 6,430 individuals employed as Phlebotomists in New York. This number is projected to increase to 8,330 by the year 2030, indicating a growth rate of 30%. The projected annual job openings for Phlebotomists in New York, from 2020 to 2030, are estimated to be 1,040.
In comparison, the employment trends for Phlebotomists at the national level in the United States show that in 2022, there were 139,400 employees in this occupation. The projected employment for 2032 is 150,200, with a growth rate of 8%, which is considered faster than average. The projected annual job openings nationwide from 2022 to 2032 are expected to be 19,500.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in New York and the United States
| Location | Employment (Year) | Projected Employment (Year) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings (Year Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 6,430 (2020) | 8,330 (2030) | 30% | 1,040 (2020-2030) |
| United States | 139,400 (2022) | 150,200 (2032) | 8% (Faster than average) | 19,500 (2022-2032) |
Sources of Data:
- New York Data Source: The employment projections for New York are sourced from Projections Central’s long-term projections for the period from 2020 to 2030.
- United States Data Source: The national data for the United States is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employment projections for the period from 2022 to 2032.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in New York?
Working as a phlebotomist in New York involves performing critical tasks in the healthcare sector, primarily focusing on drawing blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. Phlebotomists in New York are expected to have a keen attention to detail, a high degree of accuracy, and the ability to work under pressure due to the nature of their job, which often includes handling sensitive medical information and dealing with patients who may have adverse reactions. The job requires constant contact with others and face-to-face discussions, making interpersonal skills crucial. Additionally, phlebotomists must adhere to strict safety and sanitary protocols to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers. They also need to stay updated with the latest medical software and technologies used in the field. The role demands a combination of technical skills, such as the ability to use various medical instruments, and soft skills, such as service orientation and social perceptiveness. With a median wage of $18.53 per hour as of 2022, phlebotomists in New York play an essential role in the healthcare and social assistance sectors.