Becoming a Phlebotomist in Rhode Island
Just about every healthcare setting requires a person to draw blood, and this blood may be used for lab testing, blood donations, research and transfusions. A person who specializes in drawing blood is called a phlebotomist. If you decide to become a phlebotomist in Rhode Island, training usually can be completed in less than a year. In a short time, you’ll be filling a vital role as part of a medical team and know you’re making a difference every day.
What’s Required for a Career in Phlebotomy in Rhode Island?
Most employers prefer candidates who have completed formal training in a phlebotomy program. These programs are offered in community colleges, technical schools and vocational schools. You’ll need a high school diploma or the equivalent before applying to these postsecondary programs. Most settings require passing a drug screen and criminal background check.
Rhode Island Phlebotomy Training Programs
Phlebotomy training typically includes courses in a classroom setting along with hands-on experience. Some training programs in Rhode Island include:
- 911Programs Career Training Institute. Located in Warwick, RI, this program incudes options for both day and evening classes and can be completed in 12 weeks.
- Community College of Rhode Island. This Providence, RI, community college offers a phlebotomy technician certificate, which can be completed in two semesters. Students learn venipuncture, capillary puncture, specimen transport and processing along with practicing accepted standards for infection control.
- Cranston Adult Education Programs. This program in Cranston exceeds the state requirements in both classroom instruction and clinical training. It lasts approximately 16 weeks and is offered in the evening. Curriculum includes blood sampling procedures, medical terminology, blood and cell composition and lab operations as well as infection control procedures.
Rhode Island Phlebotomy Certification Requirements
In the state of Rhode Island, certification of phlebotomists isn’t required, but passing an accredited national certification exam is a good way to demonstrate your dedication, skills and knowledge to potential employers. Testing for national certification usually includes both written and practical parts. Some of the organizations who offer national certification for phlebotomists include the National Center for Competency Testing, the National Healthcareer Association and the National Phlebotomy Association.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Healthcare continues to be a sector with robust employment growth. Nationally, the projected employment growth for phlebotomists is about 23 percent between 2018 and 2028. In Rhode Island, phlebotomists enjoy a higher average salary compared to the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022 wage data, the average annual salary for phlebotomists in Rhode Island is $44,630, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,530. The lowest 10% of earners in Rhode Island make $34,100 or less, while the highest 10% earn $52,800 or more. These figures suggest that education, experience, and location within the state can significantly influence a phlebotomist’s salary.
National vs. Rhode Island Phlebotomist Salaries
| United States | Rhode Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $38,530 | $44,630 |
| Low (10%) | $30,250 | $34,100 |
| High (90%) | $51,610 | $52,800 |
Rhode Island Phlebotomist Salaries by Region
| Region | Low (10%) | Median (50%) | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | $37,340 | $44,580 | $63,620 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $34,100 | $42,910 | $51,700 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the employment trends for phlebotomists are looking positive. The number of employed phlebotomists in 2020 was 920, and it is projected to increase to 1,010 by 2030, marking a 10% growth. This growth rate is slightly higher than the national average of 8% for the same period. Additionally, Rhode Island is expected to see an average of 120 annual job openings for phlebotomists from 2020 to 2030, which includes new jobs and replacements.
Table of Employment Trends Data for Rhode Island
| Location | Employment (Year) | Projected Employment (Year) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings (Year Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 920 (2020) | 1,010 (2030) | 10% | 120 (2020-2030) |
| United States | 139,400 (2022) | 150,200 (2032) | 8% (Faster than average) | 19,500 (2022-2032) |
Sources of Data:
- Rhode Island Data Source: The employment projections for Rhode Island are sourced from Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections.
- United States Data Source: The national data for the United States is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022-2032 employment projections.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Rhode Island?
While drawing blood will be a big part of your job as a Rhode Island phlebotomist, you’ll have additional responsibilities. These may include explaining procedure to patients and helping them to feel calm, preparing instruments, keeping your area clean and cleaning medical equipment. In some settings, you may be expected to stand for hours at a time, so you’ll need good stamina, and you may have to work weekends or evenings.
Opportunities are available all over Rhode Island in hospitals, doctors’ offices, diagnostic labs and blood donation sites. The largest number of opportunities are likely to be concentrated in and around large cities such as Providence, Warwick and Cranston.