Becoming a Phlebotomist in South Carolina
If you are interested in a career as a phlebotomist, you might want to know a bit more about what to expect from the occupation. Phlebotomists are laboratory professionals who are responsible for blood draws. The job also entails the collection and receipt of other bodily fluids, including urine, stool and sputum. As the gatekeepers of these important diagnostic tests, phlebotomists will need to ensure all specimens are appropriately and safely collected and properly labeled.
As a career, phlebotomy has the potential to be challenging and fulfilling, as phlebotomists are presented with arduous situations on a daily basis. Patients often present to the lab with anxiety about the blood draw or the testing process, and the phlebotomist will need to engage with them compassionately. A good phlebotomist should have excellent communication and de-escalation skills to round out their technical skills.
Phlebotomists work in hospitals, blood donation centers and doctors’ offices, and should expect to work early hours as well as evening and weekend shifts regularly. The job will also require a high degree of physical stamina, especially for those working in a hospital setting, who will need to move from ward to ward to perform specimen collection. Manual dexterity is a must, as the blood draw procedure can be difficult to perform, especially for chronically ill patients.
Licensing Requirements for Phlebotomists in South Carolina
There is no requirement for licensure for phlebotomists in South Carolina, nor is there a statewide regulatory organization for the profession. Phlebotomists generally work under other licensed professionals. In the hospital, laboratory services are often presided over by a Board-certified pathologist.
South Carolina Training for Phlebotomy
Although phlebotomists can be trained on the job, today’s professionals are mostly trained through certificate programs. A high school diploma will be a prerequisite for training, in either case. Several of the programs available in South Carolina include:
- Spartanburg Community College in Spartanburg offers training in Medical Assisting. Students will learn basic laboratory procedures and complete clinical rotations in the offices of local physicians.
- Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood offers a Patient Care Technician Certificate. Graduates will hold a Certified Nurses Aide (CNA) certificate and will be eligible to become certified in phlebotomy.
- Horry Georgetown Technical College in Conway offers a certificate in phlebotomy. The program covers phlebotomy techniques and theory.
- Williamsburg Technical College in Kingstree offers a Certificate in Phlebotomy. Clinical practice is part of the provided curriculum.
Certifications for Phlebotomists
The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers a certification for phlebotomists, which can be earned by passing an examination. While not required, accreditation is an industry-recognized gold standard and obtaining it will help accelerate your career choices.The test can be applied for online and will cost $135.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In South Carolina, phlebotomists have seen an increase in average annual wages to $37,020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 wage data. Entry-level phlebotomists, representing the lowest 10% of earners, make about $29,700 annually, while those in the top 10% can earn $43,550 or more. The employment growth for phlebotomists in South Carolina is also promising, with a significant projected increase.
National vs. South Carolina Phlebotomist Salaries
| United States | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $38,530 | $37,020 |
| Low (10%) | $30,250 | $29,700 |
| High (90%) | $51,610 | $43,550 |
South Carolina Phlebotomist Salaries by Region
| Region | Low (10%) | Median (50%) | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $29,470 | $35,860 | $45,280 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $31,410 | $37,660 | $44,840 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in South Carolina
The employment outlook for Phlebotomists in South Carolina is very promising. In 2020, there were approximately 2,200 individuals employed as Phlebotomists in the state. This number is projected to rise to 2,820 by 2030, indicating a significant growth rate of 28%. The state is expected to have around 350 annual job openings for Phlebotomists from 2020 to 2030, which includes new positions and replacements for existing roles. This growth is substantially higher than the national average growth rate of 8% for the same profession over the period from 2022 to 2032.
Table of Employment Trends Data for South Carolina
| Location | Employment (Year) | Projected Employment (Year) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings (Year Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 2,200 (2020) | 2,820 (2030) | 28% | 350 (2020-2030) |
| United States | 139,400 (2022) | 150,200 (2032) | 8% (Faster than average) | 19,500 (2022-2032) |
Sources of Data:
- South Carolina Data Source: The employment projections for South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
Phlebotomists should enjoy ample opportunity, especially in areas where healthcare is readily available. In South Carolina, employment can be found in one of the many hospitals and doctors’ offices within the state. A few potential employers in South Carolina include McLeod Health Hospital, Prisma Health, Quest Diagnostics, Tidelands Health and LabCorp. Wherever you find employment, this growing career has a lot of potential for a long and satisfying career in healthcare.