Becoming a Phlebotomist in Tennessee
Interested in working as a medical technician? You might want to consider your career options in the field of phlebotomy. Phlebotomists are the technicians responsible for drawing blood samples and preparing those samples for further use. You’ll find them working for a range of healthcare providers, including doctors and hospitals. You’ll also find them working in blood testing laboratories.
In Tennessee, there are plenty of opportunities for anyone planning to work in phlebotomy. But before you can look for a job, you’ll need to find a reliable source for training. In addition, you may need to seek out some kind of phlebotomist certification. Here are some more details on what it takes to enter the phlebotomy field in Tennessee.
Tennessee Guidelines for Training and Certification
Like more than 40 other states across the country, Tennessee has no statewide licensing process for phlebotomists. The state also has no set procedure for phlebotomist certification. However, in Tennessee, you will need to enroll in a training program that meets the standards of groups such as:
- The American Society of Clinical Pathologists, or ASCP
- The National Center for Competency Testing, or NCCT
- The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Services, or NAACLS
- The National Healthcareer Association, or NHA
- American Medical Technologists, or AMT
Each of these accrediting organizations has its own specific requirements for quality training. However, as a rule, they focus on the skills and knowledge that form the core of the phlebotomy profession. Topics you’ll need to be familiar with include:
- Blood-drawing procedures
- Proper labeling of blood samples
- Appropriate use of phlebotomy-related terminology
- Physiology and anatomy
- Current guidelines for the safe handling of bodily fluids
- Current guidelines for the protection of patient confidentiality
You’ll learn much of what you need to know in a classroom setting. In addition, a well-rounded phlebotomy education includes hands-on experience in a realistic work environment. You must be 18 to enroll in the typical phlebotomy program in Tennessee. You must also show proof that you’ve graduated from high school or gotten your GED.
Possible Sources for Tennessee Phlebotomy Training
You’ll find phlebotomy training options in multiple cities across Tennessee. Your choices include programs such as:
- The Austin Peay State University Phlebotomy Technician Program – Austin Peay is located in Clarksville, TN. Its phlebotomy program prepares you to meet the training requirements set down by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. The program covers the costs of your ASCP exam, as well as your costs for attending a CPR class. Spring and Fall enrollments are available.
- The Healthcare Institute Advanced Phlebotomy Program – The Healthcare Institute is located in Memphis. Its program prepares you to meet the standards established by the National Healthcareer Association. If you attend full-time during the day, you can complete the program in six weeks. It takes eight weeks to complete your training while attending part-time in the evenings.
- Phlebotomy Training Specialists – This program is based in Nashville. It provides a total of 44 hours of phlebotomy training. Like all high-quality program providers, Phlebotomy Training Specialists prepares you to sit for a national certification exam. You can take classes during the day, at night or on the weekends.
How Much Can You Make as a Phlebotomist in Tennessee?
The income average for Tennessee phlebotomists is a bit more than $31,000 annually. This level of pay sits about $4,000 below the norm for the entire country. Indeed.com reports that the highest-paying locations for phlebotomists working in the state are Murfreesboro, Brentwood and Jackson.
The Future Job Market for Phlebotomists
When it comes to job security, phlebotomists are in an enviable position. Exceptional growth is predicted for the field in the years leading up to 2028. In fact, for every four jobs that currently exist, roughly one more will be created. That means good things for phlebotomists working in Tennessee and most other locations.