Becoming a Phlebotomist in Texas

If you are considering working as a phlebotomist, you probably would like to know more about what to expect from the career. Phlebotomists are primarily known for performing venipunctures to collect blood specimens for diagnostic testing. However, they are also responsible for collecting other types of specimens such as urine, sputum and stool.

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Those in the field tend to work long shifts, which often begin early in the morning. It is also common in the industry to work off-shifts, weekends and holidays. The job requires a great deal of physical stamina, as phlebotomists will frequently have a long list of patients who will need to have blood collected.

Since phlebotomists are often the only laboratory professionals to meet with the public face-to-face, the job will require a great deal of compassion and excellent communication skills. It will not be uncommon to encounter patients who are stressed about their medical issues or have anxiety about the testing process. It will be up to the phlebotomist to de-escalate these difficult situations and keep the patient calm during the blood draw procedure.

Phlebotomists will also need to be well-versed in laboratory procedures and specimen integrity. Specimens for certain types of tests will need to meet specific criteria, and the phlebotomist will be responsible for ensuring the proper protocols are followed. It will also be necessary to undergo emergency response training and know when to call for help.

Licensing for Phlebotomists in Texas

Phlebotomists in Texas are not required to obtain a license before working in the field. They will need to be adequately trained to perform the job, either through on-the-job training or a certified training course. It should be noted that although unlicensed, phlebotomists always work under a licensed medical professional.

Texas Training Programs for Phlebotomists

There are several training programs for phlebotomists in Texas, and they are available in various locations throughout the state. A few possibilities include:

  • PIMA Medical Institute offers a Phlebotomy Technician Program. The program takes three months to complete and promises to teach students to perform venipunctures and other blood collection methods as well as process specimens for testing.
  • McLennan College offers an Occupational Skills Award in Phlebotomy. Students will learn to perform venipunctures, process specimens and input data into the hospital and laboratory information systems.
  • Central Texas College offers a Certificate of Completion in Phlebotomy. The course takes a semester to complete and prepares students to become certified.
  • Rio Grande Valley College offers a Phlebotomy Technician Program. The course takes 17 weeks to complete and promises to prepare students for employment in a variety of settings.

Phlebotomy Credentialing

Although obtaining certification is not required, it is a highly recommended way to accelerate your career choices. There are many certifying organizations for phlebotomists, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). To obtain certification through the ASCP, you will need to take and pass an examination.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The phlebotomy profession in Texas offers competitive wages with an average annual salary of $36,780. Entry-level phlebotomists can expect to earn around $28,520, which is the lower 10% percentile, indicating the starting wage. The top 10% of earners in Texas make $45,050 or more, reflecting the potential for increased earnings with experience and specialization.

Comparatively, the national average annual wage for phlebotomists is $38,530, with the lower 10% earning $30,250 and the upper 10% earning upwards of $51,610. The field continues to grow robustly, with a national job growth projection of 23 percent over the next decade.

National vs. Texas Phlebotomist Salaries

Location Annual Low (10%) Annual Median (50%) Annual High (90%)
United States $30,250 $38,530 $51,610
Texas $28,520 $36,780 $45,050

Phlebotomist Salaries by Region in Texas

Region Annual Low (10%) Annual Median (50%) Annual High (90%)
Austin-Round Rock, TX $31,460 $39,260 $45,860
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $31,110 $38,340 $45,770
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX $30,550 $37,470 $44,800

Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Texas

The employment trends for phlebotomists in Texas show a significant growth in the field. In 2020, there were 11,130 phlebotomists employed in the state, and by 2030, this number is projected to increase to 14,850, which represents a 33% growth. Annually, there are expected to be 1,880 job openings for phlebotomists in Texas due to growth and replacements. This is substantially higher than the national growth rate for phlebotomists, which is projected at 8% from 2022 to 2032, with an estimated 19,500 job openings each year across the United States.

Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in Texas

2020 2030 Projected Growth (2020-2030) Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030)
Texas 11,130 employees 14,850 employees 33% 1,880
United States 139,400 employees (2022) 150,200 employees (2032) 8% (Faster than average) 19,500

Sources of Data:

  • Projections Central for the state-level projections for the year 2020 to 2030.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the national-level employment projections for the year 2022 to 2032.

What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Texas?

According to data from the BLS, the majority of phlebotomists are employed by hospitals, followed by clinical laboratories. In Texas, many organizations recruit for and hire phlebotomists. A small sampling of these includes USMD, CHRISTUS Health, Dallas County, Quest Diagnostics and Texas Children’s Hospital.

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