Becoming a Phlebotomist in Utah
If you’ve been considering a career in healthcare but don’t want to spend a lot of time in college, you might be interested in working as a phlebotomist. Phlebotomists work in hospitals, laboratories and doctor’s offices, collecting blood and other types of specimens for diagnostic testing. Although working in the field can be quite challenging, it is also potentially fulfilling for those who enjoy caring for others.
Phlebotomists need to acquire a lot of skills and knowledge to perform their jobs well. It will be important for phlebotomists to be well-informed about the various tests performed in the laboratory, as they will be responsible for ensuring specimen integrity is maintained. For example, a phlebotomist will need to know when there is a certain period of time in which a test needs to be collected and which tubes will need to be completely filled.
Phlebotomists will also need to have excellent communication skills, as they are the only member of the laboratory team to interact with the public regularly. It will often be necessary to de-escalate an anxious patient or keep a child calm during the blood draw procedure. Phlebotomists will need to be able to maintain considerable patience and compassion during stressful interactions.
Licensing for Utah Phlebotomists
Utah does not require phlebotomists to obtain a license in order to work in the state. Although the state does not provide oversight for the career, phlebotomists are medical professionals and will need to work within medical regulations. As a phlebotomist, you will work under a licensed medical director and be supervised by a medical technologist or registered nurse.
Phlebotomy Training Programs in Utah
Training for phlebotomy requires a high school diploma or equivalent along with specific training in the field. Although on-the-job training was once common in the profession, most phlebotomists today seek a certified course. A few options in Utah include:
- Mountainland Technical College in Lehi offers a Phlebotomy Certificate program. Students will learn to perform venipunctures, finger and heel sticks as well as special collection procedures.
- Tooele Technical College in Tooele offers a Phlebotomy Technician Certificate of Proficiency.
- Davis Technical College in Kaysville offers a Certificate of Program Completion in Phlebotomy. Students will study laboratory protocols, specimen collection, body systems, infection control and safety.
- Southwest Technical College in Cedar City offers a training course in Phlebotomy. Students will be prepared for a career in the field through coursework and a practicum.
Accreditation for Phlebotomists
Phlebotomists in Utah are not required to obtain accreditation to practice, but certification is a great way to accelerate your career. Having your certification is not only a mark of professionalism but is often sought after by hiring managers. Certification is offered by many organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) whose credentials can be acquired through passing an examination.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Phlebotomists in Utah are seeing a positive trend in wages, with the average annual earnings now reported at $34,940, which is closer to the national average than previously noted. The top earners in Utah can make up to $44,900 per year, while those entering the field should expect to start earning around $30,460, which is the lower end of the wage scale.
The job growth potential for phlebotomists in Utah also remains robust, with a significant increase in employment opportunities anticipated in the healthcare sector.
Phlebotomist Salaries: National vs. Utah
| Percentile | United States | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $30,250 | $30,460 |
| 25% | $35,020 | $31,750 |
| Median (50%) | $38,530 | $34,940 |
| 75% | $45,280 | $39,200 |
| 90% | $51,610 | $44,900 |
Phlebotomist Salaries by Region in Utah
| Region | Low (10%) | Median (50%) | High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Utah nonmetropolitan area | $30,230 | $33,790 | $38,200 |
| Eastern Utah nonmetropolitan area | $24,570 | $32,770 | $39,930 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $28,890 | $32,610 | $40,100 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $30,460 | $34,070 | $43,160 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | $29,020 | $33,030 | $44,430 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $31,750 | $37,720 | $45,040 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Utah
In Utah, the employment trends for phlebotomists are looking very positive. As of 2020, there were 1,400 individuals employed in this occupation. By 2030, this number is projected to grow to 1,910 employees, which represents a substantial 36% growth. Annually, there are expected to be around 240 job openings in this field, which includes new jobs due to growth as well as replacements for vacated positions.
For comparison, the national employment for phlebotomists in 2022 was 139,400, with a projected increase to 150,200 by 2032. This indicates a growth rate of 8%, which is faster than average. The projected annual job openings on a national level are expected to be around 19,500.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in Utah vs. United States
| Utah | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment (2020 for UT, 2022 for US) | 1,400 | 139,400 |
| Projected Employment (2030 for UT, 2032 for US) | 1,910 | 150,200 |
| Projected Growth | 36% | 8% |
| Projected Annual Job Openings | 240 | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
The data provided for the employment trends of phlebotomists in Utah comes from Projections Central, which offers 2020-2030 long-term projections. The national data for the United States is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides 2022-2032 employment projections.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Utah?
In Utah, organizations like LabCorp, University of Utah and Quest Diagnostics actively recruit for and hire phlebotomists. Regardless of where you choose to start your career, you should expect working as a phlebotomist to be demanding both physically and emotionally. Even so, anyone with an aptitude for healthcare will find this career very rewarding.