A Phlebotomy Career in Virginia
As vital members of the laboratory team, phlebotomists are responsible for collecting blood and other specimens for diagnostic testing. Working as a phlebotomist will require in-depth knowledge of laboratory procedures, specimen integrity and basic healthcare practices. If this career sounds interesting to you, keep reading for more information about what to expect.
Working as a phlebotomist means long shifts, early morning hours, holidays and weekends. The job requires significant physical stamina, as there is often a long list of patients who will need to be seen. Inpatient phlebotomists will need to move about the hospital collecting blood, often while carrying a basket of supplies and a pager for stat blood draws.
Phlebotomists are also responsible for instructing patients on how to collect various specimens such as urine, stool and sputum. Once collected, the phlebotomist will receive, label and accession them. Excellent communication skills are a must, as patients will often be anxious about their tests and results. Clinic phlebotomists should expect to also perform selected diagnostic procedures like blood pressures, EKGs and temperature checks.
Licensing for Virginia Phlebotomists
Virginia has no requirement for phlebotomists to be licensed and no statewide oversight for the profession. However, it would be wrong to assume that the career is unregulated. Laboratories and physicians’ offices need to meet stringent guidelines in order to stay in practice. No matter where a phlebotomist works, they will be under the license and supervision of a physician at all times.
Training Programs for Phlebotomists in Virginia
Although on-the-job training is possible, modern phlebotomists generally learn their skills through attendance in a certified training course. A few choices for training in Virginia include:
- Centura College in Virginia Beach offers a Medical Assistant Diploma. The program takes 12 months of full-time attendance to complete. Aside from Virginia Beach, the training is also provided on the college’s Norfolk, Chesapeake and Newport News locations.
- Eastern Virginia Career College in Fredericksburg offers a medical assistant program. Along with phlebotomy, students will learn how to assist in procedures, keep charts up-to-date and perform front office duties.
- American National University offers an online Phlebotomy and EKG Diploma. The program will prepare students for entry-level positions as phlebotomists and EKG technicians.
Credentialing
Credentialing can be obtained through various sources and is recommended for those who are new to the field, as most employers will be seeking certified professionals to fill open positions. Acquiring accreditation is a mark of professionalism and an important step for your career. One organization through which you can receive a credential is the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Earning your credential through the ASCP will require you to take and pass an examination on the fundamentals of phlebotomy.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In Virginia, phlebotomists earn an average annual wage of $38,900, which is slightly above the national average of $38,530. The lower percentile (10%) of workers in Virginia earn $30,170 or less, while the upper percentile (10%) earn $50,180 or more. The state’s job growth outlook is positive, with significant opportunities for phlebotomists.
Phlebotomists’ Annual Wages Comparison – National vs. Virginia
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $30,250 | $35,020 | $38,530 | $45,280 | $51,610 |
| Virginia | $30,170 | $34,090 | $38,900 | $47,020 | $50,180 |
Phlebotomists’ Salaries by Region in Virginia
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $29,630 | $33,070 | $37,590 | $40,730 | $45,990 |
| Charlottesville, VA | $32,760 | $32,760 | $41,380 | $48,360 | $50,750 |
Phlebotomists Employment Trends in Virginia
In Virginia, the employment trends for phlebotomists are showing positive growth. As of 2020, there were 3,160 phlebotomists employed in the state. This number is projected to increase to 3,750 by 2030, marking a 19% growth rate. Annually, there are expected to be around 460 job openings for phlebotomists in Virginia due to growth and replacements. This is in contrast to the national projection, which estimates an 8% growth rate from 2022 to 2032, with 19,500 projected annual job openings across the United States.
Employment Trends for Phlebotomists in Virginia
| Year | Employment in Virginia | Projected Employment in Virginia (2030) | Projected Growth (2020-2030) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3,160 employees | 3,750 employees | 19% | 460 |
| Year | Employment in the United States | Projected Employment in the United States (2032) | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 139,400 employees | 150,200 employees | 8% | 19,500 |
Sources of Data:
- Projections Central – This source provides the 2020-2030 long-term projections for employment trends within Virginia.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – This is the source for the 2022-2032 employment projections for the United States as a whole.
What’s It Like to Work as a Phlebotomist in Virginia?
Working as a phlebotomist in Virginia offers a stable and growing career path, with the state projecting a 19% increase in phlebotomy jobs by 2030. Phlebotomists in Virginia can expect to find opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donation centers, and other medical facilities. The role involves drawing blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations, and requires a combination of technical skill, attention to detail, and the ability to interact compassionately with patients. With an average annual wage that is competitive with the national average, phlebotomists in Virginia are well-compensated for their essential contributions to patient care and medical diagnostics.