How to Become a Phlebotomist in Wisconsin
If you’ve ever gone through a blood-drawing procedure, you’ve seen a phlebotomist at work. These skilled medical technicians are responsible for collecting blood samples and making sure those samples are handled properly. Most people encounter phlebotomists at hospitals, in doctors’ offices or in senior centers. However, they also work in laboratories that specialize in blood work.
Wisconsin is an appealing location for anyone interested in becoming a phlebotomist. That’s true, in part, because state residents working in the phlebotomy field make incomes that exceed the national average. In addition, Wisconsin lacks some of the licensing requirements you’ll find in other states. Still, you need to get some kind of training if you realistically hope to get hired as a phlebotomist. Here’s how you can get training that increases your employment odds.
Requirements for Wisconsin Phlebotomists
You don’t need to register with the state in order to work as a phlebotomist in Wisconsin. However, you do need to be at least 18 years old. In addition, you must be a high school graduate or have an equivalent GED. Specific employers may also require you to do things like pass a criminal background check.
When looking at your options for training, you should strongly consider enrolling in a program that prepares you for national phlebotomist certification. Technically, this kind of certification is not a set requirement. However, many Wisconsin employers give preference to job candidates who possess the skill set that a national certificate demands.
There are multiple certifying organizations that operate on a national level. Examples include:
- The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- The American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
The training program you choose may have the goal of preparing you for a specific organization’s certification exam. However, this is not always the case.
Training Options for Wisconsin Phlebotomists
You’ll find phlebotomy training programs in a number of cities throughout Wisconsin. Programs you may want to keep in mind include:
- Nicolet College’s Phlebotomy Technician Diploma Program – Nicolet College is located in Rhinelander. To get your phlebotomist diploma from the school, you must complete two semesters of courses with a total of 23 class credits. The program includes two phlebotomy classes, one basic and the other more advanced. In addition, it includes seven other classes designed to round out your phlebotomy education. With some extra work, program graduates can also earn a second technical diploma as a medical assistant.
- Aurora Health Care Career’s Phlebotomy Program – Aurora is based in Milwaukee. Its phlebotomy program is an intensive course that provides 80 hours of instruction in 10 days of classes. The program takes place at West Allis Medical Center. This location makes it possible to combine theoretical learning with hands-on exposure to a phlebotomist’s daily work routine.
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s Phlebotomy Certificate Program – This program is based in Green Bay. All participants must complete a total of seven phlebotomy-related courses before they qualify for a graduation certificate. Northeast Wisconsin’s training specifically prepares you to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologists’ certification exam.
What’s the Income Potential for a Wisconsin Phlebotomist?
With a typical annual salary of close to $37,000, Wisconsin phlebotomists beat the national income average by more than $1,000 a year. Even new phlebotomists are paid relatively well within the state. However, those with solid experience can make quite a bit more. Indeed.com reports that several Wisconsin cities provide especially high earnings potential. These cities include West Allis, Kenosha, Milwaukee and West Bend.
Phlebotomists’ Future Job Outlook
Phlebotomy is a booming field within the American labor market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that, in 2028, there will be almost 30,000 more phlebotomist openings nationwide than there were in 2018. This level of growth translates into ample employment options for those wishing to enter the field.