What is the difference between a licensed phlebotomist and a certified phlebotomist

Working in hospitals, medical diagnostic labs and blood donation centers, phlebotomists calm anxious patients, draw blood and label specimens. Although only four states require a phlebotomy license or a certificate, employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who are trained and certified. Completing a training program and earning certification builds self-confidence and professional competency, which is much appreciated by patients.

Table of Contents Show

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
Is a Phlebotomy License Required?
Reasons for Obtaining Certification
Phlebotomist Education and Training
Phlebotomist Salary and Job Prospects
Which phlebotomy certification is best?
What is the difference between phlebotomist 1 and phlebotomist 2?
What kind of phlebotomist make the most money?
What is the difference between a phlebotomy tech and a phlebotomist?

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A phlebotomist license or certification is issued to those who have demonstrated a sufficient level of skill to properly draw blood and handle specimens in a clinical setting.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

Phlebotomists are technicians trained to carefully draw blood from a person’s vein or finger using sterile equipment. Along with proficient clinical skills, phlebotomists must have the compassion to put a patient at ease before attempting to draw a blood sample ordered by a physician for diagnostic purposes. Some phlebotomy techs work for blood banks or plasma donation centers.

Phlebotomists properly label blood vials and record information in a computer database. Disposing of blood, biohazard tissues and contaminated sharps must be done properly in accordance with the law. Another critical component of the job is maintaining sterile supplies and equipment at all times.

Is a Phlebotomy License Required?

Only Louisiana, Nevada, Washington and California require phlebotomists to be licensed or certified, according to the National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (NPCE) organization. Information on state requirements can be found on the NPCE website.

In Louisiana, phlebotomists must have a phlebotomy license along with certification. Nevada classifies phlebotomists as lab assistants and requires a lab assistant license and phlebotomy certification. The state of Washington requires phlebotomists to be fully trained, licensed and certified. California phlebotomists must obtain and renew their certification every two years to legally work in that state. Phlebotomist license renewal and recertification is often required every two years.

Reasons for Obtaining Certification

Virtually all employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who are certified through a professional organization such as the National Phlebotomy Association, as indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A phlebotomy license or a certificate in phlebotomy may be earned after taking a short training course and passing a certification exam.

The purpose of a certification exam is to test working knowledge of subjects such as venipuncture, capillary puncture, infection control, OSHA regulations and handling confidential medical records. Depending on the state, the exam may also require an in-person demonstration of clinical skills to ensure proficiency and protect patients.

Phlebotomist Education and Training

At a minimum, phlebotomists must have a high school diploma or GED and receive on-the-job training. Many phlebotomists enroll in a phlebotomy training program at one of many public and private schools throughout the country.

Most phlebotomy programs are both didactic and hands-on. The Mayo Clinic, for example, offers a nine-week, tuition-free program that combines classroom lectures with skill-building. Students draw hundreds of blood samples in outpatient and hospital settings as part of their training.

It is also possible to complete training online and learn hands-on clinical skills separately. For example, a phlebotomy certification online program is available through MedCerts. Students complete 11 weeks of video-based instruction. Students must find a clinical setting that will allow them to complete the clinical portion of training. Students can then sit for a phlebotomy certification exam. The MedCert website notes that the program does not meet the training requirements of Washington or California.

Phlebotomist Salary and Job Prospects

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that phlebotomists earn an average annual wage of $36,480, as of May 2019. The median annual salary is slightly lower at $35,520. In other words, half of all phlebotomists earn more than the median salary, while half earn less. The top 10 percent earn upwards of $49,750, and the lowest-paid 10 percent earn less than $26,000.

The BLS projects that job demand for phlebotomists will increase 23 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than average. Job opportunities will be best for those who are certified by reputable organizations, the BLS notes.

The Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology offers students interested in the field of phlebotomy the experience and training required for success. The 11-week program prepares students for the National Healthcare Association (NHA) exam and for seeking employment in the field.

What Is a Phlebotomy Technician? What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

A phlebotomy technician is responsible for the collecting of blood specimens for the laboratory to help diagnose health conditions and illnesses. However, a phlebotomy technician is also responsible for prepping lab equipment, gauging a patient’s reaction to the blood draw and collect the fluids correctly. Some technicians will be responsible for properly disposing and shipping blood samples to laboratories outside of their place of employment, ensuring the right samples are received.

What Does Phlebotomy Mean?

The word phlebotomy means the drawing of blood by venipuncture for transfusion, diagnostic testing or experimental procedures.

Is a Phlebotomy Technician Different Than a Phlebotomist?

A phlebotomy technician and a phlebotomist are interchangeable job titles for the same career. They both draw blood from patients, take care of lab equipment, take care of patients while in the lab and ship samples as applicable.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Phlebotomist?

How long is phlebotomy training? After receiving a qualifying high school diploma, students should attend an accredited college such as Cambridge to begin the process. Through Cambridge, our phlebotomy program includes 11 weeks of fast-paced training.

How do you get phlebotomy certification? After receiving certification for the completion of this training, you will need to take and pass the National Healthcare Association (NHA) exam to seek employment. After successful passing, you’ll be licensed as a phlebotomist.

Where Can a Phlebotomist Work?

Phlebotomists work in various locations such as clinical laboratories, hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics, blood donation centers, nursing homes and other facilities. Anywhere where blood is drawn is the perfect place for a phlebotomy technician.

Is a Phlebotomist a Good Job?

If you want to be at the forefront of patient care and enjoy helping physicians solve the medical puzzle, phlebotomy is a great job for you. Phlebotomy technicians have flexibility in where they work and how they work, something some careers don’t offer. Phlebotomy can also open up new opportunities within the medical field for those interested in growing their career.

How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make?

According to PayScale, phlebotomists make an average hourly salary of $14.41, with a minimum being $10.73 and maximum being $18.76. The average yearly salary ranges from $22,343 to $40,221 depending on location and type of employment.

Is Being a Phlebotomist Hard?

Although the training and education you receive through Cambridge are challenging, we give you the tools and assistance necessary to be successful. The phlebotomy career requires hands-on patient care around bodily fluids and illness. For those who struggle with blood or illness, phlebotomy can prove to be more difficult than another career option.

How Long Does a Phlebotomy Certification Last? Does It Expire?

According to the NHA, certification renewal must occur every two years and costs $169 at this time to renew. To recertify, you’ll need to log into your account online, complete 10 continuing education credits and pay your recertification fee for renewal.

Want to Learn More?

Does phlebotomy sound like a great career for you? Reach out to Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology to learn more and get started today by calling 877-206-4279.

Which phlebotomy certification is best?

The Best Phlebotomy Certification Programs in 2022.

Best Overall: Phlebotomy Career Training..

Best Accelerated Program: Chicago School of Phlebotomy..

Best Intensive Program: National Phlebotomy Association (NPA).

Best Online Option: American National University..

Best Value: Heart to Heart Healthcare Training..

What is the difference between phlebotomist 1 and phlebotomist 2?

Remember that a Phlebotomy Technician II license grants authorization to perform venipuncture, arterial punctures, and skin punctures. The primary difference for this license is that you must already have a current CDPH Phlebotomy Technician I license, along with 1040 hours of field-experience over the past five years.

What kind of phlebotomist make the most money?

High Paying Phlebotomist Jobs.

Phlebotomy Supervisor. Salary range: $41,000-$72,500 per year. ... .

Phlebotomy Specialist. Salary range: $36,000-$65,000 per year. ... .

Laboratory Phlebotomist. ... .

Representative Phlebotomy Services. ... .

Certified Phlebotomy Technician. ... .

Mobile Phlebotomist. ... .

Phlebotomy Technician. ... .

Certified Phlebotomist..

What is the difference between a phlebotomy tech and a phlebotomist?

Is a Phlebotomy Technician Different Than a Phlebotomist? A phlebotomy technician and a phlebotomist are interchangeable job titles for the same career. They both draw blood from patients, take care of lab equipment, take care of patients while in the lab and ship samples as applicable.