Everything You Need to Know About Phlebotomy Salary
Introduction:
Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood samples from people of all ages by skin puncture, venipuncture or arterial collection as needed for blood donations or medical tests. To collect blood from an arm vein, the phlebotomist first applies a tourniquet to the upper arm to slow blood flow. An alcohol swab is used to disinfect a small area near the inside of the elbow. The phlebotomist then locates a vein and inserts a needle, a process called "venipuncture." Phlebotomists can also sample blood through skin puncture, such as pricking a finger to test a patient's blood sugar or determine blood type.
Phlebotomy Salary:
Phlebotomy Salary vary according to the area in which they work. Some phlebotomists make minimum wage or just above, and others may make well over $40,000 a year. The Web site http://phlebotomy-usa.com/phlebotomy-salary/ reports that salary annual earnings and median wage of phlebotomists for 2009 were $42,910, with the top 10% earning more than $58,000.
Phlebotomists work in clinical laboratories, hospitals, community health centers, nursing homes, doctor's offices, blood donation centers, and other health care facilities. The phlebotomist also must observe strict safety protocols to avoid direct contact with the blood. Many infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis, can be transmitted through blood contact. Even the slightest distraction can lead to a "needlestick" injury and possible infection. Phlebotomists must be extremely accurate and careful. In a busy facility, they may take dozens of blood samples during a typical shift. They must be able to work under pressure without sacrificing accuracy or safety.
Educational requirements for phlebotomists vary; but, a high school diploma is necessary. There are also many 2 year programs offering phlebotomy certification. The NAACLS has approved 57 programs in phlebotomy training. Phlebotomy Certification requirements vary from state to state. Continuing education is required to maintain certification. Some states also require phlebotomists to be licensed. With additional education and experience, phlebotomists can move into other medical laboratory technical positions.
Many employers will hire only phlebotomists who have successfully passed the certification exam. To take the exam, you must complete a training program and demonstrate 100 successful venipunctures and 25 skin punctures. NPA requires 200 hours of training, which includes clinical experience. People also must pass the Phlebotomy certification exam with a score of 70% or better.
A Phlebotomy Salary also vary depending on the employer and geographic location. According to the 2010 Vacancy and Wage Survey conducted by the Clinical Pathology of American Society (ASCP), staff phlebotomists earn a median average wage of $13.50 per hour or $28,080 per year; average pay for supervisors is $20.08 per hour or $41,766 annually.
The Bottom Line:
Laboratory tests play an essential role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. To become a phlebotomist, you must complete a training program, that includes learn about blood collection procedures, anatomy, and handling of blood samples, and safety precautions. There are more than 200 accredited phlebotomy training programs at community colleges and vocational schools nationwide. Many employers will hire only phlebotomists who have successfully passed the certification exam. To take the exam, you must complete a phlebotomy training program and demonstrate 100 successful venipunctures and 25 skin punctures.
Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood samples from people of all ages by skin puncture, venipuncture or arterial collection as needed for blood donations or medical tests. To collect blood from an arm vein, the phlebotomist first applies a tourniquet to the upper arm to slow blood flow. An alcohol swab is used to disinfect a small area near the inside of the elbow. The phlebotomist then locates a vein and inserts a needle, a process called "venipuncture." Phlebotomists can also sample blood through skin puncture, such as pricking a finger to test a patient's blood sugar or determine blood type.
Phlebotomy Salary:
Phlebotomy Salary vary according to the area in which they work. Some phlebotomists make minimum wage or just above, and others may make well over $40,000 a year. The Web site http://phlebotomy-usa.com/phlebotomy-salary/ reports that salary annual earnings and median wage of phlebotomists for 2009 were $42,910, with the top 10% earning more than $58,000.
Phlebotomists work in clinical laboratories, hospitals, community health centers, nursing homes, doctor's offices, blood donation centers, and other health care facilities. The phlebotomist also must observe strict safety protocols to avoid direct contact with the blood. Many infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis, can be transmitted through blood contact. Even the slightest distraction can lead to a "needlestick" injury and possible infection. Phlebotomists must be extremely accurate and careful. In a busy facility, they may take dozens of blood samples during a typical shift. They must be able to work under pressure without sacrificing accuracy or safety.
Educational requirements for phlebotomists vary; but, a high school diploma is necessary. There are also many 2 year programs offering phlebotomy certification. The NAACLS has approved 57 programs in phlebotomy training. Phlebotomy Certification requirements vary from state to state. Continuing education is required to maintain certification. Some states also require phlebotomists to be licensed. With additional education and experience, phlebotomists can move into other medical laboratory technical positions.
Many employers will hire only phlebotomists who have successfully passed the certification exam. To take the exam, you must complete a training program and demonstrate 100 successful venipunctures and 25 skin punctures. NPA requires 200 hours of training, which includes clinical experience. People also must pass the Phlebotomy certification exam with a score of 70% or better.
A Phlebotomy Salary also vary depending on the employer and geographic location. According to the 2010 Vacancy and Wage Survey conducted by the Clinical Pathology of American Society (ASCP), staff phlebotomists earn a median average wage of $13.50 per hour or $28,080 per year; average pay for supervisors is $20.08 per hour or $41,766 annually.
The Bottom Line:
Laboratory tests play an essential role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. To become a phlebotomist, you must complete a training program, that includes learn about blood collection procedures, anatomy, and handling of blood samples, and safety precautions. There are more than 200 accredited phlebotomy training programs at community colleges and vocational schools nationwide. Many employers will hire only phlebotomists who have successfully passed the certification exam. To take the exam, you must complete a phlebotomy training program and demonstrate 100 successful venipunctures and 25 skin punctures.