If you’re looking for a career in the health field that you can enter rapidly, and with good job prospects in the coming years, consider becoming a phlebotomy technician.
The phlebotomy demand is predicted to be favorable within the next decade, making this field worth a closer look. Learn what phlebotomy technicians do, what the demand is for phlebotomists, what opportunities you can expect to find, and why getting certified will boost your job prospects.
What Phlebotomy Technicians Do
Also referred to as phlebotomists, and in some circles pharmacy or lab technicians, phlebotomy technicians work in health and laboratory settings to draw blood samples for therapeutic or scientific purposes, including tests, blood donations, transfusions, and research. They can work in a variety of settings, including blood mobiles, hospitals, research labs, doctors’ offices, and other locations.
Important skills and qualifications for this job include:
- A desire to help others
- The ability to follow procedures accurately
- Attention to detail
- Ability to put others at ease
- Commitment to following safe practices
- Being comfortable in a health or lab environment
People who have received phlebotomy training, such as at a community college or a specialized vocational school, who have completed a set number of blood draws, and who have been certified to perform this work are good prospects for becoming phlebotomy technicians.
A Look at the Phlebotomy Demand
In the coming years, the phlebotomy demand for individuals who are skilled and certified is predicted to be robust.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ occupational outlook handbook, the job outlook for phlebotomists in the coming years is faster than average.
- Between now and 2031, phlebotomy demand is expected to increase by 10%, which is a faster than average rate compared to other careers.
In 2021, there were approximately 135,500 phlebotomists working in the field, and this number is expected to grow each year through the next decade.
Key Job Market Insights
- Approximately 21,500 new openings are expected for phlebotomy technicians each year through 2031.
- Many of these openings will result from people transferring to other positions or retiring.
Job Opportunities for Phlebotomy Technicians
Once you’ve received the right kind of training, you’ve performed enough blood draws, and you’ve been certified, where can you work?
Job opportunities for phlebotomy technicians include working in any of these areas:
- Research institutes
- Hospitals
- Health Clinics
- Doctors’ practices
- Clinical laboratories
- Research labs
- Pharmacies
- Blood donation centers
- Assisted living facilities
- And other locations
Importance of Phlebotomy Certification
Because many employers seek phlebotomy technicians who have achieved professional certification, it’s important to become certified. Doing so can qualify you for more positions, including higher paying ones.
Being certified by the NAPTP, the National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals, involves taking an exam that shows employers you are qualified to do the job with a strong degree of competency.
The NAPTP exam is an online, proctored exam you can study for at your own pace. The exam itself takes two hours to complete. Passing it with 80% or higher gives you certification, which is then recorded online and can be easily verified by the employers you’re applying with.
You can maintain your certification by taking the renewal test every two years.
About NAPTP
The National Association of Phlebotomy Technicians is the organization behind the NAPTP exam, recognized as the gold standard for phlebotomists. We are the leading organization in the nation for certifying phlebotomy technicians.
Whether you’re getting certified for the first time or renewing your certification, we can help. Learn more about what you need to know to take the NAPTP exam.
