A phlebotomist is someone who draws blood samples. Continue reading to learn what degrees are available in phlebotomy, whether you need to be licensed, if degrees can be earned online, what classes will be included and what the employment outlook is for this field.
Do I Need a Bachelor's Degree to Work in Phlebotomy?
If you wish to become a phlebotomist, you need to complete a training program in phlebotomy. Such programs generally lead to a certificate or diploma. Phlebotomy courses are also sometimes offered as part of an associate's degree in the allied health field.
A bachelor's degree in phlebotomy isn't generally available, but you can pursue a related degree in clinical laboratory sciences. A bachelor's degree in this field prepares you to work in a lab or blood bank using some of the same skills utilized in phlebotomy. Tasks include performing lab tests on blood, tissue and other body fluids.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Overview</b></td><td> Training to work in a lab or blood bank performing lab tests</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Some classes are available online, but the majority of classes require in-person attendance for practice</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, ethical medical issues, immunology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensure and Certification</b></td><td> Licensure requirements vary by state; some employers require certification</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Annual Wage (2020)</b></td><td> $36,320 (<i>for all phlebotomists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 17% growth (<i>for all phlebotomists</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnADegreeOnline">Can I Earn a Degree Online?</h3><p>There are some online courses that you can take as part of a phlebotomy program. Classes like anatomy and physiology and medical terminology can be taken online, but the majority of clinical phlebotomy classes require hands-on practice to guarantee that you can perform the necessary procedures. Related degrees in clinical laboratory sciences are also offered online, but nearly always require practical lab experience that must be completed in person.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatClassesWillITake">What Classes Will I Take?</h3><p>In a phlebotomy program, you take classes like:
</p><ul><li>Anatomy and physiology
</li><li>Hematology
</li><li>Clinical chemistry
</li><li>Ethical medical issues
</li><li>Blood banking
</li></ul><p>In a clinical laboratory science bachelor's degree program, you take classes like:
</p><ul><li>Laboratory management
</li><li>Infectious diseases
</li><li>Immunology
</li><li>Clinical microbiology
</li><li>Statistics
</li></ul><h3 id="section---DoINeedALicenseToWorkInPhlebotomy">Do I Need a License to Work in Phlebotomy?</h3><p>Some states require phlebotomists to be licensed, so be sure to check with your state about licensing requirements. In addition, some employers may want you to be certified in phlebotomy, a process that involves taking specific classes and passing an exam. You can find more information about certification at the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences website (<i>www.naacls.org</i>) or the American Medical Technologists website (<i>www.amt1.com</i>).
</p><h3 id="section---IsThisAGoodCareerFieldForMe">Is This a Good Career Field For Me?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for phlebotomists were expected to increase 17% from 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Phlebotomists work on shifts around the clock, which is one reason why there are so many vacancies. The BLS reported the median annual earnings for phlebotomists to be $36,320 in 2020. The BLS listed the median wage for a phlebotomist to be $17.46 an hour in 2020.</p>
