Attending an accredited phlebotomy certification program gives you a great opportunity to jumpstart your career. And the best part is that you don’t have to go far from home to take classes. We’ve gathered a list of schools near you in Alaska. We also address what phlebotomists do and what you can expect during training.
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. As a phlebotomist, you’ll be responsible for obtaining blood specimens from patients and ensuring the safe and accurate handling of blood specimens. This is a vital role in any clinic or laboratory.
The skills necessary to be a successful phlebotomist include being calm under pressure, good communication skills, and attention to detail. In addition, it is important to work independently and as part of a team. Phlebotomists also need to be comfortable working with blood and other bodily fluids.
When choosing a school for your phlebotomy training, it’s a good idea to find one that meets your needs and provides the education you need to be successful. Each school on our list offers different programs and services, so read up on each before deciding.
Phlebotomy is a great career choice for people who want to help others. It is a very versatile field, and there are many ways to use your phlebotomy skills. Getting your CPT level one certificate takes one to two semesters, and many schools offer online classes.
18 years of age
Proof of residency in Alaska
High school diploma or equivalent
Immunization records
After completing your phlebotomy course, you can take the exam to become certified. Different agencies supply the tests, but they all have the same content. Tests are three hours long and cover many topics, including blood collection procedures, safety and infection control, patient assessment, and more. Several organizations provide certification tests. See the links in the last section to learn more about the organizations that set school standards and grant certifications for technicians.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Classes can be challenging, but completing a certification program does not take long. You can complete most programs in four to six months. You can expect to learn about the following:
The history of phlebotomy
How to safely draw blood from patients
The different types of blood vessels and how to find them
How to prepare specimens for testing
HIPAA and OSHA regulations
Taking vital signs and collecting non-blood samples
Performing point-of-care testing and quality control
You’ll receive classroom work, and hands-on training in a clinical setting. Programs vary regarding the number of classrooms and hands-on training hours required, but most programs will provide at least 40 hours each. Once you receive 20 hours of hands-on training under supervision, you can perform blood draws without supervision during the rest of your training.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Alaska?
Phlebotomists work in various places, including hospitals, clinics, and private laboratories. Depending on their employer’s needs, they may work daytime or evening shifts, and some phlebotomists also work weekends. No matter where they work, phlebotomists must always adhere to strict safety protocols in labs, blood banks, and hospitals. This includes wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), following safety guidelines when handling blood and other specimens, and properly disposing of medical waste.
Phlebotomy jobs in Alaska
Phlebotomists are a critical part of the medical field, and the majority of them work in hospitals and laboratories. However, there are other places where they can be employed. For example, a phlebotomist may be employed by a home health agency to draw blood from patients in their homes. Phlebotomists who work in home care typically have specialized training in this area and can provide quality care to patients in their own homes.
Hospitals
Outpatient Care Centers
Physicians Offices
Ambulatory Care Centers
Veterinarians Offices
Where Phlebotomists Work
% of Jobs
Hospitals
36%
Laboratories
35%
Other ambulatory healthcare services
14%
Physician offices
8%
Outpatient care centers
1%
Phlebotomist career path
Phlebotomy is an important part of the healthcare field, and those who are trained in this skill have many opportunities for advancement. Your career path will depend on where you work and the area you specialize in. There are many areas you can work in from pediatrics and geriatrics to veterinarian and forensic phlebotomy. You can also become a traveling phlebotomist.
With solid training and experience, you can pursue a career in healthcare that offers many possibilities for advancement. You could pursue a career as a:
Lab Technician
Medical Assistant
Nurse
Physician’s Assistant
Research scientist
EMT
Biologist
Research Scientist
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Alaska?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hourly mean wage for phlebotomists in Alaska is $21.11, and the annual mean wage is $43,900. This is a great wage compared to other states, and it’s likely to continue increasing as the demand for phlebotomists grows. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a phlebotomist, Alaska is a great place to do it!
In Alaska’s one major metro area, Anchorage, phlebotomists make slightly less than the state average.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Anchorage, AK
120
$ 20.58
$ 42,810
Useful links
The following links can be useful for people looking to take phlebotomy classes in Alaska.
