Phlebotomy is a vital part of the healthcare industry. Phlebotomists make good wages and get to make a positive impact on people’s lives. If you’re interested in becoming a certified phlebotomist technician, you’re in the right place. We’ve got a list of some of the best phlebotomy training classes in Ohio for you to explore. We’ve also gathered information that will give you a better understanding of what phlebotomists do, what it’s like to work as a phlebotomist, and what you can expect in school.
Phlebotomists are trained technicians that collect blood samples and prepare them for laboratory analysis. The main duty of a phlebotomist is to perform blood draws. This is done by making an incision either in the vein or in the skin. The technical term for drawing blood from a vein is venipuncture, and the technical term for drawing blood samples from the skin is a dermal puncture.
To be successful as a phlebotomist, you must demonstrate the technical skills required to collect samples for analysis. Personality characteristics that good phlebotomists possess include sympathy, honesty and integrity, the ability to work under pressure, interpersonal skills, and communication skills.
Explore the classes below to find one that fits your budget and schedule. All accredited classes cover the same material, but they may vary in structure. Contact the school for information on specific questions.
Phlebotomy training is relatively short compared to occupations for technicians with similar skill levels and pay grades. Before you can enroll, you’ll need to meet a few requirements:
Be 18 years old
Have transcripts of your high school diploma or equivalent
Proof of current immunization records
Pass the background check
Schools receive accreditation from associations like National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). These organizations provide tests as well as oversee certification renewals. To see a full list of organizations that provide certification and standards, see The Links at the bottom of this page.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Phlebotomists are highly trained technicians that need to demonstrate proficiency in the blood drawing procedure. Classes also cover a wide array of medical subjects. Training programs cover:
Working with patients
Collecting blood and capillary specimens
Selecting equipment
Handling labeling and transporting specimens
Sorting and organizing specimens
Performing computer operations
Performing point-of-care testing and quality control
Training consists of 20 hours of classroom study in 20 hours of clinical experience. It may be more depending on the school you attend and the program you enter. In addition to the procedure of drawing blood and handling specimens, students study a number of medical subjects.
Just includes basic knowledge of medical terms, anatomy and physiology, bloodborne diseases, and other areas of medical care. You’ll also learn about HIPAA and OSHA laws, as well as patient confidentiality. Training is rigorous, but it’s well worth it, and you can definitely do it if you put in the work and time.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Ohio?
Only four states in the US require phlebotomists to hold a certification in Ohio is not one of them. Although it’s not required, it’s the norm for entry-level applicants to have certification to get a job. Additionally, the certification will demonstrate that you understand the policies and procedures required to do your job safely and successfully.
You can work in a number of different outpatient and inpatient facilities if you’re in the medical field. If you want to work in the research science field, you’ll be working in a laboratory setting. Other options include being a traveling phlebotomist. There are a number of special settings you can work in as well, such as schools, prisons, or even zoos.
For most phlebotomists, a large part of their day is spent working with people and patients. In labs, you’ll be doing more quality control and sample preparation.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are over 5,300 phlebotomists working in the state. The job growth outlook for phlebotomists across the US is listed at 10%.
There are lots of job opportunities in the state at hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other places. Below is a list of places where phlebotomists work
Physician’s offices
Ambulatory Care centers
Geriatric care centers
HMOs
Research laboratories
Schools
Rehabilitation care centers
Blood banks
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 a skill that can take you far in life. There is a wide range of different career paths you can take as a certified phlebotomist technician. You can upskill and earn more as a level 2 technician, or you can transition into another career. Many certified phlebotomists end up working in roles like:
Nurses
Medical assistance
Lab technicians
EMT or paramedics
Physician’s assistants
Clinical laboratory scientists
Healthcare trainers or teachers
Those are just some of the career paths you can take; the options are endless. Many people who started out as certified phlebotomist technicians ended up transitioning into the business world as product specialists. Some end up owning their own business or running certified phlebotomy technician training schools. Once you get certified and trained in a specialization, the sky’s the limit.
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Ohio?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for phlebotomists in Ohio is $36,360, with an average hourly wage of $17.48 per hour.
The average salary for a phlebotomist in Ohio also depends a bit on which metro area they are located near.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Akron, OH
270
$ 18.18
$ 37,810
Canton-Massillon, OH
160
$ 17.44
$ 36,260
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
1,020
$ 17.41
$ 36,200
Cleveland-Elyria, OH
950
$ 18.44
$ 38,350
Columbus, OH
790
$ 17.87
$ 37,170
Dayton, OH
620
$ 17.22
$ 35,820
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
150
$ 16.97
$ 35,290
Lima, OH
130
$ 16.10
$ 33,480
Toledo, OH
360
$ 17.45
$ 36,300
Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH
80
$ 16.39
$ 34,090
Wheeling, WV-OH
70
$ 16.17
$ 33,640
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA
220
$ 16.67
$ 34,660
Useful links
Want to learn more? Check out the sites below for more information.
