Are you interested in a new career as a certified phlebotomist technician (CPT)? There are some great training programs in Georgia. The quickest way to become a phlebotomist is to attain certification. And the first step toward getting your certification is training. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best schools in the state to help you get started. This page provides information on what to expect from phlebotomy classes, where you can work as a phlebotomist, and jobs you can find in DC after certification. There are also useful links at the end for those who want more information.
What do phlebotomists do?
Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood. The practice goes back at least 3500 years and has evolved into an exact science. Phlebotomists are professionals who draw blood and handle samples.
As a phlebotomist, your main job duties will be drawing blood and handling samples, but there are many other skills you will use on the job. Characteristics you need to be successful include empathy, effective communication, a positive attitude, and the ability to handle stress.
There are lots of great schools but programs will vary based on the one you choose to attend. Some may have programs that allow you to specialize in other areas of healthcare such as being a medical assistant.
It is recommended to explore schools you are interested in and narrow down a few to make sure they fit in with your plan, budget, and schedule. If you want more specific information about the training programs in the links below, please visit their websites or contact them for information on things like tuition and school policies.
Georgia phlebotomy program requirements
Everyone who enrolls in a phlebotomy training program needs to meet certain criteria. You’ll find that most programs have identical requirements.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a current state ID
- Get all your shots for diseases like tuberculosis and tetanus.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Schools may have different training programs, but every national certification organization requires that you complete 20 hours of theoretical study and 20 hours of practice in a live clinical setting.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Phlebotomy plays an important role in the healthcare system. You must possess a variety of skills to meet legal regulations and succeed as a CPT. The school curriculum will teach you technical skills and soft skills that you’ll need for dealing with people and coping with stressful working conditions. Below is the list of areas phlebotomist training programs focus on:
- The techniques involved in collecting samples
- Informed consent
- HIPAA regulations
- The proper blood drawing procedure
- Specimen handling
- Human Anatomy
You get a mix of theoretical class time and practical training. You will train your technical skills under the supervision of a licensed practitioner in a clinical setting. Other class work may be done online or in the classroom.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Georgia?
Phlebotomists work in many healthcare settings. You may work at a research laboratory, in a healthcare facility, in private homes, or in other places. You’ll most often be working with other healthcare professionals if you choose to work in a hospital or a physician’s office setting. If you work in a lab, you will work less with the public and have more technical duties.
| Where Phlebotomists Work | % of Jobs |
| Hospitals | 36% |
| Laboratories | 35% |
| Other ambulatory healthcare services | 14% |
| Physician offices | 8% |
| Outpatient care centers | 1% |
Best Georgia Cities for Phlebotomy Training
Phlebotomy jobs in Georgia
Like most states, certification isn’t required in Georgia, but it will help you stand out among job candidates, and the rigorous training will give you the confidence to handle any situation that you’ll encounter.
- Emergency rooms
- Hospitals
- In-Home Care
- Doctor’s offices
- Anywhere that needs phlebotomy
You’ll work closely with patients to draw blood for diagnosis and monitor disease conditions. To keep your certification, you’ll need to renew your license every two years, which requires the completion of continuing education units (CEUs). Continuing education is provided by some of the same accreditation organizations that offer certification exams. A few are American medical techniques (AMT), The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), and the Center for Competency Testing (CPT).
Phlebotomist career path
The logical next steps for those who want to advance in healthcare involve becoming a nurse, doctor, or any other role working with patients. Below are a few of the most common positions phlebotomists transition into.
- Registered nurse
- Laboratory Assistant
- Laboratory Research Scientist
- Supervisor
- Sales Product Specialist
- Accredited Phlebotomy Trainer
As of May 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS reported that there were 4,640 active phlebotomists in the state of Georgia (source)
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Georgia?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2021 report, phlebotomists in Georgia earned $19.05 per hour, which comes out to $39,620 a year. The top earners made $23.13 per hour, which is $48,110 annually.
Salaries also shift quite a bit from one major metro area to the next in Georgia.
| Metro Area | Phlebotomists Employed | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Wage |
| Albany, GA | 70 | $ 17.21 | $ 35,790 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 160 | $ 18.18 | $ 37,820 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 3,030 | $ 20.31 | $ 42,250 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 340 | $ 17.73 | $ 36,880 |
| Brunswick, GA | 60 | $ 17.08 | $ 35,530 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 220 | $ 16.54 | $ 34,410 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 180 | $ 16.95 | $ 35,260 |
| Gainesville, GA | 130 | $ 18.93 | $ 39,370 |
| Macon, GA | 150 | $ 18.12 | $ 37,680 |
| Rome, GA | 70 | $ 18.14 | $ 37,720 |
| Savannah, GA | 200 | $ 18.77 | $ 39,050 |
| Valdosta, GA | 100 | $ 15.72 | $ 32,700 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 80 | $ 16.66 | $ 34,650 |
Useful links
Take a look at the links below for more information on becoming a certified phlebotomy technician CPT in Georgia.
- Phlebotomist jobs in Georgia on Indeed
- NPA national phlebotomy license verification
- National Phlebotomy Association
- American Allied Health National Certification (CPT)
- American Certification for Healthcare (ACA)
- American Medical Techniques (AMT)
- American Society for Clinical Lab Science (ASCLS)
- American Society for Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC)
- National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- National Healthcare Association (NHA)