This guide contains an extensive list of schools and what you need to know to enter the field and practice as a phlebotomist. We cover training, certification, career options, average salary, and what you can expect from day to day on the job. You can research requirements and programs offered by different schools and compare tuition costs and other important factors.
Phlebotomy is a medical profession that involves drawing blood from patients for various purposes. Phlebotomists are trained and certified professionals who follow strict guidelines and procedures to collect blood safely and correctly. The primary duties of a phlebotomist are to interview patients, explain the blood-drawing procedure, and collect the required amount of blood.
To succeed as a phlebotomist, you must have good communication skills, empathy, a positive attitude, and the ability to handle difficult situations. You must also be able to stay calm under pressure and have good manual dexterity. Most phlebotomists spend a large part of their day working with patients, so it is important that you enjoy working with people.
Find phlebotomy classes near you
More phlebotomy classes near you in Kentucky
There are many different types of phlebotomy training programs available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some may be shorter or longer, some may be more expensive than others, and some may have different course structures. Please visit the websites of the schools you are interested in and contact them for more information you can find online. Here are a few popular types of classes to consider:
The good news is that there is a low entry barrier and you can become certified within a matter of months. The training can be difficult, but it’s worth it, as phlebotomy is a growing field with many career options. As long as you meet the requirements below, you can enroll in classes:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or GED
Complete a phlebotomy training program
Proof of immunization from major diseases such as TB
Proof of residency
Students who complete phlebotomy training will be prepared to take a certification exam. While exams vary depending on the organization that oversees them, you can expect to take a 90-minute test with multiple-choice and essay questions. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) are two of the agencies that provide phlebotomy certification exams and accreditation to schools. Many of the same organizations provide CEUs that can be completed online or in person.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Phlebotomy training will prepare students for a career in phlebotomy by teaching them the necessary skills and knowledge they need to know. They offer phlebotomy certification exams, and they have set forth standards for what classes must teach in order to prepare students for a career in phlebotomy. Most classes will cover topics such as:
Blood collection techniques
Patient care
Safety and infection control
Medical terminology
Anatomy and physiology
Ethics and legal issues
Training is divided into two parts, classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience. You’ll learn how to draw blood from veins and arteries in the classroom portion and handle and store specimens. You’ll also study basic medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and safety issues. In the clinical part of your training, you’ll get hands-on experience with patients under the supervision of an experienced phlebotomist.
After you become certified, you can start working as a phlebotomist. Certifications last for two years, and in between that time, you must meet continuing education requirements by completing continuing education units (CEUs). Most phlebotomists work in hospitals, clinics, or blood banks.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Kentucky?
Phlebotomists work in a variety of settings, but most often, they work in hospitals, blood banks, and clinics. In Kentucky, there are many hospitals, blood banks, and clinics that hire phlebotomists. A large percentage of phlebotomists in the state also work in scientific research laboratories.
Phlebotomy jobs in Kentucky
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there are currently over 2,300 phlebotomists working in Kentucky, and there are many opportunities for certified phlebotomist technicians in the state. The job growth outlook is positive, with an estimated 10% growth rate between 2020 to 2030. There are three primary places CPTs in the medical field work, outpatient facilities, inpatient facilities, and research lab settings.
Hospital outpatient clinics
Urgent care clinics
Walk-in clinic
Clinics associated with a doctor’s office
Hospital emergency departments
Hospital inpatient wards
Long-term care hospitals
Where Phlebotomists Work
% of Jobs
Hospitals
36%
Laboratories
35%
Other ambulatory healthcare services
14%
Physician offices
8%
Outpatient care centers
1%
Phlebotomist career path
Phlebotomists can choose from many different lucrative career paths. Some choose to work in a hospital or clinic setting, while others may opt to work in research or for a pharmaceutical company. Some phlebotomists even choose to open their own practice. Others may become scientists or work in sales or marketing for a medical device company. Below are careers you can transition to after obtaining certification.
Research scientist
Registered nurse
Sales product specialist
Teacher or trainer
Doctor
Licensed practical nurse
Supervisor
CPTs may want to join a professional organization to network with other professionals in the field. Organizations like the American Society for Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) offer continuing education, certification renewal, and networking opportunities.
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Kentucky?
In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average salary for phlebotomists in the state was $35,760 per year. The average hourly wage was $17.19.
Pay rates for phlebotomists vary from metro area to metro area as well.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
1,020
$ 17.41
$ 36,200
Clarksville, TN-KY
70
$ 15.98
$ 33,230
Evansville, IN-KY
170
$ 16.35
$ 34,010
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
150
$ 16.97
$ 35,290
Lexington-Fayette, KY
330
$ 18.04
$ 37,520
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN
930
$ 17.66
$ 36,730
Owensboro, KY
90
$ 17.88
$ 37,200
Useful links
The links below contain helpful information on certification, standards, and more.
