There are many reasons someone might want to become a certified phlebotomy technician. You may like working with people and want to help them in a medical setting. Or maybe you want to advance your career. Whether you have experience in the field or are thinking of starting a new career, this guide will help you find the proper training and provide information on what you can expect after you start working. This page is a guide that will help you get started. Explore our big list of accredited schools to narrow down your choices.
What do phlebotomists do?
Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a patient for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It has been around for centuries; even Hippocrates wrote about it in 400 BC. The first phlebotomists were probably barbers, who were also responsible for bloodletting. Phlebotomy became a formal medical profession in the 18th century.
Modern phlebotomy technicians are trained to draw blood from patients safely and comfortably. They work in hospitals, clinics, and blood banks. While collecting blood samples is the primary duty of a phlebotomist, to be successful as a phlebotomy technician, you need to develop strong customer service skills. You will be dealing with patients daily, and it is important to put them at ease and make them feel comfortable. It would help if you also were patient and meticulous, as there can be a lot of precision involved in drawing blood. It is also essential to be able to work independently, as you may have to work alone in some settings.
It’s important to research and find a program that fits your needs. Programs vary in structure and what they offer, so it’s important to find the best fit for you. We encourage you to explore the schools below and check out their websites to find more information about tuition, scheduling, and curriculum. Please contact the schools directly to help with questions you can’t find answers to online.
Maine phlebotomy program requirements
The good thing about becoming a CPT is that it doesn’t take long, and there aren’t many requirements to enroll. Below is a list of what you’ll need to do to qualify and get your certification:
- Be 18 years of age
- Have a current ID
- Show proof of immunization
- Complete a training program
- Apply for certification
National accreditation agencies accredited schools that offer phlebotomy technician certification. Some of these agencies are the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These agencies set standards for the training and education of phlebotomy technicians. They also ensure that schools meet rigorous quality standards.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Becoming a certified phlebotomist technician can be a very rewarding experience. It can be challenging, but with persistence and practice, you can do it. Schools prepare you for many things, such as working with patients and dealing with different types of blood draws. They also teach you how to be efficient and work quickly. This is important because you will often have to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Accredited phlebotomy training schools cover subjects such as:
- Phlebotomy basics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Legal issues
- Patient relations
- Infection control
- Proper venipuncture techniques
- Order of draw
- Quality assurance
Training consists of classroom work and clinical experience. Students learn how to perform venipunctures on live patients under the supervision of a licensed phlebotomist. Clinical experience is generally completed at a hospital, blood bank, or other medical facilities. After completing an accredited phlebotomy training program, graduates are eligible to take a national certification exam administered by one of the agencies listed in the links section.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Maine?
Once you are certified, you can work anywhere in the nation. The setting depends on your goals and what you want to do with your career. You could work in a hospital, a clinic, or even a research lab. The type of facility determines the hours you will work and the pay you will earn. You could also travel with a mobile blood draw team or work from home as a contractor. Most jobs are available at hospitals or laboratories, and there are many opportunities for advancement.
Phlebotomy jobs in Maine
There are many opportunities for work as a certified phlebotomist technician in this state. You will be helping people every day, and you can expect to do many different things in this job. The most common settings are hospitals and laboratories in the healthcare industry, but there are plenty of jobs outside of this as well.
There are many different ways to become a certified phlebotomist technician, and there are only a few states that require certification. Maine does not require phlebotomists to be nationally certified, but certification will demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job. Moreover, it’s the norm if you are an entry-level technician with no experience.
- Research Laboratories
- Outpatient Clinics
- Physicians’ Offices
- Home Health Settings
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Schools
Where Phlebotomists Work
% of Jobs
Hospitals
36%
Laboratories
35%
Other ambulatory healthcare services
14%
Physician offices
8%
Outpatient care centers
1%
Phlebotomist career path
Once you become a CPT, the sky’s the limit. As a phlebotomist, you can make a difference in the lives of others by helping to save lives. Phlebotomy is a stable career with plenty of opportunities for advancement, and there are multiple career possibilities to pursue. One option is to work in the healthcare industry. Some phlebotomists decide to become educators or trainers, while others use their skills to work in the criminal justice system or in marketing. The possibilities are endless, and it all depends on what you want to do with your certification. You can choose to transition to:
- Certified Nurse
- Product Specialist
- Trainer or teacher
- Medical Assistant
- EKG Technician
- Paramedic
- Marketing Representative
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Maine?
The annual yearly salary for a phlebotomist in Maine is $36,820 which is $17.70 per hour (source). The top 10 percent of earners make more than $44,400 per year.
| Metro Area | Phlebotomists Employed | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Wage |
| Bangor, ME | 100 | $ 18.27 | $ 38,010 |
| Dover-Durham, NH-ME | 50 | $ 19.09 | $ 39,700 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 40 | $ 17.67 | $ 36,760 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 270 | $ 17.65 | $ 36,700 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | 120 | $ 20.53 | $ 42,710 |
Useful links
You can learn more about national certification and the practice of phlebotomy by clicking the links below.
- Phlebotomist jobs in Maine on Indeed
- NPA national phlebotomy license verification
- National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
- National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
- American Certification for Healthcare (ACA)
- American Allied Health National Certification (CPT)
- American Medical Techniques (AMT)
- American Society for Clinical Lab Science (ASCLS)
- American Society for Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC)
- National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)