Phlebotomy can be a gratifying career for Michigan residents. Getting certified by an accredited institution is the fastest way to start working as a phlebotomist technician. You’ll learn everything you need to know about drawing blood, from patient assessment to safety procedures. After completing your certification, you’ll be ready for a career in this growing field. Phlebotomist certification classes offer a great way to get into the medical field. But what’s it like on the job? What will your career look like?
Phlebotomy certification classes are available at many community colleges, technical schools, and hospitals. Some programs offer online phlebotomy classes, while others require in-person attendance. It’s essential to research each program and decide which one is the best fit for your lifestyle and career goals. We recommend doing some digging to narrow down your best options and visiting the schools’ websites to find out more information.
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from a patient for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The word phlebotomy is derived from the Greek words phlebo, meaning “vein,” and tome, meaning “to cut.” Phlebotomists are healthcare professionals who specialize in drawing blood. They are responsible for ensuring that patients receive safe and effective blood draws, and they also perform other blood-related procedures such as blood tests and donations. To be successful as a phlebotomist, you must be compassionate, detail-oriented, and have strong communication skills.
Michigan phlebotomy program requirements
The good news is that there is a low entry barrier to enrolling in classes. The training itself can be rigorous, but it is essential to learn all the necessary skills to become a successful phlebotomist. With hard work and determination, you can be on your way to becoming a valuable member of the medical community. Below are the requirements you must meet to enter a training program:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Pass a criminal background check.
Be at least 18 years old.
Provide immunization records.
The standards for schools and certification processes for phlebotomy technicians are set by national organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Some other organizations that certify phlebotomists include the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) and the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT). These agencies provide testing, and many provide continuing education units (CEUs) required to maintain your license.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Phlebotomy technician classes are attractive because you can learn valuable skills in a short amount of time. This is a vital role in the medical community, and it is important to have the proper training before starting this career. With the right training, you can be confident in your ability to safely and effectively draw blood from patients. The skills you learn in these classes will allow you to draw blood from patients for testing and other medical procedures. Below are the subjects you will study:
Anatomy and physiology
Medical Terminology
Patient preparation
Proper blood draw techniques
Safety and infection control
Quality assurance procedures
Laws and regulations
Students will receive at least 20 hours of hands-on training and 20 hours of classroom study before they can practice unsupervised in a clinical setting. Programs may offer classes online or a hybrid structure, which is a mix of in-person and online. Your practical training will take place in a clinical setting. After successfully completing a phlebotomy certification class, you will be able to sit for the national certification exam.
Upon passing this exam, you will be a certified phlebotomy technician. Certification is not required in all states, but it will give you an edge in the job market. Additionally, certification is preferred by employers, especially for entry-level applicants.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Michigan?
As a CPT, you may work in a variety of inpatient or outpatient centers, including hospitals, blood banks, and plasma donation centers. Some technicians travel to patients’ homes to collect specimens. You will also be responsible for maintaining equipment and keeping accurate records. You can work full time, and most settings offer the opportunity to make extra money working overtime or on weekends. Others may work in special settings for ambulatory services, research labs, or insurance companies. Still, others find employment in the pharmaceutical industry or sales.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics website says that there are over 3,000 phlebotomists in Michigan. The job outlook for certified phlebotomy technicians is excellent, with a projected growth rate of 10% from 2021 to 2031. This is faster than the average for all occupations. As the population continues to grow and age, there will be an increasing demand for diagnostic testing, which will require phlebotomists to collect blood samples.
Hospitals
Clinics
Private Practices
Schools
Research Facilities
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 who want to advance into other fields have lots of options. A few involve becoming medical laboratory technologists, hoist technicians, or medical assistants. Each of these careers has its own unique set of responsibilities and opportunities for growth.
Each of these careers offers opportunities for advancement and specialization. And each comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. CPTs may also choose to enter the field of scientific research or sales or start their own business. Below is a list of possible career paths:
Physician’s Assistant
Management positions
Donor Phlebotomy Technician
Research Scientist
Medical supply sales representative
Teacher or trainer
Phlebotomy school owner
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Michigan?
The BLS May 2022 job report listed the average yearly wage for phlebotomists in the state at $39,080. The average hourly wage is $18.79. Earnings depend on hours, experience, and where you work. The top 10 percent of earners made over $47,000 per year.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Ann Arbor, MI
290
$ 19.28
$ 40,110
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI
810
$ 19.54
$ 40,650
Flint, MI
80
$ 20.03
$ 41,660
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI
410
$ 18.39
$ 38,260
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI
130
$ 17.79
$ 37,000
Lansing-East Lansing, MI
240
$ 18.20
$ 37,860
Saginaw, MI
260
$ 18.76
$ 39,030
South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI
220
$ 16.47
$ 34,250
Useful links
Check out these links for more information on becoming a certified phlebotomy technician.
