If you are looking for a career that is in high demand, with plenty of job security, then phlebotomy may be the perfect choice for you. Phlebotomists play an important role that is crucial to the medical industry. With our comprehensive list of schools in your state, you can find the perfect program to help you start your new career. You can also learn about what phlebotomists do, the job outlook, and how much you can expect to earn in this exciting field.
Phlebotomy technicians are responsible for drawing blood from patients for various medical purposes. This may include blood tests, transfusions, or donations. Phlebotomists must be skilled in order to minimize discomfort for the patient and minimize the risk of infection.
They may work full-time or part-time hours. Some phlebotomists may be on call 24 hours a day in case of emergencies. While the main duty of a phlebotomist is to draw blood, they may also be responsible for other related tasks such as preparing the equipment, labeling blood samples, and maintaining records. Many are surprised to learn that training includes the development of soft skills and bedside manner.
It is important to explore different schools to find the best program for you. Many schools offer great programs, but some may be a better fit than others. When researching programs, consider the size of the school, location, programs offered, and such as tuition. These are just a few factors to consider when finding the right school for you. Once you have narrowed down your choices, we recommend visiting the campuses of each school on your list.
Minnesota phlebotomy program requirements
There are many benefits to attending phlebotomy training. One of the best things about getting certified is that you can learn a valuable skill in a short amount of time. You must meet the following requirements to enroll in a phlebotomy training program:
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent
You must be at least 18 years old
You must have proof of up-to-date-immunizations
For one, the schools that offer this program are accredited by reputable organizations. Two of them are the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA). These organizations set standards, provide testing, and may provide continuing education units (CEUs) and additional training required to stay certified.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Accredited phlebotomist training schools need to uphold high standards to ensure that students are well-prepared to handle the responsibilities of the job. Accelerated classes typically last around 4 weeks while most standard classes last 8-12 weeks, during which time students will learn the procedure for drawing blood and handling samples, as well as how to work with patients and coworkers. Students learn about:
The history of phlebotomy
Proper blood collection procedure
Anatomy and physiology
Bloodborne pathogens
Communication and customer service skills
After successful completion of a phlebotomy training program, students are awarded a certificate or diploma. Some programs may also offer the opportunity to earn college credit. Upon graduation, phlebotomists must pass a certification exam in order to become licensed or registered in their state.
There are a number of different types of phlebotomy programs available, depending on your needs and schedule. Full-time programs can be completed in as little as four weeks, while part-time and online programs may take up to twelve weeks. Some community colleges offer evening and weekend classes to accommodate working students.
There are a variety of places you can work as a phlebotomist. You can work in a hospital setting, a doctor’s office, or a special laboratory facility. Some phlebotomists even work in the field, traveling to different locations to take blood samples from patients.
In a hospital setting, you might be working in the emergency room, the Intensive Care Unit, or one of the various wards. You could also be working in one of the many clinics that are housed in the hospital. In a doctor’s office, you might be drawing blood from patients who are coming in for routine check-ups or those who are being treated for an illness.
Lab facilities vary greatly. Some labs are small and located within a doctor’s office. Others are large and may be located on a university campus or in another scientific setting. In some labs, you might be working with other medical personnel, such as nurses or doctors. In others, you might be the only medical professional on staff.
Phlebotomy jobs in Minnesota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 1,100 phlebotomists in the state. The job growth rate is positive; estimated to grow at 10% from 2021 to 2031. There are a few main categories of places phlebotomists work in clinics, hospitals, and labs.
Clinics are outpatient care facilities that offer medical services such as vaccinations, physicals, and STD screenings. Phlebotomists who work in clinics typically draw blood from patients for routine tests or treatments.
Hospitals are large institutions that provide healthcare services to patients admitted for inpatient care. Phlebotomists who work in hospitals may be responsible for drawing blood from patients for a variety of tests, including blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and kidney function. They may also be called upon to collect blood specimens from newborns.
Lab technicians perform tests on blood and other body fluids in a medical laboratory setting. Phlebotomists who work in labs often draw blood for tests that are ordered by doctors. They may also be responsible for preparing blood samples for analysis.
Where Phlebotomists Work
% of Jobs
Hospitals
36%
Laboratories
35%
Other ambulatory healthcare services
14%
Physician offices
8%
Outpatient care centers
1%
Phlebotomist career path
Certified phlebotomy technicians have a world of possibilities for growth. One way to make more money is to work overtime. There are plenty of opportunities to make extra money working holidays and weekends. You can also become a certified instructor and teach other people how to draw blood.
Other career paths in the healthcare industry include becoming a registered nurse, a doctor, or working in the administrative side of healthcare. In the science field, you could use your knowledge of phlebotomy to research blood diseases and find new ways to treat them. Below are some options to consider. Each of these roles offers different levels of responsibility and opportunities for advancement.
Lab technician
EKG technician
Medical assistant
Paramedic
RN
Doctor
Healthcare administrator
Trainer and teacher
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Minnesota?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that phlebotomists in Minnesota make an average of $19.67 per hour, which equals $40,920 per year. Those working in phlebotomy neat the Twin Cities may earn more as pay for phlebotomists in Minnesota changes a bit from city to city.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Duluth, MN-WI
100
$ 18.19
$ 37,840
Fargo, ND-MN
170
$ 19.18
$ 39,890
Grand Forks, ND-MN
30
$ 19.10
$ 39,730
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN
110
$ 18.75
$ 39,010
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
700
$ 20.17
$ 41,950
Useful links
You’ll find a wealth of information below on phlebotomy, standards, and more.
