Phlebotomists play an important role in the medical field. And because the demand for phlebotomists is growing faster than average, now is a great time to pursue this career. If you’re interested in becoming a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT). This guide provides an overview of some of the best programs available, so be sure to explore it to find one that fits your needs. We also discuss what phlebotomists do, how much they make, and what it’s like working as a phlebotomist in the state of Montana.
A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who specializes in collecting blood samples from patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Phlebotomists are responsible for preparing patients for blood draws, performing the procedure, and ensuring that the samples are properly labeled and stored. They may also be responsible for providing information to patients about the procedure and answering any questions they may have.
Phlebotomists must have excellent communication skills and be able to put patients at ease. They must also be able to follow instructions accurately and adhere to strict safety protocols. In some cases, phlebotomists may be required to draw blood from difficult or uncooperative patients.
Phlebotomy training programs in Montana are typically offered at community colleges and technical schools. These are relatively short compared to other healthcare trade programs. Explore the links below to find out what programs can offer. Please contact the schools directly if you can’t find answers to your questions online.
Montana phlebotomy program requirements
There are no specific education requirements for becoming a phlebotomist in Montana. However, most employers prefer to hire applicants who have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Many phlebotomy training programs require students to have a high school diploma or equivalent before being accepted into the program. Requirements are:
Have completed high school or equivalent
Provide proof of immunization
Have a current state ID
There are a number of national accreditation organizations that provide testing and accreditation to schools such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Check out the links section below to see a full list of accrediting agencies. These organizations also provide testing and some provide CEUs, continuing education units required to renew your license.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
To be successful as a phlebotomist, you will need to have excellent communication skills and be able to put patients at ease. You must also be able to follow instructions accurately and adhere to strict safety protocols. In some cases, you may be required to draw blood from difficult or uncooperative patients. During training you will learn about:
Preparing patients for blood draws
Obtaining blood samples from patients
Labeling and storing blood samples
Providing information to patients about the procedure
Answering questions from patients
Maintaining equipment and supplies
Adhering to safety protocols
Most phlebotomy training programs take about two semesters to complete and include both classroom and clinical instruction. Training consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on training. You can expect at least 20 hours of classwork and 20 hours of practice in a clinical setting for a level one phlebotomy certification. After completing a training program, you will need to pass a certification exam to become certified.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Montana?
Phlebotomy can be done in a hospital setting, a clinic setting, or in a doctor’s office. It all depends on what type of work you want to do. In a hospital setting, you might be working with patients who are admitted for care. In a clinic setting, you might be working with walk-in patients. And in a doctor’s office, you might be working with patients who are coming for regular check-ups. In a laboratory setting, you might be working with samples that need to be tested.
The exact duties and hours you work vary depending on your employer and where you work. In a hospital, you might work nights, weekends, and holidays. In a clinic, you might work regular business hours. And in a doctor’s office, you might work regular business hours as well.
Phlebotomy jobs in Montana
The demand for certified phlebotomy technicians is growing nationwide. In fact, the profession is expected to grow by 10% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there are around 300 phlebotomists in Montana. The state doesn’t require certification, but it’s normal for entry-level employees to be certified. Plus a certification makes you more attractive to potential employers and demonstrates that you have the skills to handle the job.
Where Phlebotomists Work
% of Jobs
Hospitals
36%
Laboratories
35%
Other ambulatory healthcare services
14%
Physician offices
8%
Outpatient care centers
1%
Phlebotomist career path
The most opportunities are in healthcare, and the majority of phlebotomists work in hospitals and laboratories. But phlebotomists can take many different career paths in the healthcare field. They can become nurses, doctors, or researchers. They can also become sales representatives for medical companies or educational instructors for phlebotomy programs. Below are possible career choices:
