Are you interested in becoming a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT)? Working as a phlebotomist is a rewarding career that provides a stable income. The first step toward starting your career is training. We’ve put together a list of some of the best-accredited courses for you to explore. This page also has all the information you need to know before you enroll. We also cover what you can expect from training and what it’s like to work as a CPT in New Jersey.
What do phlebotomists do?
Phlebotomists are professionals who obtain blood for testing and diagnostics. Phlebotomy is an ancient practice that goes back thousands of years. The word is derived from the Greek words: phlebo (vein) and tome (to make an incision. Phlebotomists draw blood by puncturing a vein (venipuncture) or by puncturing the skin.
Many phlebotomists play other roles in healthcare or scientific research. They may be responsible for preparing the collection site, checking blood pressure, collecting non-blood samples, and keeping records. To be successful on the job, there are a few qualities that you need to have, including empathy, a professional attitude, attention to detail, and good people skills.
Explore the classes below to find a program that fits your goals. Training programs can vary in price, schedule, and structure of the program. Do some research and narrow down your options. If you’d like to learn more, please contact the school you are interested in for answers to questions you can’t find online.
Cities in New Jersey
For program information specific to cities in New Jersey, check out the pages below:
New Jersey phlebotomy program requirements
Before you enroll, you’ll have to meet some minimum requirements. One of the good things about attending CPT training programs is that there is a relatively low entry barrier, and you can complete your courses in two semesters in most cases. You must meet the following requirements to get started:
- Be 18 years of age
- Have up-to-date immunization records
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have all your shots for pathogens like TB or Hep C
- Pass a background test
Training programs and teachers are given accreditation by national agencies such as American Medical Technologists (AMT), the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), and the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA). These agencies oversee tests and accreditation, and most of them provide continuing education units that CPTs need to stay certified (CEUs)
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
You’ll need to develop a variety of soft skills and technical skills to safely practice blood draws. Classes aren’t easy, but with dedication and work, you can do it! Below are some general subjects you will study if you attend classes:
- The History of Phlebotomy
- Chemistry
- Histology
- Blood Drawing Procedure
- Medical Terminology
- Legal Issues
- Ethical Issues
- Handling Blood Samples
Training is split up into two areas: hands-on experience and classroom work. The hours you study differ based on the school you attend, but you can expect to have at least 20 hours of classroom study and 20 hours of on-the-job training. When you finish training, you can sit for the certification exam. If you want, you can be certified by multiple agencies.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in New Jersey?
You can work in a variety of different settings in healthcare or research. If you are in a healthcare setting, you will most likely be spending a large part of your day working with patients and taking blood samples back to the lab. If you are in a research laboratory setting, you will have less face time with patients and take on a more technical role.
The two main categories of healthcare facilities you can expect to work at our outpatient centers and inpatient centers. Outpatient facilities are places where patients walk in and go home on the same day. Inpatient facilities like hospitals or geriatric care facilities are places where patients typically stay for an extended period of time.
Phlebotomy jobs in New Jersey
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 5800 phlebotomists in the state of New Jersey. That number is expected to grow by an estimated 10% from 2020 to 2030. Most of the job opportunities are in healthcare settings and laboratories. Below are places you can work as a CPT.
- Hospitals
- Emergency Rooms
- Physicians Offices
- Outpatient Care Centers
- Laboratories
- Blood Bank
| Where Phlebotomists Work | % of Jobs |
| Hospitals | 36% |
| Laboratories | 35% |
| Other ambulatory healthcare services | 14% |
| Physician offices | 8% |
| Outpatient care centers | 1% |
Phlebotomist career path
Getting certified opens up a world of opportunities. You can choose to specialize in many different areas. Different opportunities are available in industries like healthcare, science, medical sales, teaching, and more. Many phlebotomy technicians transition into other careers as they learn more about their field. Below are career options you may want to explore:
- Registered Nurse
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Physician
- Teacher and Trainer
- EKG Technician
- Research Scientist
- Medical Equipment Sales
There are only a handful of states that require phlebotomists to become certified. Although New Jersey doesn’t require certification, it’s almost a requirement to get an entry-level position as a technician. Additionally, having a certification shows you are qualified to perform blood draws and committed to your trade.
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in New Jersey?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2022 report shows that Phlebotomists in New Jersey make an annual mean wage of $43,120 and a mean hourly wage of $20.73.
Phlebotomist salaries in New Jersey vary a bit from one metro area to the next.
| Metro Area | Phlebotomists Employed | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Wage |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 420 | $ 20.00 | $ 41,600 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 110 | $ 21.50 | $ 44,720 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 9,880 | $ 22.38 | $ 46,540 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 2,310 | $ 20.99 | $ 43,660 |
| Trenton, NJ | 310 | $ 19.92 | $ 41,420 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 50 | $ 20.33 | $ 42,280 |
Useful links
Below are some helpful resources to help you learn more about certification and job opportunities.
- Phlebotomist jobs in New Jersey 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)