Are you interested in a career as a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT)? This page contains information on everything you need to succeed on the job. We’ve compiled an extensive list of schools for you to look at in other information, like what you can expect from phlebotomy classes and what you need to do before you enroll.
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Table of Contents
What do phlebotomists do?
The main duty of a phlebotomist is to obtain blood specimens for lab analysis. This is done by making an incision and drawing blood. Phlebotomists they’re highly trained in a number of different skills.
Other duties include transporting blood samples, checking blood pressure, basic lab tests, and collecting nonblood samples such as urine or swabs. To be successful as a CPT, you’ll need to demonstrate a professional attitude and have good communication skills since you’ll be working with patients and families in most scenarios.
Phlebotomy classes vary from school to school, so it’s important to do some research to find one that fits your budget and schedule. Browse through the list below to narrow down your options, and feel free to contact the schools for information that you can’t find on their websites.
Phlebotomy is an attractive entry-level position because it pays well, and you can obtain a certificate in a relatively short amount of time. Before you enroll, you must meet the following requirements:
Be 18 years of age or older
Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
Have all your shots pathogens like hepatitis, tetanus, tuberculosis, etc
Schools must be accredited by a national organization such as the American society of phlebotomy technicians (ASPTC) or the national phlebotomy association (NPT). There are various organizations like these that provide tests and oversee certifications.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Accredited education programs will provide both in-class and clinical training to prepare students for the certification test. In order to become a CPT, you must display technical and interpersonal skills. Some of the subjects you’ll study include:
Medical terminology
The proper blood drawing procedure
Lab testing
Handling samples
HIPAA and OSHA regulations
Professional issues
Once you finish training, you can sit for the certification test. The test you take will depend on which accreditation body your school is associated with. There are two types of certifications. Level 1 certification allows you to perform skin punctures and venipunctures.
Training for level 1 certification is focused on venipunctures and dermal punctures. A level two certification allows you to perform dermal punctures, venipuncture, and arterial puncture to collect blood.
Certifications last for two years. To keep your certification active, you must complete a certain number of CEUs (continuing education units). The purpose of CEUs is to keep your skills fresh and keep you updated on the latest developments in phlebotomy.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in New Mexico?
California, Washington, Louisiana, and Nevada are the only states that currently require a certification to work as a phlebotomist. However, certification will help you land jobs, especially if you don’t have experience yet.
There are two main healthcare settings where CPTs work, outpatient services and inpatient services. If you work in a research laboratory, you may be doing more testing and technical work. If you work in a healthcare facility, you’ll be working with patients and coworkers.
If you work in an inpatient or outpatient facility, you can expect to be multitasking much of the time if you have a high volume of patients. You’ll be handling and organizing samples to prepare them for testing.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were 780 phlebotomists working in New Mexico in 2021. Most of the job opportunities are at hospitals or laboratories. Below is a list of places you may end up working at as a CPT.
Physician’s offices
Home Health Care settings (HMO)
Scientific research laboratories
Veterinarians offices
Hospitals
In-house medical laboratories
ERs
These are just a few of the places you can work, there are many other specialty settings like schools, or you may even be a traveling phlebotomist.
Where Phlebotomists Work
% of Jobs
Hospitals
36%
Laboratories
35%
Other ambulatory healthcare services
14%
Physician offices
8%
Outpatient care centers
1%
Phlebotomist career path
As a certified phlebotomist technician, you will have a lot of opportunities to work anywhere in the US. Phlebotomy is a great way to get into the healthcare or science research industries, and there are a number of career paths to take. Below are some areas of specialization to explore:
Quality Control Specialist
Histotechnician
Transfusion Medicine Technologist
Point of Care Coordinator
Nursing Assistant
Mobile Phlebotomist
Research Phlebotomist
Many phlebotomists become certified as a starting point in the healthcare, sales, teaching, or science industries. With specialized training and experience, you can become a research scientist, Doctor or nurse, sales product specialist, certified trainer, and more.
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in New Mexico?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that phlebotomists in the state of New Mexico make $17.22 per hour, which equals $35,820 per year.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Albuquerque, NM
480
$ 17.63
$ 36,670
Farmington, NM
40
$ 17.08
$ 35,520
Las Cruces, NM
100
$ 16.51
$ 34,330
Santa Fe, NM
60
$ 16.96
$ 35,290
Useful links
Take a look at the links below to find out more about becoming a certified phlebotomy technician.
