Thinking of becoming a certified phlebotomy technician (CPT)? If so, arm yourself with everything you need to succeed. This guide is packed with essential information on enrolling in an accredited training class. We cover what you need to do to enroll and what you can expect during training. Browse through our big list of schools to find a training program to help you reach your goals.
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Table of Contents
What do phlebotomists do?
Phlebotomists or technicians trained to collect blood samples and prepare specimens for analysis. A phlebotomist’s main duty is to collect blood either through venipuncture (from a vein) or dermal puncture (from the skin). Phlebotomists require a mix of skilled techniques and knowledge of healthcare.
During a typical day, phlebotomists will most likely be preparing collection sites and collecting blood from people. Some important aspects of their job include working with patients and families and organizing the samples they collect. Many certified phlebotomy technicians work as nursing assistants or EMTs.
Aside from technical skills, the qualities it takes to safely and successfully work as a phlebotomist include a positive attitude, knowledge of policies and procedures, the ability to handle stress, interpersonal skills, and much more.
The classes below are some of the best-accredited phlebotomy schools in the state. We recommend that you explore programs you’re interested in to make sure that it works with your goals and schedule. Feel free to contact schools for answers to specific questions.
One of the exciting things about becoming certified is that you can start working right away and make good money. You can enroll in a training program as long as you meet the following requirements.
18 years old
High school diploma or equivalent
Up-to-date immunization records for major pathogens
Pass a background to check
Accredited schools received accreditation from national organizations such as the national accreditation agency for clinical laboratory sciences NAACLS. Organizations like this one oversee certification and provide testing to schools.
There are various accreditation agencies, and you may be certified by one or more depending on the type of training you receive. The exams are different based on the testing provider, but the standards each organization follows are the same.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
You must demonstrate technical abilities and understand proper procedures for blood collection and specimen handling in order to pass the certification exam. Schools prepare students by teaching courses on things like:
Blood drawing procedure
The history of phlebotomy
Medical terminology
Microbiology
Histology
Federal rules and regulations
Professional ethics
Students get experience in a clinical setting as well as classroom study. Most programs are divided into 20 hours of classroom work in 20 hours of Hands-On practice. Once you have finished the course, you will be eligible to take the certification exam.
After you pass and become certified, you will need to complete continuing education courses CEUs every two years to keep your license active. Although Oklahoma does not require a certification to work as a phlebotomist, it will help your career prospects and give you the best chance at succeeding. Almost all entry-level phlebotomists must be certified to be hired as a tech.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Oklahoma?
Phlebotomists work in different settings depending on their specialty and their employer. Those in the healthcare industry usually work at inpatient or outpatient centers. Inpatient centers are places where patients stay for an extended period, at least overnight.
Outpatient centers are places where patients are treated and walk out on the same day. No matter where you work, you’ll be dealing with people and coworkers on a regular basis. There are many workplaces that demand phlebotomist technicians. Some CPT work with animals, and others work as traveling phlebotomists collecting samples and transporting them to the lab.
Phlebotomy jobs in Oklahoma
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than 1,700 phlebotomists are working in the state. This number doesn’t account for those who are self-employed.
The most common work settings are hospitals and laboratories. You could be working at a medical laboratory inside a hospital or an off-site laboratory. Research laboratories are also in need of phlebotomists. Below are some common places you can find jobs once you become certified.
Hospitals
Ambulatory healthcare services
Physician’s offices
Research laboratories
Schools
HMOs
Veterinary offices
Rehabilitation centers
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 sky’s the limit! There are many different career paths to take once you have the right experience in training. You may want to specialize in a certain area, like pediatrics or geriatric care. You could also become a research scientist and start at the ground level in a lab. You could become a number of things in the healthcare industry or science research industry.
Below are some possible career paths that phlebotomy technicians can transition to easily.
Registered nurse
Since practical nurse
Physician’s assistant
EKG technician
Laboratory research scientist
Teacher or trainer
Phlebotomy school owner
Medical sales product specialist
Doctor
EMT or paramedic
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Oklahoma?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that phlebotomists in the state make $16.87 per hour, which comes out to $35,090 per year. The top 10% of earners made $21.99 an hour, which is $45,730 per year.
