Home » Phlebotomy Classes Near You in Pennsylvania
Phlebotomy Classes Near You in Pennsylvania
Becoming a certified phlebotomy technician CPT opens up a lot of doors. You’ll be able to start working as a skilled technician fairly quickly after you pass the test. This page contains lots of information to help you get started. We’ve compiled a big list of phlebotomy technician schools so you can explore your options. You’ll also find information on what it’s like to work as a phlebotomist and what you can expect during training.
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Table of Contents
What do phlebotomists do?
Phlebotomy is the practice of collecting blood by making an incision. Phlebotomists are trained professionals that collect blood and prepare samples for lab analysis.
You’re probably familiar with the process of venipuncture, which is to make an incision and draw blood from a vein. Dermapuncture is the process of collecting blood by puncturing the skin.
In addition to collecting blood and preparing samples, phlebotomists often deal with patients and families. To be successful as a phlebotomist, you’ll need to develop technical skills as well as people skills. Some common characteristics of successful phlebotomists include empathy, the ability to multitask, an eye for detail, and people skills.
Here are some more classes you can look through. If you’re interested in enrolling, we suggest that you look at each school carefully in order to find a school that fits your needs.
Phlebotomy schools in the USA are all accredited by national agencies. Classes for level 1 certifications all have nearly identical requirements. Before you enroll, make sure that you:
Are 18 years old
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Up to date with all your immunizations
You may be required to pass a background check
The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) is one of the organizations that oversee certification exams. The accreditation agencies also oversee renewals. To renew your license, you need to complete continuing education units CEUs every two years.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Phlebotomists are highly trained technicians that need to learn how to draw blood safely. Schools prepare students for the exam with hands-on training and classroom education. Phlebotomists need to learn the following:
Anatomy
Blood drawing procedure
Histology
The history of phlebotomy
Medical terminology
Safety and sanitation
HIPAA and OSHA regulations
Ethics and professional issues
You will study other subjects as well. Certification level 1 teaches you how to perform venipuncture draws, and dermal puncture draws. Level 2 takes longer to acquire and teaches you how to perform arterial draws and other advanced technical skills. Your school will help you schedule the exam once your training is complete.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Pennsylvania?
They’re only four states that require you to obtain certification to practice as a phlebotomist. These are California, Nevada, Washington, and Louisiana. Although certifications aren’t required, it’s the norm for entry-level phlebotomists. It also demonstrates your commitment to the practice and your ability to work with patients in a clinical setting.
If you’re working in healthcare, there are two main categories of facilities that you’ll be working in. Outpatient centers and inpatient centers. Outpatient centers are places where clients walk in and walk out on the same day. Inpatient centers allow patients to stay for an extended period of time. You may also work as a traveling phlebotomist or in an on-site or off-site laboratory.
Currently, there are 5570 phlebotomists working in the state, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2021 job report. Around 35% work in laboratories, and 36% work in hospitals. But most phlebotomists work in the healthcare industry. There are a number of other settings as well. Below is a list of common places where technicians work:
Hospitals
On-site laboratories
Offsite laboratories
Ambulatory healthcare services
Physician’s offices
Geriatric care centers
Pediatric Care centers
Where you work depends on your employer and your training once you start working. There are many special settings to work in, including schools, government facilities, and veterinarians’ offices. They’re also traveling phlebotomists that obtain samples and bring them back to the lab.
Where Phlebotomists Work
% of Jobs
Hospitals
36%
Laboratories
35%
Other ambulatory healthcare services
14%
Physician offices
8%
Outpatient care centers
1%
Phlebotomist career path
There’s a wide range of specialties in the practice, and with the right training and skillset, you can work as a:
Paramedic
EKG technician
Physician’s assistant
Medical assistant
Nurse
Clinical Laboratory technician
Research scientist
Histotechnician
There are many more options for growth in several different industries, including research science, Education, and sales. The amount of money you make depends on your employer and where you work. Tons of opportunities for overtime hours in settings like hospitals or inpatient care facilities.
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Pennsylvania?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics website lists the average hourly income of a phlebotomist in the state at $19.43. The annual income is listed at $40,410. The top 10% of earners made $22.45 cents per hour or $46,690 annually.
The average phlebotomist’s salary in Pennsylvania also depends upon the location within the state.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ
420
$ 20.00
$ 41,600
Altoona, PA
40
$ 16.85
$ 35,040
Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA
110
$ 18.32
$ 38,100
Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA
40
$ 20.86
$ 43,380
East Stroudsburg, PA
50
$ 18.94
$ 39,390
Erie, PA
170
$ 17.75
$ 36,910
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA
270
$ 19.13
$ 39,790
Johnstown, PA
50
$ 16.71
$ 34,750
Lancaster, PA
150
$ 18.77
$ 39,030
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
Pittsburgh, PA
820
$ 19.23
$ 39,990
Reading, PA
140
$ 19.30
$ 40,140
Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA
260
$ 18.41
$ 38,290
State College, PA
40
$ 17.46
$ 36,320
Williamsport, PA
60
$ 17.83
$ 37,080
York-Hanover, PA
160
$ 18.52
$ 38,520
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA
220
$ 16.67
$ 34,660
Useful links
Explore the links below for more in-depth information on certification, employment, and standards.
