Interested in a new career? If you’re curious about becoming certified as a phlebotomist and working in the healthcare industry, this article will give you all the information you need to know to get started. We’ve gathered a large list of schools for you to explore, and you will also find info on salary, training, and places you may want to work.
Phlebotomists are trained in collecting blood and transporting specimens. On the job, they primarily obtain blood specimens by venipuncture or dermal puncture. A venipuncture is an incision into a vein, and a dermal puncture is an incision into the skin.
Certified phlebotomist technicians (CPTs). are mainly responsible for obtaining blood specimens. You may be surprised to learn that there are many other skills that good phlebotomists need to display on the job. You need to know your facility’s policies as well as HIPAA and OSHA regulations. You’ll need to learn how to organize and label samples properly. You’ll also learn how to take vital signs and collect non-blood samples.
Good qualities to have include dependability, compassion and empathy, the ability to multitask, detail-oriented, and strong interpersonal skills.
Here are more classes for you to check out in Tennessee. We recommend that you do thorough research before you decide on a training program. You can learn more on the school’s websites, and by contacting them directly for questions, you can’t find answers online.
Phlebotomy is a technical skill that takes a lot of practice to master, but you can start your career right relatively quickly. And as little as four weeks, you can complete a level 1 training program. To be eligible for classes, you must:
Be 18 years of age
Have transcripts of your high school diploma or equivalent
Be up today on all your shots for major bloodborne pathogens like tuberculosis
Many, many times, students will have to make sure they have all their shots before enrolling. There may be more than you think. You’ll need to be immunized for chicken pox, flu, hepatitis a, hepatitis b, and some other diseases you probably forgot about.
All the schools on our list are accredited by national accreditation agencies such as American Medical Technologies (AMT) or the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT). These organizations provide testing as well. They also oversee license renewals. Once you get your certification, you’ll have to renew it every two years and can complete a certain number of continuing education (CEUs) hours to stay active.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
Schools prepare students with Hands-On training and classroom work. Technical skills are very important, but you also develop your people skills and organizational skills. Below are subjects you can expect to study
Human anatomy
The history of phlebotomy
Blood drawing procedure
Handling and transporting specimens
Bloodborne diseases
Chemistry
Medical terminology
Histology
Training typically takes 4 to 6 months, and you can expect to complete hands-on training in a clinical setting and theoretical training. Once you pass, you can start working right away. Schools structure their programs in a variety of ways. Some are hybrid, which is a mix of online and in-person training. This has been the standard since the pandemic. Students will have the option to attend in-person classes or do them online. Some schools may do all the theoretical coursework entirely online.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Tennessee?
After you obtain certification, you’ll have plenty of options for employment. Certification is only required in a handful of states, and Tennessee is not one of them. But earning your certification is a big feather in your cap and will help you land high-quality jobs. It demonstrates that you are proficient in your particular area and that you are dedicated to your practice.
If you work in a healthcare facility, you may work directly with patients and coworkers most of the day. If you are in a laboratory setting for research or diagnostics, you may not have as much one-on-one contact with patients. In these types of settings, you’ll take on a more technical role to assist lab technicians and organize and transport samples.
Phlebotomy jobs in Tennessee
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are 3,050 phlebotomists in Tennessee. Across the US, most phlebotomists work in hospitals and laboratories. Below are some common places of employment:
General hospitals
Private hospitals
Inpatient care centers
Outpatient Care centers
Physician’s offices
Ambulatory Care services
Healthcare Maintenance Organizations HMOs
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 your certification is great if you want to earn a good living in the healthcare or science research industries. There are many other ways to go with your career, and below are some possible paths you may want to take.
Licensed practical nurse
Registered nurse
Laboratory research scientist
Clinical research scientist
Pathologist assistant
Sonographer
Teacher and trainer
Lecturer
Sales product specialist
Business owner
You can specialize in many different areas. You may want to become a research scientist, or you may want to become a pediatrician. Other phlebotomy technicians work primarily in long-term care facilities such as rehabilitation centers, and others work privately with home health care centers. No matter what you choose, you’ll have a solid foundation in the medical field as a CPT.
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Tennessee?
Phlebotomists in Tennessee earn an average of $17.07 per hour, which comes from an annual wage of $35,500. The 90th percentile earned $21.31 an hour, which equals $44,320 per hour.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Chattanooga, TN-GA
220
$ 16.54
$ 34,410
Clarksville, TN-KY
70
$ 15.98
$ 33,230
Cleveland, TN
40
$ 15.90
$ 33,070
Jackson, TN
120
$ 15.97
$ 33,230
Johnson City, TN
170
$ 16.31
$ 33,930
Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA
220
$ 15.94
$ 33,150
Knoxville, TN
510
$ 17.25
$ 35,890
Memphis, TN-MS-AR
520
$ 17.98
$ 37,400
Morristown, TN
30
$ 15.92
$ 33,110
Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN
1,150
$ 17.63
$ 36,680
Useful links
Visit the links below if you want to learn more about an exciting career as a CPT.
