Becoming a certified phlebotomy technician CBT is a great way to get into the medical or science fields. You can start working right away and it only takes from one to four months to complete your training. This page has a big list of top-notch schools in Utah for you to explore. You can also find information on the requirements for enrollment, what you’ll be doing as a phlebotomist technician, and more.
Phlebotomy technicians have a number of responsibilities but their main job duties involve collecting blood samples and preparing them for lab analysis. Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood either from a vein or the skin. Drawing blood from a vein is called venipuncture while blood drawn from the skin is known as derma puncture.
Phlebotomists perform other duties as well and training will involve things like checking blood pressure, performing basic lab tests, collecting nonblood samples like urine or swabs, record keeping, and handling patient correspondence.
There are also a number of personal characteristics that will help you succeed on the job. Phlebotomist needs to demonstrate a professional attitude, be sympathetic, and have good people skills. Much of your day will be spent working with patients and families. The job can be stressful if you’re handling a high volume of patients and handling lots of samples, so you will need to be able to multitask.
Here are some more classes for you to check out. Feel free to visit a school’s website to explore the structure and pricing of the program. If you have specific questions you can’t find answers to please contact the school for more information.
Classes can be finished in as little as 4 weeks depending on the program you choose. It may take one to two semesters but after you’re finished you can start working right away. You must meet the following requirements to be eligible to enroll.
18 years of age
Current state identification or driver’s license
Up to date immunization records
High school diploma or equivalent
Accredits are monitored by national accreditation agencies. A few are the national phlebotomy association npa, American medical technologies amt, and the national accrediting agency for clinical laboratory sciences naacls.
These agencies will provide the certification test and set the standards which accredited schools must uphold. You may obtain certification by one or more of these organizations.
What to expect from phlebotomy classes
While training is relatively short compared to other skilled professions that offer similar opportunities, it can be difficult at times. You can do it if you stay focused and put in the time. Below are some of the subjects that phlebotomy technician classes cover:
Blood collection
Labeling and transporting samples
Medical terms
Chemistry
HIPAA and OSHA regulations
Professional issues
Patient correspondence
Lab analysis
Level one certifications require 20 hours of in class work and 20 hours of training in a clinical setting. Hands-On training will help you practice your technical skills and learn to communicate effectively with patients and your coworkers. After you complete your practical training you’ll be able to take the national examination and receive certification from a phlebotomy organization.
Where can I work as a phlebotomist in Utah?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate there are around 1,350 phlebotomists working in Utah, not including self-employed technicians.
You can work in the healthcare industry, the science industry, or other branches of healthcare like veterinary medicine. Your training will most likely occur in a hospital, which is known as an inpatient care facility. These are facilities where patients can stay for an extended amount of time.
You can also work at outpatient Care facilities. These are places where patients can walk in and walk out on the same day. Phlebotomists are needed in many different settings. Once you become certified you’ll have a good chance of getting a job.
Most of the phlebotomists in the United States work in hospitals or laboratories. You can work in a hospital in-house laboratory or an off site laboratory. There are also science Research laboratories. Below are common places of employment for CPTs:
Hospitals
Healthcare Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
Ambulatory Care centers
Doctor’s 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
There are lots of opportunities for career advancement and specialized training for a phlebotomy technician. It’s a great way to enter the growing medical field. You can specialize in pediatrics or geriatrics. You may also want to explore positions in the science research industry. Below are some careers that you may want to transition into:
Registered nurse
Laboratory technician
Level two phlebotomy technician
EMT
Cytogeneticist
Research scientist
Medical sales representative
Certified trainer or teacher
A good place to start is in healthcare because there are many opportunities and you’ll be able to practice a full range of skills. Continuing education is required to maintain your certification. You must complete a certain amount of hours every two years.
Continuing education units CEUs are designed to keep you updated on the latest developments of the industry and practice skills that you may not use at your place of employment.
How much does a phlebotomist get paid in Utah?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the hourly mean wage of phlebotomists in Utah at $17.43 per hour. The annual salary is listed at $36,250. The 90th percentile wage is $21.59 per hour or $44,900 per year.
Metro Area
Phlebotomists Employed
Avg. Hourly Wage
Avg. Annual Wage
Logan, UT-ID
40
$ 15.96
$ 33,200
Ogden-Clearfield, UT
220
$ 16.87
$ 35,080
Provo-Orem, UT
250
$ 16.40
$ 34,100
Salt Lake City, UT
860
$ 18.12
$ 37,700
Useful links
The links below have a wealth of information on certification and the practice of phlebotomy.
