Laugh all the way to the blood bank! More than 110,000 Americans work as phlebotomists, making it one of the most popular jobs in the healthcare sector. 

If you want a meaningful job that doesn’t require too much training, you should become a phlebotomy technician. You can even find a job in Michigan. Yet getting a job requires you to answer a few questions.

What are the requirements to become a phlebotomy technician? What is the demand for phlebotomy jobs in Michigan like? How can you find the best phlebotomist jobs in the state?

Answer these questions and you can score a perfect job as a phlebotomist in no time. Here is your quick guide.

Phlebotomy Technician Requirements

A phlebotomy technician collects blood from patients and gives the blood to lab technicians for testing. Some technicians also help blood banks with blood donations. 

To be a successful technician, you need to have a few skills. You need to know how to measure a patient’s blood pressure and heart rate before taking their blood. If they are nervous about needles, you need to calm them down. 

You then need to draw the blood itself. This requires learning how to find a vein. After you get the blood, you need to apply a bandage and clean the wound before sending the blood to a lab. 

You do not need to have a medical degree before receiving a technician job. But the more credentials you have, the more likely you are to get a job.

Training and Experience

Many technicians have degrees or certificates from schools. You can take an online phlebotomy technician certification program, letting you study at your own pace. But you can develop networks by taking live classes, which can help you obtain phlebotomy technician jobs.

While you are in school, you can get experience by volunteering at a blood bank. You can also work as an administrative assistant, which can help you develop your social skills.

You do not need years of experience to get an entry-level job. Yet some jobs ask for at least one year of experience in the healthcare industry, so try to find a job before you apply for technician positions.

Some people start as phlebotomy technicians and move on to become lab technicians or registered nurses. Other people stay in their positions and work for years as technicians.

Demand for Phlebotomy Jobs in Michigan

The demand for phlebotomy jobs is growing. 21,500 openings for phlebotomists will be available each year between 2021 and 2031. Michigan currently has more than 2,000 phlebotomists working in the state, and this number will grow with the national trends. 

The demand is increasing due to the aging population. As people get older, they need more blood tests for diseases like diabetes and cancer. 

However, it’s unclear how high the demand will be in Michigan. The health services industry has shrunk over the course of 2022, and the industry has fewer jobs than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic.

More phlebotomists live in neighboring states, so your job search may require you to relocate. You should be willing to look at various parts of the state, as jobs are scattered throughout. Be willing to broaden your search terms.

The median phlebotomist salary in Michigan is more than $36,000. You may find a job with a slightly higher salary if it involves a lot of travel or supervisory responsibilities. Some positions pay hourly wages based on morning or evening shifts, but you can make more money by working during emergencies.

Michigan Phlebotomy Job Opportunities

Many jobs are in major cities. Detroit hospitals like DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital are currently looking for technicians. The US Veterans Health Administration is also looking for technicians in the Detroit area. 

Major pharmaceutical companies like IQVIA have offices in Detroit and other cities. They are looking for technicians who can work inside laboratories. If you have experience helping with lab technology, you may qualify for a job. 

Smaller cities like Traverse City and Lansing have hospitals, community centers, and government offices. These institutions have many needs.

Some of them like the US Veterans Health Administration want technicians with a specialty in phlebotomy. Others want all-around technicians who can draw blood and obtain other substances, including urine. If you have experience in other areas, try looking for these jobs away from Detroit.

Organizations such as TForce Medical Logistics are looking for mobile phlebotomists. You will go from city to city collecting samples and sending them back to the lab. This is a good job if you want to see different parts of the state.

Some colleges are looking for people who can teach their students. You can find positions at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor and at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. You may qualify for perks like free classes that you can use to get medical certificates. 

Finding Phlebotomy Jobs in Michigan

The demand for phlebotomy jobs in Michigan is substantial. A phlebotomy job is not hard to obtain, and you can receive a degree online. Though Michigan is going through economic hardships due to the pandemic, you can still find jobs throughout the state. 

Most hospitals and healthcare companies offer phlebotomy jobs. Yet you can also work as a traveling specialist and teacher. Get experience, obtain a degree, and cast a broad net when you are looking for jobs. 

Jobs aren’t available forever, so you should start your training now. Phlebotomy Career Training provides premium phlebotomy classes. Contact us today.

Nancy Kimmel, PhD MSN FNP-BC

Nancy L. Kimmel obtained her PhD in Environmental Engineering in 2002, then went on to teach Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University, Henry Ford College and Oakland University. She obtained her Associate in Nursing from Henry Ford College and then went on to earn her Master Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and became Board Certified working as a licensed FNP in the State of Michigan. She then went on to Medical School where she is now in her 3rd year, and is also in the process of obtaining her Doctorate in Nursing Practice through Chamberlin University. She has authored the NET Study Guide, as well a several books on subjects of Math, ECG/EKG and Phlebotomy. She holds a patent on an Air Filter through the U.S. Patent Office.