Are you unfazed by the sight of blood? Do you have an interest in laboratory science and excellent people skills to boot? Are you good at remaining calm under pressure?
If the answers to any of these questions are yes, you might be an ideal fit for a career in phlebotomy.
Phlebotomy technician is an in-demand, entry-level career that is critical to the healthcare industry. On top of quick and affordable schooling, the phlebotomy technician salary in Florida offers a good, stable living.
But how much do phlebotomists get paid? For most people considering a new career, this question is crucial.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the phlebotomy tech salary before you commit to a career in phlebotomy.
What Is the Role of a Phlebotomy Technician?
A phlebotomy technician’s job is to collect blood samples from patients and prepare those samples for lab testing.
Medical technology is constantly evolving. Phlebotomists need to stay up to date on new technologies and be familiar with many different types of blood tests.
Phlebotomy technicians also need to have in-depth knowledge of how certain medications, medical conditions, and diets can affect their patients’ blood samples.
Phlebotomists interact with many different patients on a daily basis. It is the job of the phlebotomist to know best practices so they can explain to patients how drawing blood and performing blood tests works.
Phlebotomy technicians are also responsible for putting patients at ease while taking their blood. It is imperative that they have good people skills and remain calm when stressful situations arise.
Phlebotomy Technician Working Environment
If you’re looking for a job that keeps you busy and on your feet, phlebotomy is an excellent choice. Phlebotomists are on their feet most of the day. They spend much of their time taking and preparing samples for lab testing.
A phlebotomy technician can work in a variety of different healthcare environments. Many phlebotomy technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and physician’s offices.
Others work in nursing homes, medical labs, and private home care. In addition, phlebotomy technicians can work for insurance companies, blood donation centers, and research institutes. The options are vast and myriad.
Phlebotomists work a variety of shifts as well, so this career path offers a lot of flexibility. Whether you are looking for a day, evening, or night shift, you’ll be able to find a work environment that suits your needs.
Specific Duties
A phlebotomy technician’s main job is to draw blood samples and prepare the samples for lab testing. But phlebotomists also explain procedures, comfort patients, apply bandages, and take patients’ vitals.
The non-patient-related parts of the phlebotomist’s job include sterilizing equipment, updating medical records, and sending samples to the lab.
What’s the Salary for a Phlebotomy Technician in Florida?
Phlebotomy pay varies depending on where a phlebotomist works and the amount of experience and seniority they have. The phlebotomy technician’s average salary in Florida is $31,670 per year or $16.99 per hour.
A starting level phlebotomist’s earnings start at $11.52 per hour or $23,950 per year. A junior-level phlebotomist can expect to earn $13.15 per hour or $27,350 per year.
A mid-level phlebotomist earns about $15.23 per hour or $31,670 per year, while a senior-level phlebotomist can earn $17.75 per hour or $36,920 per year.
At the top of their field, a highly-experienced phlebotomist in Florida can expect to earn around $19.82 per hour or $41,220 per year.
Find out what cities in Florida offer the best pay rates for phlebotomy technicians.
What Does It Take To Become a Phlebotomy Technician?
Becoming a phlebotomy technician is a quick and affordable process. To qualify for an accredited phlebotomy program, all you need is a high school diploma or GED.
Some programs also require immunization records and CPR certification.
It takes between eight weeks to one year to complete an accredited phlebotomy program. They require both classroom and lab work, however, the requirements for each program vary.
Some phlebotomy programs offer the option of a phlebotomy technician online course. Upon graduation from the program, you’ll receive a diploma.
Some states also require professional phlebotomy certification. Even in a state like Florida, which does not require certification, it can get you a better or higher-paying position.
If you do decide to get certified, you must maintain that certification annually.
Benefits of a Career in Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy offers a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment with flexibility and the opportunity to make a difference in the healthcare field. But that’s only the start.
Becoming a phlebotomist is ideal if you’re looking for a career that offers fast licensing, affordable training, flexible enrollment, and job security.
Get Licensed Fast
Compared to other entry-level positions with good pay, phlebotomy offers extremely fast licensing. You can complete your training in as little as eight weeks. However, more in-depth programs can take up to a year to complete.
Affordable Training
Phlebotomy programs on average are far less expensive than any other medical training program. The average cost of phlebotomy training is only a few thousand dollars.
Enjoy Job Security
The job of a phlebotomist is essential to the medical and healthcare fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 23 percent increase in phlebotomy positions over the next six years.
Begin Your Career as a Florida Phlebotomy Technician Today
The phlebotomy field is constantly growing and changing with the times. There is an increasing demand for phlebotomy technicians in a variety of medical and other work environments.
Interested in becoming a phlebotomy technician? You can expect to enjoy both job security and the potential for new opportunities and work environments.
Are you a fast learner with calm nerves and the ability to care for others? Get started on your path to becoming a phlebotomy technician today.
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.