Phlebotomists work in a variety of different medical settings. The primary work of a phlebotomist is to draw blood from patients for a variety of different purposes. In general, there is strong demand for phlebotomists in Wyoming, making it a good vocational choice for those looking to start a new career. Those interested in making phlebotomy a career should learn about the job in order to determine whether or not it is a good career choice to meet their personal employment needs.
Requirements
Most people who work as a phlebotomist complete a formal education program after high school to obtain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field. Most educational programs last for a period of months and include both classroom education as well as practical in the field training. Students in these programs learn a variety of skills including how to draw blood for a number of different medical tests, learn about the proper handling of blood and other medical samples and about maintaining the confidentiality of patient information. In addition to learning the skills needed to succeed, Phlebotomy training programs are useful to students by helping them to build contacts in the medical community who can help them to land jobs after graduation.
Certifications
In Wyoming, there are no state specific certifications or licenses for phlebotomists. However, almost all employers in the state will prefer to hire, or will only hire, nationally certified phlebotomists. To obtain national certification, a person will have to take a test to prove that he or she has the needed skills and knowledge to properly and safely complete the work skills of a phlebotomist. Certification tests generally include both a written test and a practical skills test. There are a number of different recognized certification tests including those offered by the National Center for Competency Testing and the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Most phlebotomy training programs are designed to help students to pass one or more of the certification tests to help them to get started working in the field upon graduation.
Phlebotomist Salary in Wyoming
Nationwide, phlebotomists earn just under $30,000 per year. Those working in Wyoming earn about the same as the national average, though the amount that a phlebotomist earns will vary depending on a number of different factors. For example, those working in larger cities in the state, such as Cheyenne, will earn more than those working in more rural areas. In addition, salaries vary depending on employer. For example, those who work in phlebotomy while employed by the federal government will earn more than those working in an individual doctor’s office. In addition, phlebotomists typically earn more money with experience, just like most other professions.
Career Outlook
As the age of the average American is expected to rise in coming years and advancements in medical technology will improve the accuracy of tests, it is expected that more medical testing will be done in the immediate future. This increase in testing will continue to fuel the demand for phlebotomists, which is already high. In fact, most well-qualified phlebotomists currently have their choice of a number of different jobs. To capitalize on this demand and to get started in an exciting career with the ability to help others, those interested in working as a phlebotomist should start training as soon as possible.