Pursuing a career in phlebotomy is an excellent way to break into the healthcare industry.
And FL is the #3 state in the nation for Phlebotomist employment!
Education & Training
To get started, you will need to attend a training program, such as the ones below:
How Do You Benefit From the Program?
The purpose of the course is to help you pass the CPTS exam through AECA or the CPT exam through the NHA. More information on these certifications below.
Since it is an online course, you can enroll at anytime. The courses take about 12 months, but you might be able to complete them faster depending on how much you study.
How Much Does it Cost?
Approximately $2300, but financing is available.
What Do You Study?
Classes generally teach you how to draw blood, assist patients during a draw, and prepare samples for testing, though each institution has its own specific curriculum.
Depending on where you study, you might also take courses on:
- Healthcare career core knowledge
- Handling and preparing bodily fluids
- Venipuncture procedures
- Blood draw equipment and processes
- Patient monitoring
- Charting procedures and reporting results
What is the Experience Like?
Phlebotomy programs feature a combination of classroom instruction and practical training in nursing homes and clinics.
During the hands-on portion of your schooling, your instructor will supervise and assist as you practice the skills you’ve learned in class.
You might also have a required number of venipunctures and skin punctures to complete before you can pass the course.
Other Local Programs
Several universities, colleges, and vocational schools offer phlebotomy courses in Florida.
- West Palm Beach
- Delray Beach, Miami Gardens, Altamonte Springs
- Daytona Beach
- Jacksonville
- Cutler Bay, Orange Park, Pensacola, Port St. Lucie
- Eustis
- Gainesville
- Orlando
- Orlando, Pinellas Park, Tavares
- Clearwater
American Healthcare Institute (Rating: 5 out 5)
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
Daytona College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
Florida State College at Jacksonville (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
The FSCJ Phlebotomy Technician program offers comprehensive training in safe and effective blood collection through a combination of theoretical and hands-on instruction, preparing students for the NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Exam. The program includes two courses: Basic Healthcare Worker and Phlebotomist, covering essential topics like infection control, anatomy, and phlebotomy procedures. Classes are available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall terms, with financial assistance options and payment plans available for eligible students.
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Lake Technical College (Rating: 4 out 5)
The Phlebotomy program at Lake Technical College is designed to prepare students for employment as phlebotomists or to enhance the skills of current healthcare workers. The program includes 165 hours of classroom instruction, held Monday to Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and clinical observation hours.
Santa Fe College (Rating: 4 out 5)
South College (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
Offers a 3-month certificate program that preps you for the national certification exam.
Southern Technical Institute (Rating: 4.9 out 5)
Phlebotomy Technician diploma program that preps students for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam from the National Healthcareer Association.
Ultimate Medical Academy (Rating: 3.5 out 5)
4 month diploma program that prepares you for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam.
Salary Range
- $36,304 – Talent.com
- $37,803 – Salary.com
- $39,680 – Bureau of Labor
- $45,789 – Indeed.com
Below, you’ll find location-specific data from the Bureau of Labor:
| Area | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $18.37 | $38,210.00 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $18.07 | $37,590.00 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $16.86 | $35,060.00 |
| Gainesville | $17.45 | $36,300.00 |
| Homosassa Springs | $16.83 | $35,010.00 |
| Jacksonville | $17.81 | $37,050.00 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $18.26 | $37,980.00 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $18.48 | $38,440.00 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island | $18.55 | $38,580.00 |
| North Florida | $17.55 | $36,510.00 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton | $19.11 | $39,750.00 |
| Ocala | $16.70 | $34,730.00 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $17.82 | $37,060.00 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | $17.52 | $36,440.00 |
| Panama City | $17.39 | $36,180.00 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $18.34 | $38,150.00 |
| Port St. Lucie | $18.01 | $37,470.00 |
| Punta Gorda | $17.43 | $36,250.00 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach | $18.08 | $37,600.00 |
| Tallahassee | $16.27 | $33,840.00 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $18.26 | $37,980.00 |
| The Villages | $16.87 | $35,090.00 |
source: data.bls.gov
Occupation: Phlebotomists (SOC Code319097)
Remember, you may be able to negotiate a higher wage if you have official certification.
Florida Requirements?
There is no state requirement to have a phlebotomy license in Florida, but having one can improve your chances of finding a well-paying job in the industry.
Once you complete an accredited training course, you become eligible to apply for phlebotomy jobs in Florida.
Certification
Getting certified can show potential employers your dedication to the job and, depending on where you apply, might even present opportunities to gain a higher level of experience or continue your education.
Since there is no current requirement for state licensure, you’ll need to go through a national organization to get a phlebotomy certification in Florida.
As mentioned above, the program curriculum targets one of the certifications below.
NHA
The National Healthcare Association administers the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam.
AECA
The American Education Certification Association provides the Certified Phlebotomy Technician Specialist exam.
Otherwise, you can register to take the exam through one of the following institutions.
- The National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (NPA)
- The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
What Are the Differences?
Each of these organizations has specific qualifications candidates must meet before they can apply to take the phlebotomy certification exam.
For example, the NPA requires applicants to provide official transcripts from a training program that consists of at least 160 hours of lecture time and a minimum of 200 hours of practical experience with mannequins, clinical practicum, or a combination of both.
For the NCCT, you must submit an official transcript, then have an employer sign a Phlebotomy Technician Certification Critical Skill Competency form stating that you’ve performed 25 venipuncture and 5 capillary punctures.
Career Overview
What Do They Do?
Phlebotomists are responsible for taking blood samples and accurately labeling them with the patient’s information.
Once they collect the samples, they test them to find underlying conditions that can help doctors make proper diagnoses and begin patient care.
Places They Can Work
Most phlebotomists work in hospitals and doctor’s offices, but some also find work in medical and diagnostic laboratories.
Organizational Requirements
However, you’ll need to check the qualifications that each facility is looking for. Some locations only consider phlebotomist candidates who have at least 100 documented “live” venipuncture sticks, while others require you to have at least one year of work experience in a medical setting.
Personality Traits
It’s important that a phlebotomist also have a good bedside manner and an ability to put patients at ease, especially when dealing with individuals who have a fear of needles.
Part of the job involves explaining each step of the blood-drawing procedure to the patient and using a calm, gentle tone to help them relax as you perform the necessary tasks.
Career Outlook
Over the next decade, experts predict a 23% increase in the demand for phlebotomy jobs in Florida. After a few years of working in the industry, phlebotomists often go back to school and pursue other careers in the healthcare field, leading to new employment opportunities for newly-graduated phlebotomists.