How to Become a Phlebotomist in Florida
Career Overview
Pursuing a career in phlebotomy is an excellent way to break into the healthcare industry. Those with a passion for helping others and exceptional attention to detail thrive in this field, and since healthcare workers are almost always in-demand, it can be easy to find work once you have the proper training and credentials.
Education & Training
Several universities, colleges, and vocational schools offer phlebotomy courses in Florida. 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.
What Courses Do You Take?
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.
Job Description
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.
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.
Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Florida
Once you complete an accredited training course, you become eligible to apply for phlebotomy jobs in Florida.
Varies by Organization
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.
Any State Requirements?
Although there is no state requirement to have a phlebotomy license in Florida, having one can improve your chances of finding a well-paying job in the industry.
Becoming a certified phlebotomist 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.
How to Get Phlebotomy Certification in Florida
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.
Your phlebotomy program might offer certification exams on-campus for those who pass the required courses.
Otherwise, you can register to take the exam through one of the following institutions.
- The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- The National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (NPCE)
- The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
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.
To take the NHA’s certification exam, you’ll need to have done 30 venipuncture and 10 capillary sticks, though you only need 50 venipuncture sticks for the NPCE.
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.
How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make in Florida?
Wages for phlebotomists differ depending on where they work.
Wondering, “How much does a phlebotomist make per hour in Florida?” The average pay rate is about $16.28 per hour. However, you may be able to negotiate a higher wage if you have official certification.
Below, you’ll find location-specific information about the typical phlebotomist salary in Florida.
| Tampa | $36,220.00 |
| Naples | $36,522.00 |
| Miami | $36,107.00 |
| Orlando | $35,145.00 |
| Panama City | $34,182.00 |
| Jacksonville | $35,496.00 |
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.