Assistant phlebotomists must be comfortable handling blood samples.
Some people are squeamish when it comes to blood. However, assistant phlebotomists must be comfortable with handling blood samples, since drawing, storing and testing blood is their job. Assistant phlebotomists, also referred to as phlebotomy technicians, are entry-level professionals that work in hospitals, clinical laboratories and physician's offices. To enter the field, assistant phlebotomists must undergo training that teaches bedside skills, basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and standard procedures for drawing and handling blood.
National Average
The medical professionals in doctor's offices who prick your finger or draw blood samples are phlebotomists. Phlebotomy professionals who are new to the field often start out as assistant phlebotomists or phlebotomist technicians. Similar to experienced professionals, assistants help prepare blood samples for diagnostic testing, and medical analysis. Prior to drawing blood, assistant phlebotomists check patients' blood pressure and vital signs. Assistant phlebotomists also use this information to update patient records. Other duties include cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment and work areas. According to a June 2011 Salary.com report, phlebotomists in the U.S. averaged a salary of $29,286 per year. A 2010 American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) wage report states that staff phlebotomists averaged $28,080 annually.
Industry
The Bureau of Labor Statistics "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition" revealed medical and clinical laboratory technicians, which include assistant phlebotomists, earned varying salaries across industries. Technicians working for hospitals reported an average salary of $38,920, while professionals employed at medical and diagnostic labs averaged $36,240. Lab technicians working in outpatient care centers reported an average salary of $37,740 per year. Ambulatory health care services paid technicians an average salary of $35,100 per year.
Geography
Assistant phlebotomists who move into experienced phlebotomist roles earn varying salaries across different geographic regions according to a June 2011 SalaryExpert report. Phlebotomy professionals working in Houston reported an average salary of $37,374 per year. Phlebotomists in Chicago earned $38,898 per year. In Phoenix, phlebotomists earned an average salary of $29,391 annually. Workers also averaged $33,178 in Orlando, $37,246 in Los Angeles and $31,075 in Charlotte. Phlebotomy professionals in New York City's Manhattan borough reported the highest annual wages, averaging $39,088 annually.
Potential
The BLS forecasts that jobs for clinical laboratory workers, including phlebotomists, will increase 14 percent through the year 2018. Although an associate or bachelor degree is not a formal requirement for assistant phlebotomist or technician positions, completion of an accredited phlebotomy program boosts candidates' chances for entry-level employment. The ASCP 2010 wage report also reported that earnings for ASCP board-certified medical laboratory professionals received salaries that were on average 14 percent higher than non-certified staff. Moreover, the report stated that certified phlebotomists averaged salaries that were 10 percent higher than non-certified phlebotomy professionals. The BLS recommends that technicians who are interested in career advancement attain additional training and work experience. ASCP reveals that supervising phlebotomists averaged $41,766 per year as of 2010.
