Phlebotomy Schools in Missouri

The need for trained phlebotomists in Missouri is expected to grow faster than the national average through 2028. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is estimating a 23% increase in the number of employed Missouri phlebotomists by that year, compared to the national average of a 17% increase. The health care industry is facing a shortage of workers over the next decade, so the job prospects for phlebotomists look very good in Missouri.

Phlebotomists primarily draw blood intravenously from patients or blood donors. They can also work in technical laboratories that work with blood samples. Successful phlebotomists typically have good people skills and good hand-eye coordination.

How Can I Find the Best Phlebotomy Training Program Near Me?

People in Missouri who want to pursue a career in phlebotomy are fortunate, because there are numerous training programs at community colleges and medical centers across the state. Most programs require at least a high school diploma or GED, and applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

The amount of instruction required varies widely between institutions. Some programs can be completed in as little as 7 weeks with 64 hours of training, with others taking 16 weeks to complete 180 hours of training.

The best Missouri phlebotomy classes are taught at institutions that also provide hands-on clinical training. For example, the Lex La-Rey Technical Center in Lexington requires 100 hours of hands-on clinical experience to complete its phlebotomy program, in addition to 100 successful blood draws. St. Charles Community College requires 120 hours of clinical experience to complete its phlebotomy program.

What Is the Phlebotomy Certification/Licensing Process in Missouri?

The state of Missouri does not require licensing for phlebotomists. Certification is not necessary, although it can increase one’s chances of gaining employment as a phlebotomist if they sit for and pass an exam from a national certification program. Certification can increase employment opportunities, in addition to potentially increasing the earning potential for a full-time phlebotomists.

After completing phlebotomy classes in Missouri, graduates can apply for a certification program. To earn certification, students will take additional hours of classroom instruction and sit for an exam. Here are some of the available national certification programs for phlebotomy:

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)
• National Phlebotomy Solutions (NPS)
• National Healthcare Association

Where Can I Find a Job as a Phlebotomist in Missouri?

Most phlebotomy jobs in Missouri are available at hospitals, doctor’s offices and medical clinics. Phlebotomists also work at diagnostic laboratories within the medical industry. Blood donation centers are another potential employment source.

What Is the Salary for a Phlebotomist in Missouri?

Missouri is below the national average when it comes to salaries and wages for phlebotomists. The median salary for phlebotomists in Missouri in 2020 was $30,870. The national median salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $36,320 in 2020.

The bottom phlebotomy wage earners made $22,640 in Missouri in 2020, while the top wage earners made $41,520.

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