Phlebotomy Schools in South Carolina

Phlebotomists take blood for organizations ranging from small medical clinics and blood donation groups all the way up to huge hospitals. In most areas, pretty much every blood sample and donation is taken by one of these professionals. As you might imagine, this puts phlebotomists in high demand. However, since the job isn’t very involved, the salary can be limited. Therefore, it is often an entry into the wider field of trained medical support, rather than an end in itself. In South Carolina, it doesn’t take long to complete the training, and it’s possible to get a phlebotomist job quickly, and this adds to its appeal.

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

Though many institutions offer some form of phlebotomy training, not all offer good programs. Therefore, you should do some research on any school or training center that you consider.

First, look for accreditation from a respected organization. There are a few organizations that meet this criteria. One is the National Phlebotomy Association. If you see a name that you don’t recognize, research it to make sure that it is an accrediting agency that employers will respect.

In order to meet the criteria of good accreditation agencies, the program will need to have both a classroom and a practical element. Classroom activities can be done in person or online, but the practical portion must be done in person. This is because the practical element involves getting many hours of actual experience with patients, and taking several blood draws. In South Carolina, the practical experience aspect may be lower than it is in some other states, but it has not been eliminated.

What Is the Phlebotomy Certification/Licensing Process in South Carolina?

There is no legal requirement to be licensed to practice phlebotomy in South Carolina. However, most employers will require certification. Since the state does not have a government-run certification program, certification is done by a national agency.

As with schools, there are various national certification programs, but not all of them are respected. Be sure to choose one that will impress potential employers. Good programs are generally recognized as legitimate and reliable. One example is the National Phlebotomy Association, though it is not the only possibility. If you are considering one of the others, be sure to research it to learn its reputation before paying any money.

Where Can I Find a Job As a Phlebotomist in South Carolina?

Phlebotomists are in high demand in South Carolina, with over 100 job openings appearing in a recent search. Would-be employers include the Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, the Spartanburg Regional Health Care System, Octapharma Plasma in Florence, Prisma Health, and OneBlood.

What Is the Salary for a Phlebotomist in South Carolina?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a phlebotomist in South Carolina is $33,610. There were 2,170 phlebotomists in the state as of the BLS’s latest statistics, which are from May 2020.

Notably, some of the South Carolina job openings are promising $15 per hour. This is a clue that phlebotomist is an entry-level position, despite the training involved. Many people who start out in phlebotomy use it as a starter job on the road to a career that involves more advanced medical support work.

Since it doesn’t take long to complete a training program and become certified, and job openings are plentiful, a phlebotomy job is a good way to get a full taste of the industry and start building a reputation. If you decide that you indeed like the medical world, you can add more skills and certifications over time. It is also possible to increase your earnings potential within phlebotomy by moving up to a management position.

Phlebotomy Schools By City