Phlebotomy Schools in Maryland

Phlebotomy is one of the most popular medical support careers for a few good reasons. First, entry into the field is fast because most states, including Maryland, don't require certification or state licensing. Second, the training courses are typically completed in less than a year. Some are easily completed in three months or less. Third, demand for phlebotomists is high and jobs are readily available.

The phlebotomy field is growing faster than most other medical support fields. It's expected to grow by approximately 17% from 2019 to 2029. That means job availability and expected pay rates will likely increase in Maryland and across the country.

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

A complete phlebotomy training course will include two components:

• Classroom Work — Students master basic principles and knowledge of phlebotomy through textbooks, lectures, classroom exercises, and other basic education.
• Clinical Experience — Students are placed in medical facilities to train under nurses, medical assistants, or experienced phlebotomists. They obtain hands-on experience while working with real patients.

Some online phlebotomy training courses are limited to classroom or bookwork, but some will help students obtain placement in suitable clinics for hands-on experience. There are phlebotomy classes available throughout Maryland for those who prefer to study in person with live instructors.

What Is the Phlebotomy Certification/Licensing Process in Maryland?

Certification and state licensing isn't required to work as a phlebotomist in Maryland. Many employers still prefer to hire workers who have passed a national phlebotomy examination, ensuring that they have the required knowledge to work safely. Some Maryland businesses will only hire certified phlebotomy technicians.

Workers with previous medical experience may have received on-the-job phlebotomy training that qualifies them to seek employment without taking a certification exam. Those entering the field without that experience will likely need to complete a training course to master basic skills that are essential to the field.

There are multiple certification exams that workers can take to prove their expertise in the field. Since licensing isn't required in Maryland, any reputable certification examination will satisfy most employers.

Some of the most popular certification exams for phlebotomists are offered by the following resources:

• National Center for Competency Testing
• National Healthcareer Association
• National Phlebotomy Association

Where Can I Find a Job As a Phlebotomist in Maryland?

Phlebotomy jobs are readily available in medical facilities and ambulatory services throughout Maryland. Hospitals are the leading employers throughout the country, but other potential workplaces include:

• Physician offices
• Laboratories
• Medical clinics

Not all doctor's offices employ phlebotomists directly, but that is the ideal work environment for phlebotomists who don't want to work weekends, overnights, or holidays. Working in a larger hospital or laboratory often comes with the responsibility to work beyond standard business hours.

What Is the Salary for a Phlebotomist in Maryland?

In May 2021, Maryland phlebotomists earned a median of $36,712 per year. The state's range went from just over $33,000 to over $40,000. Those figures are comparable to national statistics. In 2020, the median annual salary for phlebotomists nationwide was $36,320.

Phlebotomists can improve their earning potential by taking the following steps:

• Complete a phlebotomy training course. Educational programs tell potential employers that a worker has the knowledge and technical skills needed to work safely as a phlebotomist.
• Pass a national certification examination. Certification isn't required in Maryland, but many employers prefer to hire certified phlebotomists.
• Obtain as much hands-on experience as possible. Training programs that include clinical experiences are valuable for inexperienced workers.

Phlebotomists may also choose to further their education. They can easily transition into nursing or medical assisting careers after obtaining certification in phlebotomy and entering the workforce.

Phlebotomy Schools By City