Phlebotomy Schools in Minnesota

Nationwide, the demand for phlebotomists is much higher than average, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 17 percent. The Minnesota Department of Health reports an in-state demand of just over 10 percent each year. If you want to work with patients in an entry-level career and feel comfortable drawing blood, the first step is to complete an accredited phlebotomy training program in the state.

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

The Internet is typically the best place to start your search for schools offering phlebotomy classes and certificate programs. You want to ensure that your phlebotomy classes teach you how to give injections, administer IV medications, and set up IVs. Your employer will require these skills in addition to your primary duty of drawing blood.

The typical requirement to obtain a position as a phlebotomist in Minnesota is to complete a training program that takes up to 10 weeks. The school you attend must have received accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Here are some ways to determine whether the school offers a quality phlebotomy program:

• Instructors spend sufficient time explaining infection control and sterilization procedures.
• You learn how to collect and process biological specimens while identifying patient correctly.
• You have the opportunity to complete several weeks of hands-on training with certified phlebotomists in the community.
• You learn about appropriate recordkeeping and patient privacy laws.
• You receive instruction on the importance of professional communication.

Besides program accreditation by the NAACLS, you should also look for institutional accreditation by an agency like the Higher Learning Commission. Minnesota has at least 16 schools offering phlebotomy courses, including several in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area and rural and suburban locations.

What Is the Phlebotomy Certification/Licensing Process in Minnesota?

Minnesota requires a minimum of 42 hours of classroom training and 120 hours of supervised field experience where you perform the same duties you would as a phlebotomist. You are eligible to take your certification exam with NAACLS once you have completed your educational requirements. Testing is not mandatory, but it can help you stand out from other applicants when interviewing for your first job.

You will need to take a certification exam through an agency such as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians or American Medical Technologists to qualify for paying work. These organizations schedule exams several times per year in different areas. Your instructor should provide you with information about dates and times.

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

Hospitals, private healthcare clinics, laboratories, and plasma centers are Minnesota's top phlebotomy employers. Counties often have job openings for phlebotomy jobs as do agencies that respond to emergencies such as the Red Cross. According to SimplyHired.com, several mobile phlebotomist positions are open across the state as well. Common employers include:

• Minnesota Department of Health
• University of Minnesota Hospitals
• Park Nicollet Medical Center
• Allina Health Systems
• Biolife Plasma Center
• Quest Diagnostics
• American Red Cross Minnesota Chapter
• Hennepin Health Center

What is the Salary for a Phlebotomist in Minnesota?

According to a May 2020 report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), phlebotomists in Minnesota earn a median annual wage between $39,690 and $47,230. This salary range is the highest in the country, and only 11 other states have the same median salary for phlebotomists. The annual salary is equal to an hourly wage of $19.08 to $22.70.

You need to keep in mind that this salary range is for people at the midpoint of their career. Approximately 50 percent of phlebotomists in Minnesota earn more than this range and 50 percent earn less. Indeed.com reports an average hourly wage of $17.44 for people with two or more years of experience and $16.79 for those with less than one year of experience. These rates are close to the national average hourly wage of $17.46 for phlebotomists with at least a few years of experience.

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