Phlebotomy Schools in Mississippi

There are many perks for workers building careers in phlebotomy. Medical teams throughout the United States depend on phlebotomists to run tests and treat patients, so the potential for job security over time is great. Educational programs are often completed in three months or less, and most states don't require certification or state licensure. That makes phlebotomy one of the easiest healthcare fields to enter.

The phlebotomy field is growing faster than most other healthcare support occupations. From 2019 to 2029, the growth is expected to reach 17%. New job opportunities will continue to surface throughout Mississippi.

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

Phlebotomy classes are offered in most medium to large Mississippi cities through community colleges, vocational schools, and some industry organizations. Some of the state's most reputable training programs are offered from the following schools:

• East Mississippi Community College
• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
• Mississippi Delta Community College

The best training programs for future phlebotomists include classroom work and clinical experience. Phlebotomy certification exams include knowledge questions and hands-on skill assessment, so clinical experience is a valuable component of any educational program. Some online phlebotomy courses will also provide clinical experience, so Mississippi students have the option of studying from home if needed.

Most phlebotomy courses are completed in less than six months. Many are easy to complete in just a month or two, depending on the number of clinical hours required.

What Is the Phlebotomy Certification/Licensing Process in Mississippi?

Certification and state licensure are not required to work as a phlebotomist in Mississippi. Some workers are trained while working in other healthcare support positions and use that experience to secure phlebotomy positions. Others receive on-the-job experience by working with experienced phlebotomists with no prior experience.

Workers with no prior experience can complete phlebotomy training courses and may seek certification in order to maximize job opportunities and earning potential. Many employers prefer to work with job candidates who have at least completed some training in the field. Some will only hire certified phlebotomy technicians.

Workers who wish to become certified can take a certification exam from one of many authorities offering nationwide certification. Some of the most well-known certification agencies include the following:

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• Association of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT)
• American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals (ACA)
• National Phlebotomy Association (NPA)

Certification exams include general knowledge questions and demonstration of hands-on clinical skills. Training programs significantly improve a worker's chance of passing an examination.

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

Diagnostic laboratories and hospitals are the largest employers for phlebotomists. These facilities are more likely to pay toward the top of the pay range in Mississippi but may require employees to work weekends and holidays due to the consistent need for diagnostic and treatment services.

Phlebotomists can also work in doctor's offices, medical clinics, and ambulatory services. Any medical team that needs samples of blood and other bodily fluids will depend on phlebotomists working either in-house or in diagnostic laboratories.

What Is the Salary for a Phlebotomist in Mississippi?

Mississippi phlebotomists earned an annual salary between $28,000 and $35,000 in May 2021. The median was approximately $31,000, which is a bit lower than the national median of more than $36,000 in 2020. The average hourly wage is also a bit below the national average. For example, experienced phlebotomists in the industry for more than 20 years often make less than $20 per hour in Jackson, Mississippi.

Phlebotomy is often considered an entry point for the healthcare field. Phlebotomists can increase their earning potential by working as technicians while completing education programs to become nurses or medical expenses. Those interested in building long careers in phlebotomy should expect to earn more as they gain experience and secure certification.

Phlebotomy Schools By City