Phlebotomy Schools in Rhode Island

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomy is an excellent field to enter. In fact, in the U.S. over the next 10 years, it is expected that available employment for phlebotomists will grow up to 17 percent, which is "much faster than average." When compared to the nation as a whole, the individual state of Rhode Island has an equally positive outlook. Currently, there are between 710 and 1,740 phlebotomists employed in this state.

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

Being a small state, there are slightly fewer phlebotomy classes and schools in Rhode Island than in many other states. Still, you can certainly find a program near you if you know what to look for.

It's best to locate an accredited phlebotomy training program for starters. You'll want one that offers certification as well. We'll discuss this more in detail later on. For now, focus on finding a reputable school with high job placement statistics. If you can, speak with students who have attended each school and ask them about their experiences. Note if they have found a job in phlebotomy yet, and if so, how long it took them.

If you have trouble finding the right school for you in Rhode Island, it's certainly acceptable to look outside the state as well. Rhode Island is bordered by the states of Massachusetts (to the north and east) and Connecticut (to the west). There are far more phlebotomy training programs in these states, which can add to your pool of options.

Of course, if traveling out of state isn't an option, there are online phlebotomy training classes available as well.

What Is the Phlebotomy Certification/Licensing Process in Rhode Island?

Currently, there are no federal certification standards for phlebotomists. This means that, according to the federal government, anyone can draw blood samples, even if they are not formally trained or certified.

Individual states do have the authority to set up phlebotomy certification requirements if they choose. However, like the federal government, many state governments do not have certification standards in place either.

Rhode Island is one of the states without certification standards. Be that as it may, it is important to note that only rarely will an individual be employed without a diploma and certification showing they have been trained and educated in phlebotomy. For this reason, it is always recommended that you seek out a reputable training program that can also certify you.

Initial qualifications for certification include:

• Being over the age of 18
• Having a high school diploma or GED
• Passing health and background tests (according to training institution standards)

If you meet these requirements, you will generally be admitted to any phlebotomy training program. These programs are offered at several types of institutions, including:

• Community colleges
• Vocational schools
• Health technical schools

After you've been admitted to a program and fully trained in phlebotomy, you can take your certification exam. Various certification organizations exist. These include:

• The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• The National Phlebotomy Association
• The American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
• The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Most phlebotomy training programs will incorporate certification into the end of your training.

Where Can I Find a Job as a Phlebotomist in Rhode Island?

Remember that even though there aren't strict training and certification requirements in place in Rhode Island, it is still important to be fully certified.

Once you've accomplished this, most available phlebotomy jobs in Rhode Island can be found at:

• Hospitals and clinics
• Outpatient care centers
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Blood donation centers
• Nursing homes
• Doctor's offices
• Ambulatory healthcare service centers

There are numerous phlebotomy jobs available in Rhode Island. If you are interested in working as a phlebotomist in this state, chances are you will find a job shortly after receiving your phlebotomy certification.

What Is the Salary for a Phlebotomist in Rhode Island?

Phlebotomists in Rhode Island can earn a good living. Some of the highest-paid phlebotomists in the nation work here, earning anywhere from $39,690 to $47,230 per year. The average pay around the nation for a phlebotomist (according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) was $36,320 per year and $17.46 per hour. Estimates from Providence, Rhode Island state that phlebotomists earn roughly $17 per hour on average.

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