Key Points

• What is a Phlebotomist? A Phlebotomist is a trained healthcare professional who specializes in drawing blood from patients for diagnostic testing, transfusions, or donations.
• How to become a Phlebotomist in Colorado? To become a Phlebotomist in Colorado, complete a phlebotomy training program (often 10 weeks) and pass a national certification exam (like the CPT) to be competitive.
• Length of training for a Phlebotomist: Phlebotomy training programs in Colorado are fast, typically taking 10 to 16 weeks to complete.
• Average Phlebotomist salary in Colorado: The median salary for a Phlebotomist in Colorado is approximately $47,780 per year.
• Number of employment of Phlebotomists in Colorado: As of May 2024, there were approximately 3,200 Phlebotomists employed in Colorado.

What is a Phlebotomist?

A Phlebotomist is a healthcare professional responsible for collecting blood samples for medical testing, blood donations, and research. Their responsibilities include:

• Preparing patients for blood collection procedures and easing any concerns.
• Drawing blood using venipuncture (from veins) or capillary puncture (fingerstick method).
• Labeling and handling specimens to ensure proper processing and analysis.
• Following strict safety protocols to prevent contamination or infection.
• Maintaining accurate records of patient interactions and collected samples.

Where Do Phlebotomists Work?

Phlebotomists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

• Hospitals and Clinics: Drawing blood from inpatients and outpatients for testing.
• Diagnostic Laboratories: Processing and analyzing blood samples for medical testing.
• Blood Donation Centers: Assisting with voluntary blood collection for transfusions.
• Mobile Phlebotomy Services: Traveling to homes, workplaces, or nursing homes for sample collection.

Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Colorado

To get hired as a professional Phlebotomist in Colorado, you'll need to meet the industry standards for this detail-oriented role.

• Age and Education: Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
• Formal Training: Completion of a certificate program in phlebotomy from an accredited or state-recognized school is expected by virtually all employers.
• National Certification: While Colorado does not issue a state license for phlebotomists, holding a national certification like the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) is the industry standard and required by most major employers.
• Background Check: You must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

How to Become a Phlebotomist in Colorado?

To become a skilled phlebotomist in Colorado, follow these steps and check the general requirements:

The path to becoming a certified and employable Phlebotomist in Colorado is quick and focused on practical skills. Follow these intelligent steps:

1. Meet the Foundational Requirements

Before you can enroll in a program, ensure you have your high school diploma or GED and are at least 18 years old. You'll also need to be prepared for the background check required for working in healthcare. Good hand-eye coordination and strong interpersonal skills are also important.

2. Enroll in a Phlebotomy Training Program

Your next step is to enroll in a phlebotomy technician program. These programs are short and intensive, typically lasting 10 to 16 weeks. They combine classroom instruction on anatomy, safety, and procedures with extensive hands-on practice in drawing blood. Look for programs accredited by organizations like NAACLS or ABHES, or those recognized by national certifying bodies.

3. Earn a National Certification

This is the most important credential you will earn. National certification proves to employers that you have the knowledge and practical skills to perform phlebotomy safely and effectively.

How to Get a Phlebotomy Certification in Colorado?

• Complete Training: Graduate from your phlebotomy training program. Make sure it meets the eligibility requirements of your chosen certifying agency (e.g., required number of successful venipunctures).
• Choose an Agency & Apply: Select a national certifying agency like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Apply to take their phlebotomy technician certification exam.
• Pass the Exam: Pass the certification exam, which includes both a written component and often a practical skills evaluation. Passing earns you the title of Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or equivalent.

4. Apply for Phlebotomist Jobs

Once you are certified, you are ready to enter the job market. A great resource for exploring the career is MyNextMove.org, which details the tasks and technologies used.

How to Get a Phlebotomist Job in Colorado?

Create a resume that prominently features your new CPT certification and details the hands-on skills you learned in your training program (e.g., "Completed 100+ successful draws"). Search for job titles like "Phlebotomist" or "Phlebotomy Technician" on job boards (Indeed, etc.) and the career pages of major Colorado employers like UCHealth, SCL Health, and Centura Health. Emphasize your attention to detail and patient care skills during interviews.