Do you enjoy helping others and want a cool job in healthcare? Then you might like being a phlebotomist! Phlebotomists are medical heroes who draw blood for tests, donations, or research. This blog post will explain how to become a phlebotomist in Florida.

Step 1: Learn About the Job

First, let's understand what a phlebotomist does. They draw blood from patients. This can help doctors diagnose illnesses and plan treatments. Phlebotomists also make sure the blood is labeled and stored correctly. They must be friendly and good at making patients feel relaxed and safe.

Step 2: Meet all of the requirements

While many similar guides say that a high school diploma or GED is required, in reality this is only true for phlebotomy programs offered by a community college or technical college. You are able to attend a private vocational school (which is still approved by the state), which generally will only require an 8th grade diploma. If you don’t have an 8th grade diploma, they will generally let you take an 8th grade competency test that checks to see if your reading and math skills are at an 8th grade level.

Besides the 8th grade equivalency, you will also need to pass a background check. This is because a phlebotomy employer or externship site will not want to hire someone with a felony or misdemeanor involving theft or assault in the past 5 years, so schools check for this upfront.

Step 3: Join a Phlebotomy Training Program

Next, find a phlebotomy training program at a local community college, vocational school, or technical institute. These programs will teach you all about the human body, how to draw blood, and the important medical words you need to know. Plus, they often give you hands-on training to practice your new skills! The classes are generally split into two parts: the theory portion (also called didactic training) where you’ll learn the theory behind phlebotomy; the practical portion, where you’ll try out doing blood draws.

Phlebotomy classes at local vocational schools in Florida range from $500-1500 and are usually 2-6 weeks long. Community colleges and technical schools will typically cost a lot more if you pay in full and are longer, but they may offer financial aid for those who qualify. For all of these schools, you may also be able to get funding to attend via your local CareerSource Florida center.

You can find phlebotomy classes on Dreambound in North Port, Orlando, Tampa, Cape Coral, Miami, Jacksonville, Deltona, or online. You can also search by zipcode.

Step 4: Get Your Certification

While it's not a law in Florida to have a certificate to work as a phlebotomist, it's a good idea to get one. It can make you stand out when you're looking for a job. To get certified, you need to pass a test from an organization like the National Health Career Association (NHA), the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Step 5: Practice Your Skills

Experience is key! Try to get an internship or an entry-level job where you can really practice your skills. The more you practice, the better you will get. Your school will likely match you with an externship site where you can get more hands-on experience.

Step 6: Get Your First Phlebotomy Job

Now you're ready for the big leagues! With your training and certification in hand, you can apply for jobs. Florida has many hospitals, clinics, and labs that need good phlebotomists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida phlebotomists make on average $37,580 per year, or approximately $18/hour.

Becoming a phlebotomist in Florida is a great choice. It's a fun job where you can truly help people. And it's only the start! You could choose to learn more skills or get more education to advance your career in healthcare.

Stay tuned for more helpful guides on starting a career in healthcare. Remember, this is your journey, and we're here to help guide you through it. Keep going, future phlebotomist!

With Dreambound, find comprehensive guides that make starting in this field easier, each suited to a specific city. If you've planned a move or are doing research for another vocation, our other guides may be able to help.

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