Key Points

• What is a Phlebotomist? A Phlebotomist is a trained healthcare professional who specializes in drawing blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, or donations.
• How to become a Phlebotomist in Oregon? To become a Phlebotomist in Oregon, you typically need to complete a phlebotomy training program (often 4-12 weeks) and pass a national certification exam (like the CPT) to be competitive.
• Length of training for a Phlebotomist: Phlebotomy training programs in Oregon are fast, typically taking 4 to 12 weeks to complete, sometimes up to 6 months for college credit programs.
• Average Phlebotomist salary in Oregon: The median salary for a Phlebotomist in Oregon is approximately $43,660 per year ($20.99/hr), with top earners making over $57,000.
• Number of employment of Phlebotomists in Oregon: As of May 2024, there are significant employment opportunities for Phlebotomists in Oregon's hospitals and labs, contributing to the state's strong healthcare workforce.

What is a Phlebotomist?

A Phlebotomist is a crucial member of the clinical laboratory team, specializing in venipuncture—the process of drawing blood. They are the skilled professionals who ensure that blood samples needed for testing, donations, or transfusions are collected safely, accurately, and with minimal discomfort to the patient. More than just drawing blood, they are responsible for verifying patient identity, correctly labeling vials, and ensuring the integrity of the sample for reliable lab results, playing a vital role in patient diagnosis and care.

Common duties include:

• Accurately identifying patients and verifying doctor's orders.
• Selecting the correct vials and equipment for the required tests
• Performing venipunctures (drawing blood from veins) and finger sticks.
• Properly labeling and handling blood samples to maintain quality.
• Transporting samples to the laboratory for analysis.
• Calming and reassuring patients during the procedure.

Where Do Phlebotomists Work?

Phlebotomists are needed in almost every healthcare setting where blood tests are performed. In Oregon, you'll find them working in:

• Hospitals: Performing blood draws on patients in various departments, from the ER to inpatient floors. Major employers include OHSU, Providence Health, and Legacy Health.
• Diagnostic Laboratories: Companies like Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp employ many phlebotomists at their patient service centers.
• Doctor's Offices and Clinics: Collecting routine blood samples during patient check-ups.
• Blood Donation Centers: Organizations like the American Red Cross rely on phlebotomists to collect donations.
• Mobile Phlebotomy Services: Traveling to patients' homes or nursing facilities to draw blood.

Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Oregon

To get hired as a professional Phlebotomist in Oregon, 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 phlebotomy training program is highly preferred and often required by employers. Programs must include classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice.
• National Certification: While Oregon 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 (like hospitals and large labs).
• Background Check: You must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening, often required for clinical rotations and employment.
• Immunizations: Proof of current immunizations (Hep B, MMR, etc.) and a negative TB test are standard requirements.

How to Become a Phlebotomist in Oregon?

The path to becoming a certified and employable Phlebotomist in Oregon 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. In Oregon, you have options ranging from private vocational schools (often faster) to community colleges (often more comprehensive). These programs typically last 4 to 12 weeks (or one academic term). They combine classroom instruction on anatomy, safety, and procedures with extensive hands-on practice in drawing blood. Look for programs that include a clinical externship.

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 Oregon?

• 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, usually 30-100).

• 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 verification of your practical skills. 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 Oregon?

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 venipunctures"). Search for job titles like "Phlebotomist" or "Phlebotomy Technician" on job boards (Indeed, etc.) and the career pages of major Oregon employers like Kaiser Permanente, PeaceHealth, and Samaritan Health Services. Emphasize your attention to detail and patient care skills during interviews.

5. Pursue Advanced Education

Your phlebotomy certification is an excellent entry point into the laboratory or broader healthcare field. Many phlebotomists continue their education to become Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs), Medical Assistants (MAs), or Registered Nurses (RNs).