Phlebotomy Certification in Knoxville, TN
Note: This is a guide for individuals who want to become Phlebotomists in the
beautiful city of Knoxville, TN. If you live outside of Knoxville, then please check out our Tennessee guide.
The third largest city in Tennessee, with a population of more than 183,000 people, the
city of Knoxville is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville is
nestled in the Tennessee Valley, also known as the Great Appalachian Valley, which
does provide for some amazing scenery in and around the city.
The Tennessee River flows through the city, and does play a role in the humid
subtropical climate of the region.
The entrepreneurial spirit flourishes in Knoxville, with large and small businesses alike
contributing to the thriving economy of this Tennessee city. From art and bluegrass
music to outdoor adventures, and retail to sporting events, Knoxville is a vibrant city
offering a great lifestyle for all.
The average salary for a phlebotomist in Knoxville is $27,000. The cost of living is
reasonable in the city, which makes this a great salary for someone in the medical
profession.
Overview of the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Process:
Becoming a certified phlebotomy technician is a great career option for someone looking
to work in the healthcare industry. There are some things that you may not know about
the job and what it entails.
A phlebotomist is the healthcare professional responsible for drawing blood and
collecting other specimens from patients, so that the samples can be processed and
tested for diagnostic purposes. Phlebotomists are most often found working in hospitals
and private doctor’s offices. In your role, you will routinely and directly work with patients
and their families.
It is important that you are confident in your skills and that you have a calm and
comforting demeanor. This is because many patients have a fear of needles and of
blood. To keep your patient calm while you do your job is an important aspect of the
position.
Because of the nature of the phlebotomist job, it’s vital that you have top notch
communication skills so that you can easily explain the procedures to your patients.
Here is a brief list of some of the additional tasks that you may be required to do on a
daily basis:
- Ready your tools and equipment; tools could include blood collection vials,needles, alcohol, gauze and bandages, and tourniquets.
- Complete inventory of your tools and equipment, and also place orders so thatyou are always well-stocked to meet the needs of your patients.
- Verify that the orders you receive from the doctor match up with the patient thatyou are seeing.
- Confirm that medical records are right, and maintain correct data for all of yourpatients.
- Instil a sense of trust and calm in the patient.
- Correctly label all specimens, and follow through on getting them to thelaboratory for testing.
Phlebotomy is a great career choice. It can be somewhat dangerous if the right
procedures are not followed, which is why it is imperative that you pursue phlebotomy
training and certification prior to working directly with patients.
Earning your Phlebotomy Certification in Knoxville:
Some states, such as California and Washington, have strict requirements for
phlebotomists and other healthcare professions. In these states, you would have to
pass stringent tests for state certification, and potentially then also need to pursue
national certification prior to being legally permitted to work with your patients.
Tennessee does not require that phlebotomists earn their certification prior to working
with patients. However it can only prove beneficial for you if you earn your certification
after completing a comprehensive training course.
This will boost your chances of employment as it will demonstrate that you possess the
skill set and the expertise that is needed in order to do the job correctly, and without
compromising on your patient safety.
If you are going to pursue your phlebotomy certification, you will need to find some
accredited training programs. There are a number of programs in Knoxville, and there
are also some great online certification programs.
Whether you attend a brick and mortar school or you opt for an online facility, hands on
experience should be a vital part of the program. In order to satisfy the requirements of
the program, you may have to put in as many as 100 clinical hours working with
patients.
Career Advancement and Recertification:
For most of us, when we pick out a career path, we do so with the hope for
advancement within our chosen field. As a phlebotomist holding your certification, you
will have the opportunity to see an increase in your salary as you put more experience
under your belt.
However, without other certifications and training to boost your skill set, you may just
find yourself unable to do much in the way of advancing. This should not however be a
deterrent for you as you are considering embarking on this rewarding career.
There is always going to be a need for experienced and qualified phlebotomists.
Working closely with patients and other medical professionals can also give you a
valuable insight into other career options. Many who have earned their phlebotomy
certification have later gone on to boost their education in pursuit of other specialties
within the medical field.
As a part of both maintaining your current employment and seeking advancement
opportunities, it’s vital that you do not allow your certification to lapse. Once you have
earned your phlebotomy certification, you will have 2 years before you need to apply for
renewal.
Remember that while it is not mandatory for you to have your certification, it can go a
long way toward demonstrating to employers that you have the right skills for the
position.
Selecting the Right Phlebotomy Training Program:

Before you can sit down to take the certification exam, you will need to take a
phlebotomy training course. During your training, you will get both theoretical and
practical knowledge. Most educational institutes offer curriculums that are very similar in
makeup, so you are assured of a good education if the school is accredited.
Depending on the program you select, you could find yourself spending anywhere from
4 weeks to 6 months learning the skills that will stand you in good stead.
Here are a few tips to help you locate the right program for your needs:
- Ensure that the school is accredited. This will not only ensure you are learning all thatyou need to know, but earned credits can go toward education advancements.
- Find out what the course covers, and whether it will leave you ready to pass thecertification exam.
- Learn about any financial aid that the school offers. Not being able to come up with thefull cost of tuition is often a deterrent for those who are not in a steady financial position
This about your personal life as it is today. You may already be working and supporting
a family. Look for a program that will fit with your schedule and allow you to learn at a
pace that works for you.
Training Program Options in Knoxville:
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers a 49 hours course that covers all of the
skills needed to pass the certification exam. Students will practice on each other prior to
working with patients. A CPR certification and a hepatitis vaccination is required.
View more on their Website:
http://www.tcatknoxville.edu/part-time-and-evening-programs/phlebotomy
UT Knoxville
UT Knoxville offers a course that will set students on the right path to not just passing
the phlebotomy exam, but also allows students to earn credits toward nursing and other
healthcare careers. Proof of liability insurance is required.
The UT Knoxville website:
http://www.utknoxville.org/UT-Knoxville-phlebotomy-training.php
Pellissippi State Community College
Pellissippi State Community College provides options for financial aid that works for the
individual. The phlebotomy technician course is a comprehensive program that includes
clinical rotations.
Website:
More Phlebotomy Schools in the Knoxville, TN area:
External Websites Used To Create This Article:
Salary.com – The facts and figures for Phlebotomist salaries were originally compiled by the always excellent Salary.com.
Wikimedia – The Knoxville Tennesse image at the top of this post comes courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.