Phlebotomy Training NJ (New Jersey)

New Jersey with its “tough guy” image, never intimidated by its weighty New York neighbor, has almost 8.9 million people and ranks 4th smallest of the states but 11th in most populated. New Jersey’s south and southeast border is the Atlantic Ocean and the lifestyle of its inhabitants were the catalyst for one of current culture’s most popular “reality” TV shows: The Jersey Shore. Trenton is the capital city of New Jersey, though Newark is the largest, making up one of the United States’ most ethnically and culturally diverse populations.

The goods news is that the average starting salary for phlebotomist positions in most major cities in the state of New Jersey are higher than the national average, most likely due to it’s dense population. In Atlantic City the starting salary sits at around $27,124, in Jersey City it is around $29, 712, and in Trenton it’s also around $29, 712. Top wages for phlebotomists in New Jersey is around $43,000 per year.

If you are looking to gain employment in the field of phlebotomy then New Jersey is a good state to be looking in. As of today a search for ‘phlebotomist jobs’ on Monster.com yielded 283 results. The Bureau of Labour statistics shows New Jersey as one of the top states for employing phlebotomists, with the current number of people employed in the field being estimated at 2,850 to 11,000.

Phlebotomists will typically find themselves employed at hospitals, clinics, blood banks, and research labs.

Requirements for Phlebotomy Training in New Jersey

New Jersey is one of many states in the US that does not have any specific legal requirements in place to become a phlebotomist. Technically all you need is a high school diploma or a GED, however that does not necessarily mean that you will be able to find employment as a phlebotomist straight out of high school. Most, if not all, employers will want to see proof of completion of a phlebotomy training program from an accredited school and certification by a recognized national agency. Some reputable certifying agencies are:

• National Center for Competency Testing 145 test questions must be answered over 2.5 hours. Written evidence of clinical competency is required.
• American Medical Technologists. Phlebotomist. Requires work experience, oral or written exam, renewal every three years through CEU and re-examination.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology, Phlebotomy Technician (PBT, ASCP). Requires training or work experience, oral or written exam, renewal every ten years, can renew through CEU
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Phlebotomist. Requires practical exam, written exam, annual CEUs to maintain certification
• National Phlebotomy Association. Phlebotomist. Requires oral or written exam

On a personal level most employers will be looking for outgoing and friendly people who have experience dealing with lots of different types of people (ie. prior customer service experience). Prior experience in jobs where you had to follow safety and cleanliness procedures and protocols will look attractive to potential employers as well. Last but not least you should have a healthy immune system, as most of the patients that you will be working with will be sick or suffering from a variety of conditions.

Applying to Phlebotomy Schools in NJ (New Jersey)

A typical 3-6 month phlebotomy program will require the following to apply:

• Transcript from high school or GED program
• Passing grade on a drug test and background check

In order to complete the program and receive your diploma you will need to:

• Classroom training of up to 40 hours
• Practical training of up to 40 hours
• Proof of completing up to 100 venipunctures and 10 skin punctures

The main difference between the 3 month programs and the 6 month ones is how condensed and intensive they are. A 3 month program will see you going to school or your practicum a few days a week for several hours. A 6 month program may be completed over weekends and evenings so that you can maintain a day job while you are working towards becoming a phlebotomist. When choosing the right program for yourself, keep in mind that you want to choose a school that will give you plenty of ‘hands on’ experience. The more sticks you can do in training, the better.