Phlebotomy Training and Career Guide Phlebotomy Training Resources and Guides for becoming Certified as a Phlebotomist!
Phlebotomy Certification in Missouri (MO)
The Midwestern State of Missouri is home to some great cities, great food, and all
around great year-round weather. Also known as the “Show Me State”, Missouri sure
does have plenty to show off–for residents and tourists alike. With Springfield, Kansas
City, and St. Louis as just some of the major cities in the state, there is no lack of large urban
areas providing opportunities for employment.
The economy of Missouri is influenced by a number of industries that include
aerospace, food processing, beer, chemicals, transportation equipment, and many
others. Agriculture also plays a major role in Missouri’s economy, with major products
being dairy, beef, soy, poultry, hay, cotton, eggs, and rice. Missouri also has a rapidly
expanding number of vineyards; leading to a solid reputation as a producer of quality
wines.
Missouri has had a lower unemployment rate than the national average, which makes it
a great option for those looking for somewhere to relocate where jobs are available. The
medical field is always expanding, and professionals in this field will always be in high
demand.
As a certified phlebotomist in Missouri you could expect to earn an average of $23,000.
Salary is of course impacted by various factors, including years of experience and the
type of medical facility.
Understanding the Phlebotomy Certification
The State of Missouri is one of the states in the country that does not require a
phlebotomy certification in order to work with patients. However there are some very
good reasons that you should take the time to pursue your phlebotomy certification.
1. Taking a phlebotomy training course will introduce you to all of the industry
standard methods for drawing blood and the collection of other specimens
2. During your training you will become familiar with the latest in safety protocols so
that you can protect your patients and yourself
3. Training will give you plenty of hands-on experience so that you can comfortably
treat patients
4. Training will help you to establish your “bedside manner” so that you can
effortlessly set your patients at ease during what could otherwise be stressful
5. Medical facilities are much more likely to hire you if they can see that you have
the proper training and credentials to care for patients
When you pass the national phlebotomy certification exams, your potential employer
can verify that you have taken the right courses that have given you the knowledge
needed to pass the exam. When you can attain your qualifications, you can also
command a higher salary.
Learning more about Phlebotomist Training:
When you take a phlebotomy training course, you will be afforded a comprehensive
understanding of both the profession and the process. Your training and hands-on
experiences will also give you real-world exposure to the types of situations that you
might encounter while working with patients.
The length of the course can vary greatly, depending on the requirements of the school
you are going to and of course on the schedule of the classes. The courses could last
anywhere from eight weeks to a full year.
Your coursework will include a combination of things. You’ll spend time in a classroom
setting, and also get that valuable hands-on clinical training.
During your phlebotomy certification training you’ll learn a number of valuable things
that can also work toward helping you earn your associate’s degree later on down the
road. These things could include the following:
- Human anatomy
- Medical terminology
- Venipuncture techniques
- Safety methods
- Administrative tasks
You have a number of things to consider when you are planning your career path. You
can certainly take classes at a local community college, or you could also look into
online classes that will at least allow you to take your classroom portion at your own
pace.
Keep in mind that it’s important to find a school and program that has been accredited.
Taking the Certification Exam:
Regardless of how prepared you may feel to sit the certification exam to become a
certified phlebotomist, you may still feel some trepidation about the exam itself. The
more that you know about the exam and the process, the better you’ll feel prepared to
pass it.
The phlebotomy certification exam is typically taken electronically, but some testing
locations may still be using the written exam. Be sure to call before you take the exam
so that you know what to expect.
When the exam is completed on a computer, it uses advanced technology to determine
the next questions based upon the answer that you provided for the previous question.
This type of testing will work with your skill level and effectively test your skill set.
There are a number of online practice exams that will help you to prepare for sitting the
exam.
Finding Training Courses in Missouri:
There are a number of great educational organizations around the State of Missouri.
The one that you pick should not just be accredited, but also be able to meet your
scheduling and education financing needs.
Concorde Career Colleges:
Concorde Career Colleges, located in St. Louis, offers a focus on hands-on training so
that you are confident in your ability to work with patients. Courses are around 9 months
long, and financial aid is available for those who need it.
St. Louis Community College:
St. Louis Community College offers an 11 week program that includes 120 hours of
clinical work. Students are required to undergo drug screening, a background check,
and have a high school diploma of GED. Students must also have proof of
immunizations prior to working with patients.
http://www.stlcc.edu/Continuing-Education/Programs/Phlebotomy.html
Metropolitan Community College:
Metropolitan Community College has a phlebotomy program that will effectively prepare
students for the national certification exam. The program consists of 44 hours of lecture,
20 hours of lab and 120 hours of clinical work. Students are required to have liability
and medical insurance prior to working with patients.
http://www.mcckc.edu/classes/continuinged/healthcare/phlebotomy.asp
Most Schools with Phlebotomy Training Programs:
Brookline College-Tucson
Yavapai College
Pima Medical Institute-Mesa
Pima Medical Institute-Tucson
Southwest Skill Center-Campus of Estrella Mountain Community College
Tucson College
Black River Technical College
North Arkansas College
Arkansas Northeastern College
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
External Sources Used in the Creation of this Article:
To get the average salary for Phlebotomists in Missouri, we consulted two resources: Salary.com and Indeed.com.
