Texas is the second highest employer of phlebotomists in the US, with 9,210 jobs, as of May 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state comes in second only to California, which has 12,190 jobs. With a high national growth of 25% expected in this field from 2016 to 2026, it comes as no surprise that the number of people looking for top phlebotomy schools in Texas is on the rise. The annual mean wage of phlebotomists in Texas was $33,000 in May 2018, with future prospects brighter than ever.
If you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist in Texas, the following guide on how to become a phlebotomist and the top schools for phlebotomy in the state will be helpful for you.
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How to Become a Certified Phlebotomist?
Before discussing the best phlebotomy schools in Texas, let’s first take a quick look at the steps needed to become a phlebotomist.
- Get a high school diploma
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is the minimum educational requirement you need to fulfill to enter the field of phlebotomy.
- Enroll and graduate from a phlebotomy training program recognized by Texas
Even though the state of Texas does not require phlebotomists to be certified, it is considered a major plus point if you are certified. Employers might give preference to those who have completed phlebotomy training and have professional credentials.
- Pass the Texas phlebotomy certification exam
In Texas, you will be required to clear one of the nationally-recognized examinations for phlebotomy certification. These examinations are designed to test your knowledge regarding the field of phlebotomy, as well as test your communication and management skills.
Top Phlebotomy Schools in Texas
- Pima Medical Institute
The Pima Medical Institute offers a 3-month long program that will open up career opportunities in various healthcare facilities. You will be given classroom instructions and hands-on training about drawing blood from patients.
- Weatherford College
The Weatherford College offers a program meant to train entry-level phlebotomists according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards guidelines. The program aims to teach students the technical skills required to competently and safely collect and handle blood, along with interpersonal skills.
- Galveston College
The phlebotomy technician course at the Galveston College offers in-depth knowledge about the role of a phlebotomist in a health care system. Students are taught about basic medical terminologies, safety and legal issues, lab testing techniques, collection of blood and labelling blood vials. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to take the National Healthcare Association (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam.
- Quest College
The Medical Assisting – Phlebotomy – EKG Technician Specialist Dual program offered by the Quest College is designed to equip students with the skills required to comprehend and apply the principles of phlebotomy in practice. The 9-month long program covers a vast variety of subjects in this category and prepares students for various phlebotomy certification exams.