By accurately collecting and handling blood samples, phlebotomists are at the front lines of helping patients manage their health. And, with rapidly-growing demand throughout both Texas and the United States, an average pay rate of almost $18 an hour, and the ability to work in many different healthcare settings, this role is the perfect place to start your healthcare career. With the right training, you could graduate ready to work in less than 2 months. Here is a look at how to become a phlebotomist in Texas.

Steps to Become a Phlebotomist in Texas

Steps	Description
Education	A high school diploma or GED is needed. Attend a technical or vocational training school offering a phlebotomy program.
Training	On-the-job training and an internship maybe required. Can require up to a full year to complete depending on the program.
Certification	Must pass a certification exam by organizations such as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, American Society of Clinical Pathologists, American Medical Technologists, and National Phlebotomy Association.
Job Requirements	Candidates must be at least 18 years old, pass a drug screening, criminal background exam, and a health exam. Proficiency in basic computer skills, updated vaccine records, and proof of health insurance are also needed.

Earn a high school degree (or equivalent)

No advanced degrees required to pursue a career in healthcare! However, any accredited phlebotomy course in Texas will require you to possess a high school degree. Don’t have one? No worries! You can earn an equivalent certification through either the GED or by passing the Ability to Benefit Test. Once you have your certification, you are just a few months away from ditching a dead-end job and pursuing the future you desire in phlebotomy.

Meet program eligibility requirements.

In addition to possessing a high school degree or equivalent, you must meet your chosen program’s eligibility requirements. At Careers Unlimited, we keep these simple, to maximize your chances of pursuing the career you desire. Here are the requirements you must meet for our 5-week phlebotomy course:

• Be at least 17 years of age
• Pass employee misconduct registry check (EMR)
• Pass a drug screening

Enroll in a reputable training program

Virtually every employer in Texas will require you to complete a reputable phlebotomy training program before they will hire you. These programs should provide you with both in-class and clinical, hands-on training in the essential duties of a phlebotomist. At Careers Unlimited, our course prepares you for an entry-level position in any healthcare setting where drawing blood is an essential practice. Through both hands-on experience and in-class education, you will become competent in the following skills:

• Reading and understanding lab test orders
• Understanding basic tubes and chemical compositions
• Using equipment for blood draws
• Using safety best practices
• Identifying common errors
• Identifying patients appropriately
• Adjusting positioning
• Performing venipunctures
• And more

When selecting your phlebotomy program, take your schedule and needs into consideration. If you have a demanding work schedule or family obligations, a hybrid phlebotomy course, such as Careers Unlimited’s, may give you the flexibility to complete some of your courses online. Finding a program such as ours that also offers evening and Saturday classes can make it simpler to prepare for your future without sacrificing your responsibilities for today.

Coursework for a Phlebotomy Program

Course	Description
Anatomy	Understanding the structural makeup of the human body
Physiology	Studying the functions and mechanisms in the human body
Medical Terminology	Identifying and understanding the terms used in the medical field
CPR and Basic First Aid	Life-saving procedures used in case of emergencies
Human Pathology	Studying diseases and their effects on the body
Phlebotomy with Advanced Classes	Advanced techniques and procedures related to drawing blood
Clinical Practices	Implementation of learned skills in a clinical setting
Work Ethics	Lessons on professional behavior in the workplace
Patient Care	Instructions in providing care to patients, like handling lab and medical equipment
Handling Lab and Medical Equipment	Training to handle, maintain and understand various types of lab and medical equipment
Disposing of Medical Waste	Instructions on the proper disposal of medical waste following health and safety regulations

Earn your phlebotomy certification

When you graduate from your phlebotomy course, you can begin applying to positions in your preferred medical setting. Further licensing or certification is not required by the state of Texas. However, you will find that many employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who possess formal certification of their abilities. To do so, you will need to take an additional test through any of the recognized certification agencies. Here are a few of the most well-known:

• American Certification Agency for Healthcare Professionals (ACA)
• American Medical Technologists (AMT)
• The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT/MMCI)
• The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

Successful completion of a high-quality phlebotomy training course should equip you to pass these exams and earn a certification that boosts your employability in your chosen field.

Phlebotomist Average Salary in Texas

City	Average Annual Salary
Houston	$37,445
Dallas	$36,316
Austin	$35,938
Arlington	$35,576

Apply for jobs

Once you complete your training, and preferably, your certification exam, you can begin applying for jobs. Some of the many healthcare settings where you can choose to work include Hospitals, mobile donation clinics, laboratories, and doctor’s offices. Because you can work in so many locations, becoming a phlebotomist in Texas and finding a job that suits your needs and location will likely not be difficult.

Once you gain experience in the field of phlebotomy, you may be able to specialize in certain areas of the field, such as pediatric phlebotomy or donor phlebotomy. The sky is the limit as you advance in a career that offers you room for growth, a strong wage and the opportunity to support patients in the management of their health.

Are you ready to change your career, and your life, in less than 2 months? Then apply to Career Unlimited’s 5-week hybrid phlebotomy program today. Our courses offer you the opportunity to pursue not just phlebotomy but also other in-demand healthcare careers, such as medical nurse assistant, patient care technician, network support specialist, clinical medical assistant, or CNA. Prepare for your future today and discover the opportunities Careers Unlimited offers you!