A phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples, recording patient information, sterilizing tools, monitoring essential body vitals, and other similar tasks. In Texas, a phlebotomist license isn’t necessary to perform phlebotomist responsibilities. It’s a non-regulated job.

However, a phlebotomist license obtained through a certification agency can help you earn better pay. Moreover, some employers may prefer a licensed phlebotomist over none.

In this article, we will understand how you can transfer your phlebotomist license to Texas, the salary structure, and more. Let’s get started.

Which State Phlebotomy License Can Be Transferred To Texas?

Texas allows licensed phlebotomists from all American states to work in Texas. This makes it easy to transfer your phlebotomist license from other states to Texas, especially if you are licensed in one of these five states – Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington.

In America, only five states mandate that phlebotomists from other states must complete a state-approved program, pass a certification exam, and take additional courses to practice. Texas does not have this requirement.

To become a phlebotomist in Texas, you need to be:

• Above 18 years of age and have obtained a high school diploma/GED or equivalent
• Enrol in and complete the phlebotomist training program
• Appear and pass national certification programs like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Medical Technologies (AMT), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Allied Health (AAH), and the National Centre for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Each of these certifying entities has its exam pattern. Some require you to attempt 150 questions, while others have 200 questions. The exam time also varies, as does the exam fee. Once you have received certification from one of these certifying agencies, you can work as a phlebotomist technician in Texas.

If these requirements match your existing phlebotomist license (obtained in another state), you can begin to work in Texas as a phlebotomist without going through any extra process.

How Long Can I Work In Texas With My Phlebotomist License From Other State?

A phlebotomist license is valid for two years and needs to be renewed within 60 days of expiry. It can be renewed both online and offline after paying the renewal fee. In Texas, you also have to complete the continuing education (CE) credits. You need to fulfill these credits by taking up additional courses through your certification agency.

If your required CE credits are completed, you can apply for renewal of your license.

What is the Difference Between a Phlebotomist Certificate and a License?

A phlebotomist certification prepares an individual to meet minimum educational qualifications and training programs to perform the job. On the other hand, a license is a legal requirement to perform or work as a phlebotomist as per state laws.

In Texas, you can work as a phlebotomist after completing the training program and getting a certification. Getting a license isn’t mandatory.

Currently, there is no such requirement or process to obtain a phlebotomist license in Texas. However, obtaining a license as per state rules may require an additional month or two. If you have obtained your phlebotomy license in another state, it will be valid in Texas to work as a phlebotomist.

Phlebotomy Salary in Texas

On average, a certified phlebotomist can earn anywhere from $31,449 to $47620, depending on varied factors like city, experience, additional certifications, and more.

Though a phlebotomist isn’t paid as much as in California, Texas is still one of the states in the USA with decent pay. California pays the highest to phlebotomists, with an hourly rate of $28.41 per hour.

A phlebotomy technician can further advance their career to become lead phlebotomist, CNA, medical assistant, donor phlebotomy supervisor, and more. This can further provide you with a salary hike. Moreover, phlebotomists aren’t just limited to working at hospitals. They are also required at medical and diagnostic labs, doctor offices and clinics, nursing homes, blood donation camps, outpatient care centers, and other health care centers. This increases their scope of work and creates more job opportunities.

Can I Work as a Phlebotomist Without a Certification in Texas?

In Texas, you can work as a phlebotomist without certification. However, not having a certificate can diminish your chances of getting hired, as some employers prefer certified candidates. Enrolling in a related course may open more doors of opportunity, and some employers specifically prefer phlebotomists with active certification from certain certifying agencies.

Summary

In short, transferring a phlebotomist license from another state to Texas requires no extra formalities as it is an unregulated job in Texas. Texas is one of the US states that is very flexible with the reciprocity of phlebotomy licenses from other states.

If you are still not able to perform phlebotomist work with your other state license for any reason whatsoever, you can complete the hybrid phlebotomy course with the help of Careers Unlimited within six weeks and start working as a phlebotomist in Texas in no time. For more information, contact us today.