How to Become a Phlebotomist in Alaska

Phlebotomists are an important part of the healthcare industry.

Becoming a phlebotomist in Alaska is not difficult, and if you’re interested in such a career read on!

Phlebotomist Employment and Job Duties

In Alaska there is a strong demand for phlebotomists, thus finding a job in this field will be relatively easy.

There are many facilities hiring such professionals:

• Hospital and clinics
• Blood banks
• Labs
• Nursing homes
• Community Health Centers
• Doctor’s Offices
• Other Health Care Facilities

The job description is not the same thing as job duties or tasks.

Each workplace will assign different duties and tasks to these specialists.

This occupation requires more than just being able to draw blood from people.

Phlebotomists are expected to complete tasks such as:

• Venipunctures
• Choosing the correct vials
• Correctly labeling samples
• Organizing and sending off samples to the lab for testing
• Communicating with patients
• Following strict procedures

You should know that some facilities might need phlebotomists present around the clock.

This will definitely influence your work schedule.

Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Alaska

Future phlebotomists don’t need to meet many requirements to get hired in this state.

The occupation is overseen by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

The Department strongly recommends candidates to undergo training and become certified, though at state level there are no such requirements.

Employers will also hire certified candidates over those who are not certified for this profession.

Generally speaking, for this position you’ll need:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Specialized training
• Strong communication skills
• Good listening skills

Some of these abilities are needed to explain procedures to patients or to try to calm them down when they show signs of anxiety.

To prevent certain accidents, the phlebotomist should ask the patient about any particular health problem.

Phlebotomist Training in Alaska

So now you decided you’re not scared when seeing blood or needles, and you graduated from high school or have a GED.

You need to start searching for some training courses.

When looking for a program, ensure you disregard the ones without accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory.

Expect to spend a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 6 months in training for a phlebotomist certification.

The classes will end with an exam and only those who pass will become certified for the position.

It should be noted that candidates without a clean criminal record will not receive diplomas.

You can check out the schools below when looking for a program.

Each institution will have its own admission requirements, tuition, and course length.  

The training for this profession must be split in two parts:

• Theory classes
• Practice classes

Besides learning how to properly draw blood, expect learning the following as well:

• Medical terms
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Safety procedures
• The 40 most common lab tests

There should be more practice hours than theory hours.

At some schools, the tuition also covers:

• Exam fees
• Uniform for the graduation

It isn’t uncommon for schools to help graduates with job placement.

Some of these institutions only offer certificates upon completion of the course, while others offer degrees.

There are training center across the state that offer phlebotomy training classes as well.

When you graduate, you should be able to handle any situation at the blood drawing point from day 1.

Phlebotomist Certification in Alaska

As mentioned, you’re not required by law to be certified as a phlebotomist to land this type of job in Alaska.

Most clinics, hospitals, and other places where collecting blood happens will hire exclusively certified candidates.

The best certification to get is the national one.

There are a handful of institutions offering this certificate:

• American Medical Technologists
• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
• National Phlebotomy Association

At the National Phlebotomy Association you can choose from several courses for more career paths.

Regardless of where you choose to obtain the diploma from, you’ll need to pass an exam.

The exam is usually split in two parts:

• Practical
• Written or oral

The certification must be renewed.

The renewal period can be as short as 1 year or up to 10 years long, depending on who issued the certificate.

The renewal of the credential involves completing some continuing education hours as well.

Phlebotomist Salary Information in Alaska

The demand for phlebotomists is generally high all across the nation, and especially in Alaska.

Not everyone choosing this occupation will make a career in this field, as many choose to pursue other medical avenues.

In Alaska, a phlebotomist earns on average $39,563 per year.

Generally speaking, the salary is influenced by:

• Experience
• Demand and supply
• Location

The table below shows the average salaries in the state’s largest cities.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Phlebotomists, OCC 31-9097, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Additional Information for Phlebotomists in Alaska

There are other medical personnel who need to learn how to collect blood from people.

For instance, a large number of registered nurses need to learn this procedure.

These are some of the reasons for becoming qualified in phlebotomy:

• A low number of employees in the facility
• A higher paycheck
• Other job opportunities

Phlebotomy Schools by City

• Anchorage1 Schools

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