How to Become a Phlebotomist in Kentucky

If you want to work in the healthcare industry, becoming a phlebotomist is a good idea.

Have a look at the guide below to see the steps you have to take to work as a phlebotomist in Kentucky.

Phlebotomist Employment and Job Duties in Kentucky

In Kentucky, you can easily start the career of your dreams.

There is a high number of facilities in Kentucky searching to hire phlebotomists.

Some of these facilities are:

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

Your main job duty will be to draw blood from people.

Other job duties you will need to complete include the following:

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

Usually, phlebotomists have long shifts and you may even need to work on weekends.

This is because clinics are always busy and patients are constantly requiring checkups.

Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Kentucky

In Kentucky, you won’t need a degree or a certification, but you should still get one.

Getting one will ensure that you can easily find a job.

This is because most companies in this state only hire those who are certified already.

In Kentucky, phlebotomists are overseen by the Kentucky Department of Health and Social Services.

To get this certification, you have to have some skills but also pass a test and submit paperwork.

You also need to show that you have:

• 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 stress.

To minimize the risk of accidents, you should ask the patient about any particular health issue.

Phlebotomist Training in Kentucky

The easiest way to get certified is by attending a program with theory and practice courses.

The program you choose has to be approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory.

This training program can be only 3 weeks long, but it can also last for 6 full months.

After you pass the exam and submit the papers, you will receive your new certification by mail.

Only candidates who have a clean record are eligible for certification.

You can read more about the below schools when searching for a training program.

Each school has its own admission requirements, tuition, and classes.

The training for this job must be split into two parts:

• Theory classes
• Practice classes

You will also develop skills related to the below topics:

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

The training programs contain more practice hours compared to theory hours.

The tuition can also cover the costs for:

• Exam fees
• Uniform for the graduation

You can also get job placement options if your school provides this option.

The training programs finish in a diploma or a degree, depending on how long the course was.

Phlebotomist Certification in Kentucky

The clinics, hospitals, and other facilities in Kentucky mostly employ certified workers.

The national certification is simple to get, and you don’t need to meet many requirements.

Some of the entities that offer the national certification are:

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

The National Phlebotomy Association provides many courses that you can benefit from.

You will still need to pass the test, regardless of whether you get a diploma or a degree.

The test is usually split into two sections:

• Practical
• Written or oral

After a period varying from 1 to 10 years, you will need your certification renewed.

For this, some additional classes are required.

Phlebotomist Salary Information in Kentucky

In Kentucky, phlebotomist jobs are increasing more and more every year.

So, you will not have any problems landing your first job.

The average yearly salary for a phlebotomist in Kentucky is $33,210.

Some other aspects that influence your salary are:

• Experience
• Demand and supply
• Location

The following table below shows the median salaries in Kentucky’s largest regions.

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 Kentucky

There are many benefits to working in this industry.

Some of the most important ones include:

• Few employees in the facility
• A better salary
• Increased job opportunities

Phlebotomy Schools by City

• Lexington3 Schools
• Louisville3 Schools

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