How to Become a Phlebotomist in Missouri

If you want to start a job as a phlebotomist in Missouri, you will first need some info.

So, check out this guide below for tips and information regarding where to train.

Phlebotomist Employment and Job Duties in Missouri

In Missouri, as the demand for phlebotomists grows, you will be able to find employment easily.

You can get hired in any of the following healthcare facilities:

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

A phlebotomist’s most important task is to draw blood from whoever needs the procedure.

Some additional tasks you will have to complete are:

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

Because medical facilities are usually busy, you will need to stand for many hours and also take night shifts.

Sometimes, you may also have to work on the weekends.

Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Missouri

You will not need to obtain certification in Missouri to work as a phlebotomist.

However, doing so will greatly improve your chances to get hired by a reputable company.

Phlebotomists in Missouri are overseen by the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services.

Before you can consider applying for jobs, you will first need to complete some steps.

The first one is enrolling in a good training program.

A training program will help you develop the skills you need to be a successful phlebotomist.

While you do not need to adhere to many requirements, you do need to show proof of:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Specialized training
• Strong communication skills
• Good listening skills
• Pay attention to details

Some of these skills are required 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 Missouri

A good method to obtain certification is by choosing a school that provides a training program for phlebotomists.

The training program that you go for must be approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory.

The training programs vary in length, with some programs lasting for only 3 weeks.

Other training programs can last up to 6 months or longer.

After you finish your training and get your diploma, you will also have to pass an exam.

Your new certification will be issued after you pass the certification test.

If you have a criminal record, you are now allowed to apply for certification in Missouri.

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 phlebotomy training will be split into two sections:

• Theory classes
• Practice classes

You will also take attend several classes related to:

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

The tuition can also cover the costs for:

• Exam fees
• Uniform for the graduation

You could also get job placement options from your school if you need this option.

Phlebotomist Certification in Missouri

Almost all clinics, hospitals, and other facilities in Missouri are requiring phlebotomists to have a license.

Some of the facilities that offer this license are:

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

The National Phlebotomy Association offers many classes that will help you develop more skills.

The exam is usually split into two different sections:

• Practical
• Written or oral

The phlebotomist license will be valid for any period between 1 to 10 years.

How long it remains current depends on the school that released it.

In Missouri, you have to join additional classes and get more hours of schooling to get the license renewed.

Phlebotomist Salary Information in Missouri

In Missouri, the phlebotomy sector is always growing.

A high number of new jobs are available on an annual basis.

The median salary for a phlebotomist in Missouri is $33,634 per year.

Your salary can vary according to a few other factors like:

• Experience
• Demand and supply
• Location

The following table below shows the median salaries in the state’s metropolitan areas.

Regional Salary

Additional Information for Phlebotomists in Missouri

Some of the most important benefits you will get from becoming a phlebotomist are:

• Few employees in the facility
• A higher salary
• Better job opportunities