How to Become a Phlebotomist in Texas

Texas is a big state, where phlebotomy is becoming increasingly popular.

So, if you feel you have a talent for this job, read on for more info regarding licensing.

Phlebotomist Employment and Job Duties in Texas

Your most important job duty will be to draw blood from the medical facility’s patients.

Of course, you will have to complete other job duties as well.

There are numerous medical facilities in Texas, which include:

• Hospitals
• Blood banks
• Labs
• Clinics
• Nursing homes
• Community Health Centers
• Doctor’s Offices
• Other Health Care Facilities

The tasks you have to fulfill 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

A phlebotomist’s schedule can be hectic, which means you will also be working weekends at times.

As a phlebotomist, you need to have the empathy required to make the patients feel at ease during the procedure.

Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Texas

In Texas, certification is not necessary, and you are allowed by law to work without it.

But, most medical facilities will not hire you if you don’t obtain certification first.

Before receiving the certification, you need to attend a training program through a trade school or college.

You can pursue a diploma or opt for a university degree.

If you choose a diploma, you attend a shorter training program that lasts for about three weeks.

College degrees take half a year to finish, but you will also get better credentials.

In order to work as a phlebotomist in Texas, you need:

• 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 Texas

There are several aspects you should look into when selecting a school.

The training program you attend needs to accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory.

You might not be eligible for phlebotomist certification if your record isn’t clean.

In Texas, the easiest phlebotomist certification to apply for is the national one.

You can learn more about the available schools when searching for a training course.

Each of the available schools has its own admission rules, tuition, and classes.

The phlebotomy training needs to have at least 2 parts theory and practice.

You will also attend many classes related on:

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

The tuition can also cover the costs for textbooks, exams, equipment, and more.

Many of the schools provide job placement features after you finish your training program.

Phlebotomist Certification in Texas

Some of the agencies issuing national certification in Texas are:

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

The National Phlebotomy Association is a good choice if you are searching for other classes.

The phlebotomy exam is split into two different parts:

• Practical
• Written or oral

The phlebotomist certification allows you to work between one year and 10 years.

After a certain period, the certification will expire which means you need to apply for renewal.

You can only get it renewed once you complete a specific number of extra education credits.

Phlebotomist Salary Information in Texas

In Texas, the phlebotomy field is one of the fastest-growing.

The average annual salary you will receive as a phlebotomist in Texas is $34,656.

Salaries also depend on experience, location, and other aspects.

You will earn more if you reside in a big city compared to a small, remote region.

Some years of experience are also likely to bring you a higher salary.

The next table below shows the median salaries for phlebotomists in the largest regions of Texas.

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 Texas

Phlebotomists in Texas get numerous opportunities to advance, along with other benefits.

When choosing this career, it is essential to find a suitable training program.

If you finish it and get a diploma, you can easily find a job in a facility of your choice.

Phlebotomy Schools by City

• Arlington3 Schools
• Austin3 Schools
• Corpus Christi3 Schools
• Dallas3 Schools
• El Paso5 Schools
• Fort Worth3 Schools
• Houston3 Schools
• Plano6 Schools
• San Antonio3 Schools

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