Phlebotomy Education and Training

Phlebotomy Training in Georgia: A Look at the Top 3 Places to Study

Phlebotomy is a booming career in Georgia. Medical facilities need phlebotomists to join their team. Taking an accredited course gives you a high chance of landing a job in a major city, such as Atlanta.

No matter where you choose to get your training, you’ll learn many of the fundamentals of phlebotomy. Georgia doesn’t require certification, but it can still be incredibly helpful to your future career.

Getting certified in the ‘Peach State’ can give you a head start when you’re looking for an entry-level position as a phlebotomist. Employers want phlebotomists with experience. Even though certification only takes a few extra weeks, it lets employers know you’re serious about embarking on this career.

Before you get certified and start to look for jobs, though, you need to focus on your training. Choosing an accredited program that will give you the resources you need for a successful phlebotomy career in Georgia is the right way to get started.

What Will I Learn from Phlebotomy Training in Georgia?

This guide will look at three of the best places to train for phlebotomy in the Peach State.

By going to one of these training facilities, you’ll have a head start in your phlebotomy career. You’ll also have the opportunity to get certification and better your chances of landing a job (with higher pay!).

Is Phlebotomy Certification Worthwhile?

As stated above, you don’t need to become a certified phlebotomist in the state of Georgia.

So, why bother going through the extra training and taking an exam? First, there is no guarantee that it won’t eventually be required. If it is ever needed, you’ll already be one step ahead.

Even though there is a shortage of phlebotomists, medical facilities are unlikely to hire you right away after training. Many facilities offer extra on-the-job training because they want to make sure you have enough experience. But, getting certified after your training program can help.

Certification will mean that you’re more comfortable when working in a medical facility. The more confident you are in your job, the easier it will be for you to perform your duties.

Certification can allow you to start your phlebotomy job with a higher salary. So, not only will you be better placed to get hired, but you’ll also be more likely to get employed at a higher pay rate.

If you’re investing your time and money into phlebotomy training in Georgia, it’s worth it to go the extra mile and get certified. It looks great on your phlebotomy resume and doesn’t take long to achieve!

What Traits Should a Phlebotomist Have?

It doesn’t matter if you’re in Savannah, Atlanta, or in an entirely different state. The characteristics and skills a phlebotomist should have are the same across the board.

Before you start a training program in Georgia, you should make sure you’re a good fit for this type of career.

Training for a phlebotomy career in Georgia

Some of the most critical skills a phlebotomist should are as follows:

[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]

  • Kindness and patience: As a phlebotomist, you’ll work with a variety of different patients each day. You will be working with both children and seniors, and everyone in between. Many people are either scared to have their blood drawn, or don’t like it because they have a needle phobia. So, you could also deal with difficult patients. Having a pleasant bedside manner is essential. It’s not only your job to draw blood, but to make your patients feel calm and comfortable.
  • Strong organizational skills: Phlebotomists must be highly organized. This starts with having all your tools and instruments ready to go whenever you come into a room with a patient. After you’ve performed a venipuncture, the blood you’ve collected needs to go in vials. These vials then need to be appropriately labeled and stored.
  • Team player: Not only will you work with patients, but you’ll work with other members of the medical field. You all have the same goal in mind; helping your patients. Working well with other staff members will make your job much more enjoyable.

[/su_list]

What to Expect from Phlebotomy Training in Georgia

When you take a phlebotomy course in Georgia, there are certain things you should expect going into it. We’ll break down those expectations so you can start your program knowing what you’re getting into.

Most training programs are broken down into two sections. During the first part of your training course, you’ll spend most of your time in a classroom setting.

During this time, you’ll cover things like:

[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]

  • Medical terminology
  • Systems of the body
  • Lab safety rules
  • Venipuncture techniques
  • Labeling techniques

[/su_list]

Learning all about what you can expect as a phlebotomist is a huge part of your training, which is why so much time is focused on these classroom-style sessions. But, phlebotomists work directly with people and directly with their hands each day. That’s why the second part has a more hands-on approach.

Throughout the second half of your training, you’ll have to practice venipuncture. This is usually done on other trainees or volunteers under direct supervision.

Each training program has a set number when it comes to how many successful sticks you must complete before graduating. Typically, this number is usually well over 100. These programs want to make sure you’re comfortable drawing blood from all different types of patients.

Where to Train for Phlebotomy in Georgia

Now that you know what to expect from your training program, it’s important to know where the best places are to complete your coursework. Some of the best phlebotomy training programs in Georgia are in larger cities. But, if you live in a more rural area, don’t worry. There are still great options for you.

Below, we’ll cover some of the best training programs, and where they are located. We’ll let you know what will be expected of you in these programs and why they work so well.

1] Atlanta Technical College

Atlanta Technical College offers a phlebotomy tech certificate program. The program helps students to learn how to draw blood and process the specimens they collect. This is a 24-hour credit course.

The occupational courses include:

[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]

  • Structure and Function of the Human Body
  • Intro to Healthcare
  • Medical terminology
  • Intro to computer literacy
  • Fundamentals of English
  • Intro to Venipuncture
  • Clinical practice

[/su_list]

The Atlanta Technical College course covers more than just how to draw blood. It’s designed to be a well-rounded training program that will prepare you for every facet of phlebotomy. You can even opt to take an extra two-hour elective; Interpersonal relations. Everything from human anatomy to venipuncture skills will be covered from top to bottom.

There are some requirements you must first fulfill before taking this course. You have to be at least 18 years of age. You also need to have either a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Students taking this course also need to show documentation of immunizations. You must be up to date with your Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis vaccines. The college demands these vaccines to keep you safe in the classroom, lab, etc.

weekend phlebotomy classes in Atlanta GA

The length of this program is three semesters, and the cost is just over $3000.

It’s a great way to get the benefits of taking part in a college education course without having to spend tens of thousands of dollars or many years studying.

2] Clinical Skills Training Center

The Clinical Skills Training Center is located in College Park, GA. They offer a variety of different courses that can get you started in the medical field. One unique thing about this training facility is the different ways you can approach a phlebotomy course. You can either train just for phlebotomy or combine it with either EKG technician training or lab training.

The phlebotomy training program is designed to give students a general knowledge of blood and its components. It also prepares students with hands-on training when it comes to collecting and labeling blood samples.

Other skills you’ll learn in the phlebotomy course include:

[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]

  • Quality assurance
  • Specimen handling
  • Preparing specimens
  • Verifying records

[/su_list]

You’ll also learn how to use the instruments and tools needed for phlebotomy procedures. To practice your skills, you’ll work in teams with other students.

Clinical Skills Training Center offers several phlebotomy training programs each year. In fact, they often have a new program every month, so you’re never too late to sign up and get started. The course on its own typically lasts about eight weeks and costs just $1,300. They offer both daytime and evening classes to help fit your schedule.

If you want to take the phlebotomy/EKG class, you’ll cover the same basics as the standalone phlebotomy course. But, you’ll also learn about the cardiovascular system and how to perform diagnostic exams. Getting trained as an EKG tech as well as a phlebotomist can be helpful when it comes time to find a job. The more skills you have, the easier it can be to get hired.

3] Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Georgia Piedmont Technical College is located in Clarkston, GA. It offers a phlebotomy technician program that will get you a technical certificate. Like most other courses, you’ll have a designated classroom setting. That will be followed by clinical practice.

The courses within this program include:

[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]

  • Structure and function of the human body
  • Introduction to healthcare
  • Medical terminology
  • Clinical practice
  • Intro to computer literacy

[/su_list]

The Georgia Piedmont Technical College course covers a total of 24 credit hours and typically takes two semesters to complete. When you include books and fees, the total cost is around $3,768. In less than a year and for less than $4,000, you can graduate from your phlebotomy course from Georgia Piedmont Technical College and be on your way to landing a job!

red cross phlebotomy training atlanta ga

Where Do Phlebotomists Work?

The most common places for a phlebotomy technician to work after they’ve completed a training course are hospitals and emergency clinics. These locations need phlebotomists on staff 24/7. So, you may not work ‘typical’ hours every day.

If you can’t find a job near you at an area hospital or clinic, don’t give up. Private practices sometimes need phlebotomists on staff, too, even if it isn’t full-time. Some nursing facilities and local blood banks also have such a need that they’re willing to hire a phlebotomist on staff, too.

You can also choose to become a mobile/traveling phlebotomist. This still requires at least a year of experience, which we’ll talk more about below. But, as a mobile phlebotomist, you can be your own boss. You’ll travel locally wherever you’re needed, so you’ll have a more flexible schedule. Organizations hire out mobile phlebotomists for things like blood drives, or when there is a shortage of on-staff phlebotomists.

As stated above, finding work as a phlebotomist is relatively easy. But, it’s not always easy to get hired right away after training. We’ll cover more of your options for what you can do after you graduate from your phlebotomy program below.

What Are My Options When I Complete Phlebotomy Training?

Because there is a shortage of phlebotomists in the country, many medical facilities are always on the hunt for qualified phlebotomy graduates. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to get a job immediately after you’re done training. That can be a frustrating feeling, but it’s the same for almost every phlebotomy graduate.

There is no room for error when it comes to drawing blood and working directly with patients. So, most hospitals and clinics want to make sure the phlebotomists they hire have the experience necessary to do a good job.

With that in mind, you probably won’t be working on your own as a phlebotomist immediately after graduation. Some places want their phlebotomists to have at least two years of experience before they start working on their own.

[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]

  • Internships: Internships are a great way to gain experience in phlebotomy. Most internships take place at hospitals and clinics and are unpaid positions. But, you’ll work with phlebotomists on staff who can teach you everything there is to know about working with patients. You’ll also learn proper safety procedures and more skills to draw blood, including the different types of syringes and techniques.
  • On-the-job training: On the job training is somewhat like an internship. But, with an internship, you technically aren’t employed by that medical facility. On-the-job training is exactly as it sounds. You’ve been hired by a hospital, clinic, etc. But, you still have some training to do before you are allowed to work on your own. Again, you’ll work with a phlebotomy supervisor on staff, but you’ll be able to do a lot more hands-on work. Another difference between this type of training and an internship is the pay. When you get hired to be trained on the job, you’ll still get paid for the work you do.

[/su_list]

georgia phlebotomy certification test

Volunteer Options for Phlebotomists in Georgia

If you’ve completed a training program in Georgia and still can’t find a job, one of the best ways to gain experience is through volunteering. Volunteering your skills as a phlebotomist can be extremely rewarding.

It gives you the chance to give back to your local community. You’ll also enhance your skills and become more comfortable around patients. Those are the characteristics medical facilities are looking for when they hire a phlebotomist.

Here are some of the best places to look for opportunities:

[su_list icon=”icon: check-circle”]

  • The American Red Cross
  • Local blood banks/blood drives
  • Prisons
  • Drug treatment centers
  • Nursing homes
  • Veterans’ hospitals

[/su_list]

The chances are that at least one of these organizations near you needs a phlebotomist at any given time. By offering your services, you can build up your resume. Even after you’ve gained experience, you may find that you love volunteering and will continue to do it!

It’s a great way to give back and continue to hone in on your skills. Organizations like these use volunteers either because they don’t need full-time phlebotomists or can’t afford to have one on staff. They depend on volunteers to keep running. So, giving your time and services can be beneficial to a lot of people who need them most.

How Much Does a Phlebotomist Make?

For an entry-level job, phlebotomy can be a lucrative career. The average phlebotomy salary for Atlanta is almost $32,500. But, the amount of money you make can depend on many different factors.

These factors include where you work, how much experience you have, the size of the company you work for, and what kind of education you have.

This salary also doesn’t include bonuses or benefits you might receive as a phlebotomist, and that’s important to keep in mind. If you work for a medical facility full-time, you could receive an excellent benefits package, especially when it comes to healthcare needs.

Is Phlebotomy a Good Career Choice?

As you can see, the salary for a phlebotomist is good for an entry-level position. But, you don’t have to remain in that exact position for the rest of your life if you decide on a career in phlebotomy.

There are many opportunities for growth and promotion. That means you can always work toward a higher salary. There are different ways to do this, but it usually comes with experience, more schooling, or both.

You can also continue your education while working as a phlebotomist in Georgia. If you continue to go to school, you can work toward a higher-level medical career. Some phlebotomists even end up as nurses or doctors.

How to Become a Phlebotomist in Georgia

Phlebotomy is a great way to get your foot in the door of a healthcare career.

Training to become a phlebotomist in Georgia is easy, thanks to a variety of great programs and schools. We hope this guide gives you a better idea of where you can train to become a phlebotomist and learn the skills needed to have a successful career.

Whether you’re just looking for an entry-level job or you want a long career in healthcare, becoming a phlebotomist is a good option. If you want to live in a larger city in Georgia, you can make a lucrative salary as a phlebotomist without much training.