Those who receive phlebotomy training in Missouri are fully prepared to work as professional phlebotomy technicians. Throughout training in this field, phlebotomy students study many necessary courses.
These courses include medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology. Additional courses include the identification and use of phlebotomy equipment and the exact steps to perform successful venipuncture procedures. Training can easily be found in a school or program that offers such courses. Upon successful completion of a training program, a credential will be rewarded.
Once a student graduates from a phlebotomy program and receives his or her credential, this state recognizes this individual as a professional in this chosen profession. A license is not required by this state. As a result, an earned credential legally qualifies a phlebotomist to practice in any setting that requires such professional services. Although this credential legally allows a phlebotomist to work, such professional may find it difficult to obtain employment due to the lack of a national certification. It is recommended that individuals in this profession seek certification as it is important to most employers. In this state, such certification can be obtained from the National Healthcareer Association, the American Society for Clinical Pathology or the American Medical Technologists.
Finding Schools in Missouri
There are many schools in this state that offer training in the field of phlebotomy. Depending on the credential of interest, a certificate, diploma or degree can be earned. These credentials are indicative of the length of training and the intensity of the program. A school that offers a certificate in this discipline has a program that usually lasts three to six weeks. A diploma program usually lasts a period of two to six months. The duration of a degree program is 24 months. With this program, a student qualifies for an associate degree.
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The length of each program can vary depending on the institution. Some institutions that offer training include St. Louis Community College and Metropolitan Community College
St. Louis Community College offers an 11 week program for phlebotomy students. The coursework includes 120 hours of clinical work in preparation of an entry-level position. This college is located in the city and county of St. Louis.
The program offered at Metropolitan Community College prepares students for the national certification exam. This program consists of 44 hours of lecture, 20 hours of lab and 120 hours of clinical work. This college is located in Kansas City; this is part of Jackson County.
Working as a Phlebotomist in Missouri
Phlebotomy technicians in this state have the opportunity to choose their income based on the city in which they choose to work. The average salary in this state is $29,000. Although the average salaries reflected are based on the following cities, they are not standard for all phlebotomists. Most are commensurate with education and work experience.
| City | Average Salary |
| Columbia Missouri | $27,000 |
| Independence Missouri | $25,000 |
| Kansas City Missouri | $24,000 |
| Lee’s Summit | $25,000 |
| O’Fallon | $26,000 |
| Springfield | $24,000 |
| St. Charles Missouri | $29,000 |
| St. Joseph Missouri | $28,000 |
| St. Louis Missouri- $29,000 | $29,000 |
Employment Opportunities for Missouri Phlebotomists
Phlebotomy technicians can easily find employment in the state of Missouri. This is due to the great need for their professional services. Industries that require such services include nursing facilities, inpatient and outpatient medical facilities and blood banks. As the demand for such services continue, employment will always be available in this profession. This is due to advanced medicine and longevity among the elderly population.
For those who are interested in working in a blood bank, these are facilities that collect and store blood that will eventually be used in transfusions. In order to have blood collected and stored, phlebotomy technicians are needed. To gain employment in one of these facilities, phlebotomists are required to have a blood donor certification in addition to a standard credential. A national certification is optional but strongly advisable. As phlebotomists look for such career opportunities, Community Blood Center and the American Red Cross are two blood banks that may offer employment. The correct attitude, credentials and experience should be sufficient to obtain employment.
