Training to become a phlebotomist in Montana can prove to be rewarding. As a phlebotomist in training, there are a few things to expect.
In order to reach the ultimate goal of working as a professional phlebotomy technician, formal training is required. This includes attending an approved school or program and earning a credential in this discipline.
As the steps to become a phlebotomist are relatively easy, so are the learning skills and techniques that are required.
Your training will include classroom and practical learning. Throughout any program, students are expected to learn the universal and standard safety precautions concerning the collection of blood. Phlebotomy students are also expected to learn the proper use of phlebotomy equipment and the step-by-step procedure of how to collect blood and handle blood specimen appropriately. Upon the completion of a program, a state recognized credential will be rewarded.
In the state of Montana such credential will serve as the only requirement legally necessary to practice venipuncture skills in the allied-health community. Such credential should qualify any phlebotomist to obtain employment in this state. However, individual employers and hiring agencies require phlebotomy employees to obtain national certification in addition to a standard credential. In this state, certification can be obtained from the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Without such certification, potential employees may not be hired.
Schools in Montana
There are many schools and programs in this state that offer phlebotomy courses. By enrolling in one of these programs, a certificate, diploma, or an associate’s degree can be earned. Although the length of these programs may differ, any of these credentials will qualify a phlebotomist as a professional. In order to obtain a certificate in this field, a three to six week program may be required. For those who are interested in obtaining a diploma, a school that offers a two to six month program may be desirable. In order to obtain an associate degree, students should attend a community college. Many of these colleges offer an associate degree within 24 months.
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Of the many schools or programs that offer one of these credentials, Montana State University or The Lifelong Learning Center may be a school of choice.
Montana State University offers a training program that consists of 30 hours of online instruction and 15 hours of face-to-face learning. One hundred hours of clinical practice is also included. This university is located in the city of Bozeman which is in Gallatin County.
The Lifelong Learning Center also offers phlebotomy courses. This institution helps students to acquire and develop the clinical skills necessary to work as a phlebotomist. This program includes 75 hours of training. This institution is located in Missoula, a city in Missoula County.
Working as a Phlebotomist in Montana
Once a phlebotomy credential is earned, a phlebotomist is well on his or her way to achieving the dream of working as a professional phlebotomist. As a professional in this field, phlebotomists can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. As the average salary in Montana is $30,000, a phlebotomist can always increase his or her income by furthering his or her education and possibly working in a city that offers a higher wage. In some of the major cities in the state of Montana, the average salaries are as follows:
| City | Average Salary |
| Billings | $25,000 |
| Bozeman | $23,000 |
| Butte | $27,000 |
| Great Falls | $26,000 |
| Helena | $26,000 |
| Miles City | $26,000 |
| Missoula | $23,000 |
Employment Opportunities for Montana Phlebotomists
Employment opportunities in this state are numerous. With the elderly population living longer due to advanced healthcare and healthier life choices, services of such professionals are in high demand. Phlebotomy professionals are needed in order to meet the need of the many blood collection requests that are placed on a daily basis. Facilities such as clinics, hospitals and laboratories are always in need of such professionals and that is why jobs are so, relatively, easy to find.
Blood banks are also in need of phlebotomy technicians as these facilities may experience an increase in blood donors. To obtain employment in a blood bank, a donor certificate is needed in addition to the standard and national certification. Some blood banks include Red Cross Blood Service and the United Blood Service. As jobs are widely available in this field, it is easy for phlebotomists to obtain employment in any facility that requires venipuncture skills.
