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One of the perks of a phlebotomy career is short training and the ability to start working as soon as you complete the program.
In Georgia, you can start working as a phlebotomist in three to six months.
It is an average time that can take you to complete a diploma program and pass the certification exam within the national phlebotomy association.
Once the process is complete, you can apply for entry-level phlebotomist’s positions in clinics, laboratories, hospitals, blood banks, etc.
Drawing blood isn’t the only responsibility of a phlebotomist.
Phlebotomist needs to process the samples, maintain medical records, take care of laboratory equipment, educate patient, etc.
Atlanta, Savannah, Columbus, Brunswick, Douglasville, and a few other cities are in demand for skilled phlebotomists year-round.
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How to Become a Phlebotomist in Georgia?
Becoming a phlebotomist in Georgia is relatively simple.
The most appreciated technicians are friendly, organized, adaptable, and capable of handling different people and different situations.
It is important for a phlebotomist to be detail-oriented, and pay attention to safety and cleanliness.
Luckily, in Georgia, the Division of Professional Regulation doesn’t require phlebotomists to hold certification to be allowed to work.
However, being certified as great leverage and employers in Georgia prefer certified phlebotomists.
In general, certification proves that you have completed adequate training, gained the necessary skills and knowledge and that you are completely prepared for the role.
Certification Agencies in Georgia
If you live in Georgia, you have several agencies to choose from for the certification process.
The National Center for Competency Testing has the certification-based exam that includes 145 questions that can be answered in 2.5 hours.
You have to submit written evidence of clinical competence, too.
Next, you can get certified through the American Medical Technologists.
You will have to show proof of relevant work experience, pass the exam, and renew your certification every three years.
Next, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) also certifies phlebotomists in Georgia.
To get certified through ASCP, you have to provide proof of training or work experience and pass the exam.
The certificate issued by ASCP has to be renewed every ten years.
Phlebotomy certification is available at the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians and the National Phlebotomy Association.
Both organizations require you to pass the exam to earn the certification.
Getting certified has many perks.
Once you achieve your certification, you are a valuable candidate in the job market.
It can also help you to get a better position and possibly a higher salary.
Training Requirements
After you select the school or institution for your phlebotomy training, you will have to complete several steps.
First of all, you need to submit your high school or GED transcripts.
Next, many schools in Georgia require their students to pass criminal background and drug test.
To get eligible for the certification, during the training, you will have to complete at least 40 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of practical training.
During the training, you will perform at least 100 venipunctures and 10 skin collections.
When choosing a school, you should select the one that includes the largest portion of practical experience.
Despite not having official requirements for the job, you can have trouble in a job search if you apply for the job after you finish high school.
Therefore, it is useful to complete training, and getting certified is another way to improve your chances for the job.
Also, remember that phlebotomy certifications differ from entry-level credentials because require you complete specialized training at accredited organizations in the field.
Schools
Aspiring phlebotomists in Georgia have some great options for their education.
For example, the Phlebotomy Certificate Program is available at Albany State University.
The training at Athens Technical College consists of 24 credit hours and offers comprehensive phlebotomy education.
Students who complete the program at Central Georgia Technical College will be granted the Technical Certificate of Credit in Phlebotomy.
Great training is offered at the Clinical Skills Training Center in College Park.
It covers all aspects of phlebotomy and includes EKG training.
Dalton State College has a training program that includes a total of 20 hours and covers Human anatomy, biology, venipuncture techniques, etc.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers phlebotomy training that is equivalent to 24 semester hours.
It includes a wide range of lectures and practical training.
Check the table for more information on schools in Georgia.
School Name Address Albany State University 504 College Drive, Albany, GA 31705; 2400 Gillionville Rd, Albany, GA 31707 Atlanta Career Institute 5380 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suite 120 Norcross, GA 30071 Athens Technical College 800 US Hwy 29 North Athens, GA 30601 Atlanta Technical College 1560 Metropolitan Parkway SW Atlanta, GA 30310-4446 Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology 5669 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30342 Central Georgia Technical College 80 Cohen Walker Drive, Warner Robins, Georgia 31088 Clinical Skills Training Center 2459 Roosevelt Highway ste C-9, College Park Ga 30337 Columbus Technical College 928 Manchester Expressway Columbus, GA 31904 Dalton State College 650 College Drive Dalton, GA 30720 University of North Georgia 1201 Bishop Farms Pkwy P.O. Box 1748 Watkinsville, GA 30677 Georgia Northwestern Technical College Walker County Campus- 265 Bicentennial Trail Rock Spring, Georgia 30739 Georgia Piedmont Technical College 495 North Indian Creek Drive Clarkston, GA 30021 Health Tech of Georgia 202 N. Davis Drive Warner Robins, GA 31093 Lanier Technical College Oakwood Campus-2990 Landrum Education Drive Oakwood, GA 30566
Forsyth Campus-7745 Majors Road Cumming, GA 30041 Life Solutions for Health 4798 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur, GA 30034 Coastal Pines Technical College 1701 Carswell Avenue Waycross, GA 31503 Phlebotomy Services Various locations across the state
Find more at http://www.phleb.com/3dayworkshop.html Premier Medical Careers 1015 Milstead Ave., Suite 200, Conyers, GA 30012 Savannah Technical College 5717 White Bluff Road Savannah, GA 31405
Liberty Campus-100 Technology Drive Hinesville, GA 31313
Effingham Campus-2890 Hwy 21 South Rincon, GA 31326 South Georgia Technical College 900 South GA Tech Pkwy Americus, GA 31709 Southern Crescent Technical College 501 Varsity Road Griffin, GA 30223 West Georgia Technical College Adamson Square- 401 Adamson Square Carrollton, GA 30117
Douglas Campus- 4600 Timber Ridge Drive Douglasville, GA 30135
LaGrange Campus-East- 220 Fort Drive LaGrange, GA 30240
Salary
On average, a phlebotomist in Georgia makes $34.242 per year.
Factors such as experience, location, employer, education, certification determine the salary.
Annual Salary Range:Location Avg. Annual Salary Atlanta $35,009 Augusta $32,906 Columbus $31,975 Savannah $33,084 Athens $34,761 Macon $32,875 Roswell $34,877 Albany $32,533 Marietta $34,910 Warner Robins $32,776 Regional Salary in Georgia
Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary Albany, GA 70 $36,890 $17.74 $45,200 $30,770 Athens-Clarke County, GA 160 $38,950 $18.73 $49,000 $31,000 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 3,240 $44,790 $21.53 $56,380 $33,720 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC 310 $37,270 $17.92 $46,860 $31,280 Brunswick, GA 100 $39,320 $18.9 $45,660 $32,440 Columbus, GA-AL 160 $36,600 $17.59 $44,500 $30,980 Dalton, GA 40 $37,300 $17.93 $46,300 $30,280 Gainesville, GA 160 $40,340 $19.39 $46,970 $31,930 Macon, GA 110 $39,600 $19.04 $46,190 $33,600 Rome, GA 100 $40,010 $19.24 $50,100 $31,720 Savannah, GA 230 $41,540 $19.97 $51,610 $32,180 Valdosta, GA 140 $36,550 $17.57 $44,050 $28,980 Warner Robins, GA 160 $37,590 $18.07 $45,560 $30,860
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Phlebotomy Classes by State