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If you’ve decided to start a career in phlebotomy, congratulations!
You have made an excellent decision.
In South Carolina, you have a lot of schools to choose from to receive proper education and practical training.
The training will prepare you to pass the certification exam and get certified as a CPT – Certified Phlebotomy Technician.
Table of Contents
What is Phlebotomy?
In simple words, the phlebotomy procedure is drawing blood samples from patients.
Further, the samples are used to investigate whether the patient suffers from illnesses, deficiencies, or has developed harmful conditions.
Also, phlebotomy is the act of drawing blood for donation purposes.
A medical technician who performs the procedure (venipuncture) is called phlebotomist.
They usually work in hospitals, blood banks, private offices, home health agencies, etc.
Because their role is highly important in the diagnostic and treatment of the patient, they need to be trained properly.
The majority of employers in South Carolina prefer nationally certified phlebotomists.
Cities such as Charleston, Darlington, Goose Creek, Isle of Palms, Lake City, Westminster, and York have excellent job options for phlebotomists.
Phlebotomy Certification in South Carolina
South Carolina recognizes and follows national phlebotomy standards.
Therefore, certification isn’t required, but it is highly appreciated.
In South Carolina, you can get certified through one of the nationally approved and recognized certification agencies.
Therefore, you can find a suitable training program in South Carolina that will lead you to certification.
Despite not being mandatory, certification is a safe way to get employment soon after the process is complete.
Additionally, certified phlebotomists can negotiate higher salaries.
Moreover, with national certification in phlebotomy, you can work almost in all US states.
Without certification, if you relocate to another state, you might have to complete an additional course to get employment.
Certification Courses Topics
Generally, certification courses are similar, but they might have some organizational differences.
If you decide to complete a course within an accredited institution, you can be sure that you will receive the necessary education to perform your responsibilities confidently and properly.
Also, the course will prepare you to pass the certification exam.
The certification courses in South Carolina cover the following topics:
- Circulatory system
- Blood composition
- Collection and sample processing
- Handling, transporting specimens
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Collection of non-blood specimens
Typically, all phlebotomy courses consist of two parts.
The first part includes classroom instructions where you will learn phlebotomy essentials.
The second part of the course will focus on practical experience.
Therefore, you will be able to perform all tasks for the role.
Those may include:
- Safety standards
- Tourniquets application
- Selection of the puncture site
- Veins identification
- Handling the laboratory equipment
Certification Exam
After you complete the training, you are eligible to sit for the certification exam.
Some agencies require you to provide proof that you are older than 18 years.
Upon application, you will have to submit your high school transcripts and proof that you have completed the training course.
You can apply for the test at following certification agencies in South Carolina:
- American Medical Technologists
- American Society of Clinical Pathologists
- National Center for Competency Testing
- National Health Career Association
The typical examination consists of test questions and you have a certain amount of time to complete it.
License Maintenance
You need to renew your phlebotomy license every two years.
It is important not to allow your license to lapse, as it can cause trouble at your work.
Phlebotomy is a common choice for people who want to start a career in the medical field, and have the opportunity to advance it in the future.
Therefore, you have a solid foundation to improve your knowledge in the future and become a nurse, medical assistant, doctor, or else.
Schools in South Carolina
If you live in South Carolina, you have a large number of schools to choose from to get proper training.
For example, a Phlebotomy Certificate Program is available at Horry Georgetown Technical College and Spartanburg Community College.
Comprehensive training is offered at Technical College of the Lowcountry, and conveniently, it is available at multiple locations.
Phlebotomy training at Trident Technical College includes 120 hours of practical hours and up to 72 hours of classroom training.
York Technical College also offers a great training program focused on practical exposure.
Check the table for more information in training programs in South Carolina.
School Name Address Beaufort County Community College 5337 US HWY 264 East, Washington, NC 27889 Central Carolina Technical College 506 North Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC Florence-Darlington Technical College 2715 W. Lucas Street, Florence, SC 29502 Forrest College 601 East River Street, Anderson, SC 29624 Greenville Technical College 620 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 Horry Georgetown Technical College 2050 Highway 501 East, Conway, SC 29528 Midlands Technical College 316 South Beltline Boulevard, Columbia, SC 29205 PATCH Career Institute 1818 Norwood St, SC Piedmont Technical College 620 N. Emerald Rd., Greenwood, SC 29648 Spartanburg Community College 800 Brisack Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303 Technical College of the Lowcountry Beaufort (921 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29901); Bluffton (100 Community College Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909); Varnville (H. Mungin Center, Varnville, SC 29944); Walterboro (1085 Thunderbolt Drive, Walterboro, SC 29488) TriCounty Technical College Pendleton (7900 Highway 76, Pendleton, SC 29670) Campuses are also located in Anderson and Easley, South Carolina. Trident Technical College PO Box 118067 CE-M, Charleston, SC 29423-8067 Williamsburg Technical College 601 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, Kingstree, SC 29556 York Technical College 452 South Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Salary
On average, a phlebotomist in South Carolina makes $33.127 per year.
Salary depends on certification, experience, facility type, etc.
Annual Salary Range:Location Avg. Annual Salary Columbia $33,240 Charleston $33,610 North Charleston $33,610 Greenville $34,530 Rock Hill $34,836 Mount Pleasant $33,610 Spartanburg $32,830 Sumter $31,648 Hilton Head Island $32,869 Florence $31,825 Regional Salary in South Carolina
Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary Charleston-North Charleston, SC 400 $41,130 $19.78 $47,450 $35,370 Columbia, SC 380 $39,040 $18.77 $44,720 $32,980 Florence, SC 100 $39,780 $19.12 $58,840 $29,410 Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC 570 $38,660 $18.59 $45,020 $31,570 Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC 80 $40,070 $19.26 $53,680 $30,740 Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC 220 $38,130 $18.33 $45,980 $30,850 Spartanburg, SC 270 $37,540 $18.05 $44,980 $35,170 Sumter, SC 50 $37,230 $17.9 $42,170 $30,160
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Phlebotomy Classes by State