--- title: How to Become a Phlebotomy Technician | UMSL Online description: Explore phlebotomy careers in St. Louis, including what phlebotomists do, local pay, training options, certification, and employers. image: https://info.preppy.org/hubfs/UMSL%20Assets/UMSL-SocialPreview.png --- [![StraighterLine](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGO_StraighterLine_black-Jul-19-2023-02-37-12-8796-AM.png?width=350&height=100&name=LOGO_StraighterLine_black-Jul-19-2023-02-37-12-8796-AM.png "StraighterLine")](https://preppy.org/) [Get Started](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/phlebotomy-technician/how-to-become-a-phlebotomy-technician#link) [![UMSL Advanced Workforce Center](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_UMSL-AdvancedWorkforceCenter_Full%20Color%203.png?width=220&height=59&name=Logo_UMSL-AdvancedWorkforceCenter_Full%20Color%203.png "UMSL Advanced Workforce Center")](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/) [Enroll Today](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/phlebotomy-technician/) [All Programs](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/)  ❯  [Phlebotomy Technician](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/medical-assistant/)  ❯  Blog # How to Become a Phlebotomy Technician in St. Louis, Missouri: Salary, Jobs & Career Opportunities Explore the path to becoming a phlebotomy technician in St. Louis, including training, salary information, certification, and career options. ![](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png?width=5000&height=28&name=UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png) HOW IT WORKS ## Flexible, Affordable Learning at Your Pace For many patients, a blood draw is one of the first steps in getting answers about their health. Phlebotomy technicians help make that process safe, accurate, and as comfortable as possible. From routine lab work and hospital admissions to blood donations and specialized testing, phlebotomists collect the samples healthcare providers rely on to diagnose conditions, monitor treatment, and guide patient care. It is a hands-on role that combines technical skill with calm, professional patient interaction. If you are exploring a way to enter healthcare without spending years in school, phlebotomy may be worth considering. This guide covers what phlebotomy technicians do, where they may find work in St. Louis, what local pay looks like, and how to prepare for certification and employment. ## What Does a Phlebotomy Technician Do? Phlebotomy technicians draw blood from patients and donors for testing, transfusions, research, or donation. Their responsibilities extend beyond the blood draw itself. They also help identify patients correctly, label and handle specimens, follow safety standards, and communicate with people who may be anxious about the process. Depending on the workplace, a phlebotomy technician may: - Verify patient identity and explain the collection procedure - Prepare patients for venipuncture or capillary collection - Draw blood using venipuncture, finger sticks, or other appropriate collection methods - Select and use collection tubes, needles, and equipment correctly - Label specimens accurately and prepare them for transport - Follow infection control, safety, and disposal procedures - Monitor patients for complications such as dizziness or fainting - Perform collections for patients of different ages, including children and older adults - Collect and process specimens for laboratory testing - Maintain collection supplies and keep work areas organized Phlebotomy is a patient-facing career, so interpersonal skills matter just as much as technical accuracy. A good phlebotomist needs to be attentive, reassuring, and able to follow established procedures with care. ## Phlebotomy Technician Job Outlook Phlebotomy remains a growing healthcare occupation nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average projected growth rate for all occupations. The BLS projects about 18,000 openings each year, on average, over the decade. #### PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN CAREER SNAPSHOT (ST. LOUIS, MO) | 670 Estimated phlebotomists employed in the St. Louis metro area, May 2025 | 7% Projected national employment growth, 2025–2035 | | --- | --- | Sources:[BLS occupational data](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm) and[CitySalaryData](https://www.citysalarydata.com/metros/st-louis-mo-il) May 2025 St. Louis metropolitan wage and employment estimates. The need for blood testing spans many parts of healthcare. As hospitals, laboratories, physician offices, and outpatient facilities care for patients of all ages, trained professionals are needed to collect and manage specimens safely. ## Phlebotomy Employers in the St. Louis Area Phlebotomists can work in a variety of clinical environments. Hospitals are one option, but they are not the only one. Depending on the role, you may work in outpatient laboratories, physician offices, blood donation centers, urgent care facilities, diagnostic testing sites, or specialty clinics. The following organizations are useful places to begin your local job search. #### BJC HealthCare BJC HealthCare is one of the largest healthcare employers in Greater St. Louis, with hospitals, outpatient centers, physician practices, and laboratory services across the region. Its careers site has posted local roles such as lab associate and phlebotomist positions. [Explore BJC careers](https://jobs.bjc.org/) #### SSM Health SSM Health operates hospitals, medical offices, urgent care locations, and outpatient facilities throughout the St. Louis area. Its network offers a range of settings where phlebotomy and laboratory support professionals may work. [Explore SSM Health careers](https://jobs.ssmhealth.com/) #### Mercy Mercy has hospitals, clinics, specialty care sites, and outpatient services across Greater St. Louis. Job seekers can explore its career site for laboratory, patient service, and phlebotomy-related opportunities. [Explore Mercy careers](https://careers.mercy.net/) Local roles may be listed under titles such as phlebotomist, lab associate, patient service representative, specimen collector, laboratory assistant, or donor center technician. Some positions may involve early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday shifts, particularly in hospitals and laboratories that operate around the clock. Note: These organizations are examples of regional healthcare employers, not guaranteed current openings or UMSL placement partners. Individual job availability and qualifications vary. ## How Much Do Phlebotomists Make in St. Louis? Phlebotomy pay can vary based on experience, certification, shift, employer, and the type of healthcare setting. Based on May 2025 BLS occupational wage data for the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area, phlebotomists earned a median annual salary of approximately $45,750, or $22.00 per hour. Source:[May 2025 BLS OEWS estimates for the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area](https://www.citysalarydata.com/metros/st-louis-mo-il). Figures reflect occupational earnings and are not guaranteed starting salaries. Entry-level pay may be lower than the area's median. With experience, certification, and flexibility around scheduling, phlebotomists may find different opportunities across hospitals, labs, outpatient facilities, and donor centers. ## How to Become a Phlebotomy Technician in St. Louis Phlebotomy is a skills-based career. You need to understand blood collection procedures and safety requirements, but you also need hands-on practice before you are ready to work with patients independently. Here is a typical path into the field. ### 1. Review Local Requirements Missouri does not generally require phlebotomists to hold a state-issued license. That said, individual employers may set their own hiring requirements. Some employers hire candidates with a high school diploma or GED and provide on-the-job training. Others prefer applicants who have completed a phlebotomy training program, performed supervised blood draws, or earned a nationally recognized certification. Before enrolling in a program, take time to review local listings and identify the qualifications that appear most often. ### 2. Complete Phlebotomy Training Career-focused training can help you develop the knowledge and practical foundation needed to collect blood safely, communicate with patients, and handle specimens correctly. For St. Louis-area residents seeking a flexible option, the[University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) online Phlebotomy Technician program](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/phlebotomy-technician/) offers self-paced training that prepares students for phlebotomy certification and entry-level healthcare opportunities. The program includes: - 100% online, self-paced coursework, with many students completing training in approximately 2-4 months - Training in phlebotomy fundamentals, patient communication, infection control, emergency response, and first aid - Instruction in cardiovascular and vascular anatomy, blood components, collection equipment, and specimen handling - Coursework covering venipuncture, capillary collection, specimen identification, and collection complication prevention - Preparation for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certification exam - A CPT certification exam voucher included with tuition - Career coaching, resume support, interview preparation, and employment opportunity sourcing - Externship support for eligible students Students who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion from UMSL. ### 3. Complete Your Live Collection Requirements Hands-on practice is an essential part of becoming a phlebotomist. While online coursework and virtual learning can help you build foundational knowledge, certification eligibility also requires successful collections on live individuals. UMSL's program prepares students for the CPT exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To be eligible for certification, candidates must complete at least: - 30 venipunctures - 10 capillary finger sticks These clinical requirements must be fulfilled within 90 days of passing the CPT exam. An externship can be a valuable way to gain this experience and become more comfortable working with patients in a healthcare environment. ### 4. Consider CPT Certification Although Missouri does not generally require state licensure or universal certification for phlebotomists, a credential can help you demonstrate your preparation to employers. The Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential from the NHA is one certification option. UMSL's Phlebotomy Technician program holds NHA approval, prepares students for the CPT exam, and includes an exam voucher with tuition. Before scheduling the exam, candidates should verify that they meet the NHA's current eligibility requirements. ### 5. Begin Applying for Jobs Once you have completed your training, live collection requirements, and any certification steps you choose to pursue, you can start exploring local opportunities. Try searching for job titles such as: - Phlebotomist - Certified Phlebotomy Technician - Lab Associate - Laboratory Assistant - Patient Service Representative - Specimen Collection Technician - Donor Center Technician UMSL students also have access to career resources that include resume guidance, interview preparation, career coaching, and assistance identifying relevant job leads within the healthcare employer network when available. ## Is Phlebotomy a Good Career Path? Phlebotomy can be a strong fit for people who want direct patient interaction and a focused clinical role. It may be especially appealing if you are comfortable working with blood, enjoy helping people feel at ease, and can stay accurate in a busy environment.Because blood collection is often part of routine testing and treatment, phlebotomists work with many different kinds of patients. You may collect samples from children, older adults, patients receiving hospital care, and people visiting a lab for routine services. The career can also serve as an introduction to the healthcare field. Some phlebotomists later pursue additional education and training in areas such as medical assisting, nursing, laboratory science, or other patient care roles. Those paths may require additional credentials, education, or licensure. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Phlebotomy in St. Louis ### Do I need a degree to become a phlebotomist in Missouri? A four-year degree is not generally required to become a phlebotomist. Many employers look for a high school diploma or GED, relevant training, and hands-on blood collection experience. Some may also prefer professional certification. ### Does Missouri require phlebotomists to be licensed? Missouri does not generally require a state-issued phlebotomy license. However, individual employers may require or prefer candidates to hold a recognized credential, such as the CPT. ### How long does it take to become a phlebotomy technician? The timeline depends on your training program, how quickly you complete your live collection requirements, and your certification plans. Many students complete UMSL's self-paced coursework in approximately 2-4 months, with up to 12 months of access to complete the program. ### Can I become a phlebotomist through online training? Online coursework can provide flexibility while you learn phlebotomy fundamentals, safety procedures, anatomy, and specimen handling. However, phlebotomy also requires hands-on experience. CPT candidates must complete at least 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary finger sticks on live individuals before taking the exam. ### Where can phlebotomists work in St. Louis? Phlebotomists may work in hospitals, laboratories, outpatient testing centers, physician offices, clinics, blood donation centers, and urgent care facilities. Major healthcare systems such as BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, and Mercy are useful places to start researching local roles. ## Start Preparing for a Phlebotomy Career in St. Louis Phlebotomy is a practical, patient-centered healthcare role that supports diagnosis, treatment, and routine care every day. With hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and outpatient facilities throughout Greater St. Louis, there are several settings to explore as you plan your career path. If you are ready to build blood collection skills, prepare for CPT certification, and gain access to career support, the UMSL online Phlebotomy Technician program offers a flexible way to get started.   --- ### Ready to take the next step? Explore [UMSL's Phlebotomy Technician program](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/phlebotomy-technician/) or [connect with an enrollment advisor](https://info.preppy.org/umsl/info-request).  --- ![Brandon-SterileGuy-Circle](https://info.preppy.org/hubfs/Brandon-SterileGuy-Circle.png) ### “If anyone asks me where to start, UMSL is the one program I’ll always vouch for. It’s the fastest and most affordable way to get your foot in the door.” – Brandon Huffman, CST, Surgical Tech Expert ![](https://info.preppy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png?width=5000&height=28&name=UMSL-ColorBorder-LandingPage.png) ### Healthcare needs phlebotomy technicians like you. Train online with UMSL and take the first step toward certification and a rewarding career in healthcare. 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