Phlebotomist in Rhode Island

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$47,650
trending_up +9.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering
730

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Varies by program (e.g., 12 weeks to 2 semesters)

Time to complete

route How to become a phlebotomist in Rhode Island

To become a phlebotomist in Rhode Island, candidates need a high school diploma or GED and must complete a state-approved phlebotomy training program. While the state does not mandate licensure to practice, the Rhode Island Department of Health does offer initial licensing and renewal for phlebotomy, and most employers require or strongly prefer national certification from an accredited organization such as NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPCE, or NPS. Certification typically needs to be renewed every two years, often with continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,600
25th percentile $41,380
50th (median) $47,650
75th percentile $55,240
90th (experienced) $56,290

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Rhode Island. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing bodyRhode Island Department of Health
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved phlebotomy training program (typically 40-80 classroom hours and 20-40 clinical hours, or 120 hours total including hands-on practice).
ExamNational certification exam (e.g., NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPCE, NPS)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMinimum age of 18. Most training programs require a clean background check, negative Hepatitis and TB tests, and immunization records. CPR certification (American Heart Association, Healthcare Provider level) is also often required. While Rhode Island does not mandate state licensure for phlebotomists, the Rhode Island Department of Health does offer initial licensing and renewal for phlebotomy, and employers strongly prefer or require national certification.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Health

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+5.6%
Faster than average
Annual openings
18,400
Nationwide per year
Total employment
139,700
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.28/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleRhode Island license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a phlebotomist in Rhode Island? expand_more
The path to phlebotomist licensure in Rhode Island: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED and completion of a state-approved phlebotomy training program (typically 40-80 classroom hours and 20-40 clinical hours, or 120 hours total including hands-on practice).), and pass the National certification exam (e.g., NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPCE, NPS).
Do I need a license to work as a phlebotomist in Rhode Island? expand_more
A state license is required in Rhode Island. Rhode Island Department of Health handles phlebotomist licensing — the National certification exam (e.g., NHA, ASCP, AMT, NPCE, NPS) is part of the process.
What do phlebotomists earn in Rhode Island? expand_more
In Rhode Island, the median pay for phlebotomists comes to $47,650/year. — 9% higher than the $43,660 national figure. New phlebotomists start around $39,600; seasoned professionals can reach $56,290.
How many months or years does phlebotomist certification take in Rhode Island? expand_more
Expect to spend Varies by program (e.g., 12 weeks to 2 semesters) from start to finish in Rhode Island — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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