Phlebotomists are medical professionals who are trained to draw blood from patients.
The collected blood may be used for medical testing, transfusions, or donation. Blood is collected by techniques such as venipuncture, finger pricks, or heel pricks.
If you are interested in a specialized, hands-on career in the healthcare industry then a career in phlebotomy could be perfect for you.
Please Note: A phlebotomist and a phlebotomy technician are essentially interchangeable titles for the same career. For simplicity, we will use the term ‘phlebotomist’ to cover both titles.
Phlebotomist Career Overview
| Educational Requirements | Graduate high school, complete a phlebotomy training program (certificate level), obtain licenses and/or certification |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary (2021) | $ 37,280 |
| Approximate Salary Range | $ 26,000 to $ 50,000 + (depending on experience and location) |
| Number in Employment (2021) | 128,020 |
| Employment Outlook | Excellent, with 22% growth projected from 2020 to 2030 |
| Work Environments | Hospitals, Medical Laboratories, Offices of Physicians, Outpatient Clinics, Blood Donation Centers |
| Related Careers | Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Vet Techs |
What does a Phlebotomist do?
This job involves both laboratory and patient clinical care work. The following job requirements are listed by the National Phlebotomy Association:
- Obtain medical history and conduct patient interviews
- Take vital signs
- Verify medical records
- Obtain blood samples via micro collection and venipuncture
- Testing and analyzing blood samples
- Preparation of blood specimens for lab analysis
From time to time phlebotomists may also be required to take other types of samples such as urine and hair.
Where do Phlebotomists Work?
The Department of Labor reports that 38% of phlebotomists work inside hospitals. Over 30% of phlebotomists work in diagnostic and medical laboratories, and the remainder is employed in blood banks, community health clinics, public health agencies, and physician offices.
Important Skills and Qualifications
What are the skills of a phlebotomist?
A successful phlebotomist will firstly have good people skills. As a phlebotomist, you will encounter people undergoing routine medical tests who may be extremely nervous about needles, young children feeling very anxious, or people undergoing life-altering treatment. You will need to demonstrate compassion and empathy with an ability to put people at ease.
You should have good fine motor skills and dexterity. Drawing blood requires a skilled and steady hand.
Attention to detail and good organization skills are important as you must label and file samples and maintain accurate records.
What qualifications and education are important?
The requirements to become a phlebotomist vary from state to state, but in most cases, graduation from high school and completion of an approved phlebotomy training program is required. A CPR qualification is an important requirement for entry into an approved training program. As part of your high school education, you should seek to take classes in health, science, and psychology.
How to Become a Phlebotomist
- Graduate High School
- Enrol in an Approved Training Program
- Licensing and Certification Requirements
- Find Employment
- Maintain ongoing Certification and Continuing Professional Development Requirements
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