Phlebotomists

Career summary

Phlebotomists collect blood by place a tourniquet on a patient's arm, find a vein, and disinfect the puncture area. They insert a needle into the vein and draw blood into a collection bag or tube. Phlebotomists often talk with patients to help calm them and answer any questions.

Phlebotomists also take samples of blood through skin punctures. They prick a finger or heel to test a patient's blood sugar or determine blood type.

After drawing blood, phlebotomists label and store blood for processing. Sometimes phlebotomists transport blood samples to labs.

Phlebotomists make sure all equipment is sanitized before it is used to collect blood. They wear gloves to protect themselves from blood-borne diseases. They must observe strict safety protocols.

Depending on where they work, phlebotomists may do other tasks, such as:

• Greet patients
• Interview patients
• Take vital signs
• Write reports
• Process blood
• Train phlebotomy students

They are supervised by a clinical laboratory technologist or other medical professional.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Medical Assistants
• Medical Laboratory Technicians
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Science Technicians
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Military careers

• Medical Laboratory Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to phlebotomists.

• Draw blood from patients' veins, capillaries, and arteries, using a variety of tools and methods.
• Match lab forms to patient specimen tubes.
• Dispose of biohazardous materials, such as blood, tissues, and contaminated sharp needles.
• Enter patient information into office computers.
• Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, making sure instruments are sterile or are first-use.
• Collect fluid or tissue samples.
• Determine donor suitability according to interview results, vital signs, and medical history.
• Transport specimens and fluid samples to laboratories.
• Process blood and fluid samples for further analysis or report results to physicians.
• Monitor blood and plasma donors during and after procedures. Make sure they are safe and comfortable.
• Explain procedures to patients.
• Train other medical personnel in proper blood-drawing techniques.
• Keep accurate records.

Common work activities

Phlebotomists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Get information needed to do the job
• Use computers
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Document and record information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Perform for or work with the public
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Teach others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Schedule work and activities
• Coach others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Develop and build teams
• Perform administrative tasks
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Analyze data or information
• Handle and move objects
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Develop goals and strategies
• Control machines and processes

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, phlebotomists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a very high degree of social interaction. They talk with patients and medical personnel throughout their day.
• Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of patients.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations where patients may be unpleasant or rude.
• Are greatly responsible for the work done by other phlebotomists and assistants.
• Usually work as part of a team.
• Communicate with others in person and via telephone and e-mail on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors.
• Are frequently exposed to the diseases and infections of patients. To protect themselves they wear surgical gloves and other protective gear.
• Are occasionally exposed to loud or distracting sounds from nearby medical equipment.
• Come into physical contact with patients in order to complete the job.

Work performance

• Must be extremely accurate and exact when performing the job. Errors could harm patients and impact test results.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They consult doctors for some decisions, but make others without talking to a supervisor.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities throughout the day.
• Are usually able to set their tasks for the day without consulting with a supervisor.
• Work in a competitive atmosphere. Their days are structured around patient appointments.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a set schedule.
• May work nights and weekends.

Physical demands

Phlebotomists frequently:

• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for phlebotomists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for phlebotomists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

Skills and abilities

Phlebotomists need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Phlebotomy

Other programs of study to consider

• Medical Laboratory Assisting
• Sterile Processing Technology

Training

To work as a phlebotomist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete a phlebotomist training program.

Education after high school

To become a phlebotomist, you must finish high school and complete a training program. Phlebotomy programs are usually one semester long. There are more than 200 accredited phlebotomy training programs nationwide at community colleges and vocational schools.

Phlebotomy training programs include study in anatomy, blood collection procedures, proper storage and handling of blood samples, and safety precautions.

On-the-job training

Phlebotomists receive on-the-job training from experienced phlebotomists in clinical settings. Training may last from several days up to a few months.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be medical laboratory technicians. Training lasts 12 to 36 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Introduction to Health Care
• Medical Lab Technology
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers usually require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some prefer a year or two of college or experience drawing blood.

Some employers prefer applicants who have had related training or experience as medical assistants or nurse aides. Employers may also require that applicants be certified or eligible to be certified.

Licensing/certification

Phlebotomists who practice in Washington State must have a professional medical assistant-phlebotomist credential issued by the Department of Health.

There is an initial certification and the renewal fee. Assistants must renew their credential every two years.

For detailed information on credentialing requirements, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Health Systems Quality Assurance
Medical Assistants Program 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504
360.236.4700

#2/10/20

Currently only California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington require phlebotomists to be certified. Several national organizations offer optional certification.

For more information about optional certification, go to:

American Society for Clinical Pathology 

National Phlebotomy Association 

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's level of experience, education, and responsibility also affect wages.

Phlebotomists who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Hospitals
• Blood banks
• Donor centers

National outlook

Growth for this occupation will be much faster than average. Demand will grow as hospitals and blood donor centers need more phlebotomists to perform blood collection. Doctors will continue to use lab procedures, such as blood analysis, to diagnose and treat diseases. 

Job prospects are best for people who are certified by one of a number of phlebotomy certifying organizations.

Other resources

Center for Phlebotomy Education 

Explore Health Careers: Phlebotomist 

National Phlebotomy Association 
1809 Brightseat Road
Landover, MD 20785
301.386.4200

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Phlebotomists (31-9097.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Phlebotomist (079.364-022) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Conventional/Realistic/Investigative
• Conventional/Realistic/Social

COPSystem

• Science Skilled