Phlebotomist Job Description

Phlebotomist job description: Phlebotomists draw blood and transport it to the laboratory for processing.  Over half of the jobs are in hospitals.  This is a basic technician position which requires some knowledge of basic anatomy to locate veins.  According to the DOT job description a phlebotomist:

Draws blood from patients or donors in hospital, blood bank, or similar facility for analysis or other medical purposes: Assembles equipment, such as tourniquet, needles, disposable containers for needles, blood collection devices, gauze, cotton, and alcohol on work tray, according to requirements for specified tests or procedures. Verifies or records identity of patient or donor and converses with patient or donor to allay fear of procedure. Applies tourniquet to arm, locates accessible vein, swabs puncture area with antiseptic, and inserts needle into vein to draw blood into collection tube or bag. Withdraws needle, applies treatment to puncture site, and labels and stores blood container for subsequent processing. May prick finger to draw blood. May conduct interviews, take vital signs, and draw and test blood samples to screen donors at blood bank. 

Technologists and technicians generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week that may include weekends. Shift work may be required if you work in the hospital.  Other places of work include outpatient laboratories, blood banks and occupational health.  Phlebotomist spend a lot of time walking and standing. 

The  U.S. Bureau of Labor lists phlebotomists as technicians and categories them with Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. 

Training and Qualifications - what you have to do to be a phlebotomist

Phlebotomists are typically trained by the laboratory or the hospital.  After a brief period of training involving some class room time and approximately 40 hours of clinical skills training a phlebotomist is considered to be qualified to perform the basic duties.  A certificate of training may be issued.

Licensing and Credentialing

The majority of the states do not require any type of licensing or registration for technicians. 

Significant Points

• About 2 out of 4 jobs were in hospitals.
• The vast majority of Phlebotomist complete a minimal training program .
• Employment will grow much faster than the average, but the number of job openings created will be low because the occupation is small.
• Technicians are lower paid than laboratory technologists 
   

Advancement - chances for promotion

There is not a tremendous amount of upward mobility in this career. Advancement may be to positions such as lead technologists and in some instance department manager.  Wages are expected to increase at a moderate pace.  Those looking to assume more managerial roles or CEO responsibilities usually acquire additional education in human resources or healthcare administration. Additional schooling to achieve a Bachelor's degree in laboratory science to advance technologist is another avenue of advancement.

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