Phlebotomists are medical support professionals whose main duty is to collect blood specimens from patients for laboratory analysis that health professionals use to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Because the accuracy of laboratory diagnostics is highly dependent on the quality of samples obtained, qualified phlebotomists are always in high demand.
Phlebotomist Job Duties
Although a phlebotomist’s primary responsibility is drawing blood samples – sometimes as much as 100 specimen tubes per day – there are other duties which they will be called upon to perform, and these will vary depending on what type of healthcare facility they work in.
Some of their duties may include:
- Labeling specimen tubes with the time, date, and their initials
- Filling out required paperwork for the specimen tubes to ensure proper shipment and analysis
- Keeping up-to-date with all safety rules while on the job
- Taking inventory and ordering supplies as needed and stocking the laboratory
- Keeping the laboratory and all equipment clean
- Performing certain clerical duties like filing, collecting data, and aiding other personnel
- Filling out reports when hazardous incidents occur and consulting with laboratory supervisors
Phlebotomist Salary and Job Outlook
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% (Median) |
75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $10.26 | $12.07 | $14.29 | $17.27 | $20.48 |
| Annual Wage | $21,340 | $25,110 | $29,730 | $35,920 | $42,600 |
The BLS also predicts that employment of phlebotomists will grow by 11% between the years 2010 and 2020. This increase is expected to be due mainly to an aging population that has a greater need for medical diagnoses and testing for diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Education and Training
Generally speaking, phlebotomists are not required to obtain a two- or four-year degree but can start their career after four months to a year of education. Keep in mind that obtaining either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree will offer many more opportunities for advancement in a career. An associate’s program will provide the opportunity to not only expand your general education, but also your phlebotomy skills. Obtaining this degree can set you up to move on to become a medical assistant or lab technician. With a bachelor’s degree, a phlebotomist can eventually take on a supervisory role in the industry and even pursue a position as a medical technologist.
Whether you choose to obtain an advanced degree or not, you will be required to partake in a basic curriculum rooted in anatomy and physiology which will prepare you to take blood samples and deal with any possible complications that arise. This curriculum will also teach you how to assemble and maintain lab equipment. Most standard programs will also cover patient psychology and interpersonal communication skills so that you may learn how to answer patient questions and calm those who are feeling stressed over the procedure.
Licensing and Certification
Some states require phlebotomists to be licensed or registered. Many times a bachelor’s degree will be required to obtain a license and the phlebotomist will also have to pass an exam. As requirements vary state by state, it’s a good idea to contact your state’s department of health or board of occupational licensing for your particular requirements.
Some states also require certification, and, despite which state you will be employed in, some employers may also require certification as well. In most cases, continuing education is typically required to qualify to sit for an exam.
Becoming a Successful Phlebotomist is within Your Reach
If you are detail oriented, have good technical skills and possess attributes such as compassion, dexterity, physical stamina and excellent interpersonal skills, you could thrive as a phlebotomist. Enhancing your skills and earning a bachelor’s of Science degree can be the winning combination that propels your phlebotomy career to the next level.
