CAREER SNAPSHOT
Summary
Phlebotomists draw and prepare blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, research or donation.
Career Level
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Salary
National average, per year
$33,670
JOB OPENINGS
Current national estimate
8,015
DEMAND OUTLOOK
Actual salaries can vary substantially based on region, job description and employer expectations; does not include additional compensation. Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: May 2019
OVERVIEW
Phlebotomist Job Description
A phlebotomist draws blood for tests, transfusions, research and blood donation. They are trained to collect blood via venipuncture, finger pricks and heel pricks in infants. They verify the patient’s identity and ensure all blood specimens are correctly labeled.
They often have to comfort and reassure patients who feel apprehensive or nervous.
Phlebotomy is a growing career field and an important part of the healthcare industry. Phlebotomists enjoy extensive employment opportunities and flexible work hours. Education can be completed in less than 1 year and most programs are very affordable.
Phlebotomist Job Responsibilities
Phlebotomists may perform the following job duties. Actual duties may vary by job and location.
- Explain procedures to patients
- Collect blood samples from patients and blood donors
- Identify patients and properly label blood samples
- Practice infection control measures at all times
- Clean and sterilize equipment
- Be calm and reassuring to nervous patients
Phlebotomist Salary
The actual salary of the phlebotomist can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Most recent data shown.
National average per year: $33,670*
National average per hour: $16.19*
- $33,946 per year, $16.32 per hour**
- $30,993 per year, $14.45 per hour***
- $30,275 to $37,546****
- $30,800 per year, $14.81 per hour*****
* Bureau of Labor Statics
** Indeed.com
*** Payscale.com
**** Salary.com
***** Glassdoor.com
Phlebotomist Career Pros and Cons
What are the ups and downs of being a phlebotomist? Here are a few items to keep in mind.
Pros
- Extensive employment opportunities
- Flexible working hours
- Complete education quickly
- Education programs are affordable
- Variety of healthcare settings to work in
- Build skills for career growth
- Meet interesting and new people
Cons
- Entry-level salary
- Exposure to infectious diseases
- Daily job can get busy and stressful
- Must often work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays
- Physically demanding with most of the time spent on your feet
- Risk of injury to self and patients
CAREER PATH AND TRAINING
How Do I Become a Phlebotomist?
If you are considering a career as a phlebotomist, here are the steps you will need to complete.
- Obtain your high school diploma/GED.
- Earn a post-secondary non-degree diploma from a phlebotomy program.
- Earn a certification and become certified. Although not required by all employers, it is highly desirable.
Suggested Career Path
The position of the phlebotomist is at the beginning of the medical career pathway. A sample career path could look like this:
Phlebotomist > Registered Nurse (RN) > Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Typical Minimum Education
Actual requirements may vary by state. Please check with your state government.
- High school diploma / GED
- Postsecondary non-degree diploma from a phlebotomy program
Typical Work Experience Required
No work experience required to start.
Typical Skills Required
Common skills listed. Actual skills required may vary by job and location.
- Data entry and computer skills
- Attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Must be empathetic
- Physical dexterity
- Excellent venipuncture skills
- Ability to keep patient information confidential
- Adhere to strict infection control standards
Phlebotomist Certifications
Although certification is not required, almost all employers prefer phlebotomists who have earned professional certification. These are the certifications that are available:
- RPT, Registered Phlebotomy Technician (AMT)
- PBT ASCP, Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP)
- NCPT, Phlebotomy Technician (NCCT)
- CPT ASCP, Donor Phlebotomy Technician (ASCP)
- CPT, Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NHA)
- CPT, Certified Phlebotomist Technologist (NPA)
Click on the certifications to find out more.
Phlebotomist Licenses
None
Phlebotomist Training and Preparation
Once you have received your high school diploma or GED, you can enroll in a phlebotomy program. These programs are usually offered through community colleges, vocational schools or technical schools and take less than 1 year to complete. Classroom and lab work are components of most phlebotomy programs.
Once you have completed the phlebotomy program, certification is optional, but highly recommended, as most employers require it. There are traditional classroom and online courses available to help you prepare for the exams. Review and test prep books are also great tools.
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