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Healthcare Phlebotomist
Salary Range Jobs Available
$30,700 - $50,400 20,300+

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

If the sight of blood doesn’t make you squeamish, then a career as a phlebotomist could be for you. Phlebotomy technicians draw and prepare blood for medical tests, transfusions or donations. (Don’t let the funny name confuse you; it comes from the Greek work for vein.)

Phlebotomists collect blood through a patient’s vein (venipuncture) or through a finger prick (capillary sample). They are important members of the healthcare team. If you’ve ever had a calm, experienced phlebotomist take your blood — or the opposite — then you know what we mean. This technician is often the first or only person a patient will interact with. If a patient is anxious, the phlebotomist first has to make the person more comfortable.

If you enjoyed science classes in high school and are interested in working in a healthcare setting, this career is a good way to know if that’s a good fit for you. Plus, you can become a phlebotomist in less than a year! Keep on reading if you want to know more. 

Phlebotomist inserts a needle to take a blood sample
Not familiar with the job name? A phlebotomist is the person who draws your blood when you go to the doctor’s office. (Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Explain blood draw or transfusion process to patients
  • Draw blood for testing or processing
  • Accurately label the drawn blood
  • Assist patients who experience adverse reactions
  • Enter patient information into a database
  • Maintain medical instruments such as needles, test tubes and vials
  • Keep work areas sanitary
  • Adhere to all safety protocols

How To Become a Phlebotomist: FAQs

The bottom line:

Physicians need blood drawn as a first step in any diagnosis. That’s why a skilled phlebotomist is so crucial to a medical team’s success. What other career can put you into such a vital position with less than a year of study? 

Becky Palsgrove, phlebotomist

What is it like to be a phlebotomist?

Becky Palsgrove started as a part-time phlebotomist in September 2019, but it didn't take long for her to make it a career. 

"When I’m able to collect blood from someone who’s a 'hard stick,' I feel proud," says Becky of patients who aren't keen on getting their blood drawn. "I really do feel like a valued member of the care team when I do a good job."

Her ability to connect with patients and be respectful of their fears has made her better at her job.

Find Phlebotomist Training In Your Area

Indianapolis

Healthcare Specialist Program - Phlebotomy Technician Certificate

Students in the Healthcare Specialist program are able to study a wide variety of certification options, including Dementia Care, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy...
Kalispell

Phlebotomy License

Phlebotomists collect blood specimens from patients and blood donors for tests, transfusions, research purposes and donations. They are employed by...
Daytona Beach

Phlebotomy (Limited Access Program) Vocational Certificate

A phlebotomist is an individual who is trained to collect blood specimens to be used in diagnostic laboratory tests from patients. They must have...
Fort Pierce

Phlebotomy Career Training

Phlebotomists enjoy rewarding careers as vital members of the healthcare team―trained to draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations or research...
Miami

Phlebotomy Technician Career Technical Certificate

The Phlebotomy Technician program is designed to prepare students for employment in a hospital laboratory, blood center, or other health care facility...
New Port Richey

Phlebotomist Technical Credit Certificate

The purpose of this program is to train students for employment as blood bank or plasma center donor screeners, or as phlebotomists. Employment skills...
Gainesville

Phlebotomy Certificate

The goal of the Phlebotomy Program is to train professional phlebotomists proficient in communication, leadership, human relations and employability...
Griffin

Phelbotomy Technician Certificate

The Phlebotomy Technician program educates students to collect blood and process blood and body fluids. Phlebotomy technicians typically work in...
Griffin

Phelbotomy Technician Specialist Certificate

The Phlebotomy Technician program educates students to collect blood and process blood and body fluids. Phlebotomy technicians typically work in...
Cleveland

Laboratory Phlebotomy Certificate

The Laboratory Phlebotomy Short-Term Certificate is a skills-oriented program designed to educate and train persons to skillfully collect blood...
Kirtland

Phlebotomy Certificate

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Elyria

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Proper treatment of healthcare patients always depends on an accurate diagnosis, and blood tests are often an important factor in that process. A...
Seattle

I-BEST Phlebotomy Certificate

The Phlebotomist Certificate is one of the I-BEST options that provides both basic education and workforce skills. Students who successfully complete...
Phoenix

Phlebotomy Certificate

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Phlebotomy program is designed to prepare a person to obtain blood specimens by skin puncture and venipuncture...
Tucson

Phlebotomy Certificate

Learn the skills needed to work as a medical phlebotomist while preparing to take exams for national certification
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