Phlebotomist Career Overview

It’s safe to say the medical field would not be the same without the effort put in by every worker. This range includes surgeons, receptionists, phlebotomists, and other healthcare professionals. 

Yes, phlebotomists! Without such professionals, who would draw our blood safely? The role of a phlebotomist is highly regarded in the medical field, but not everyone is aware of what it exactly entails. 

So, if you’re looking to enter this profession, you’ve made it to the right post. Today’s article provides an overview of the phlebotomist career. So, stay tuned and continue reading. 

What is a Phlebotomist? 

In the medical field, a phlebotomist is considered a trained professional who draws blood from any individual. They’re responsible for collecting and preparing blood for medical lab testing. 

A phlebotomist is also responsible for collecting blood during both donations and blood transfusions. However, phlebotomists are not limited to blood; we’ll explore this further in the next section. 

What Do Phlebotomists Do? 

The type of work or the role executed by a phlebotomist can depend on the workplace. But, regardless of the workplace, phlebotomists do various things, such as: 

• Draw blood from donors or patients 
• Explain the processes or work to help donors or patients relax while undergoing stress or anxiety during blood drawing. 
• Verify donor/patient identity 
• Label collected blood for processing or testing 
• Label sterile containers to facilitate the collection of other samples, such as urine. 
• Enter the collected sample information into the required database 
• Dispose of, maintain, and assemble medical instruments like test tubes, blood vials, and needles. 
• Maintaining clean and sanitary work equipment and environment. 

Although phlebotomists mainly draw blood, patients are often known to interact well with only phlebotomists in diagnostic or medical centers. They usually instruct patients on how to carry out the process while initiating sample collection. Certain phlebotomists are also allowed to transport or ship samples to various locations. 

How to Start a Career as a Phlebotomist? 

A phlebotomist will typically enter the field through certification from a postsecondary phlebotomy program. However, some can qualify through a high diploma along with on-the-job training. 

But, it’s safe to say that employers often prefer candidates with a professional certification. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved in becoming a phlebotomist: 

Education & Training 

As mentioned earlier, a phlebotomist usually begins with a postsecondary phlebotomy certification. Such program certifications can be obtained from various settings, including vocational schools, community colleges, or technical schools. 

The program typically lasts one year. It involves instruction in physiology, medical terminology, anatomy, and laboratory work, ultimately leading to certification. 

In the United States, organizations such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) are responsible for accrediting phlebotomy education programs. 

Although the certification program is best recommended, some employers do hire candidates with high school diplomas and provide job training. Whether it’s a diploma or formal education, the training received by a phlebotomist includes learning to identify labels, track blood samples, and other relevant skills. 

Licenses, Certifications, & Registrations 

Simply completing the course isn’t enough. Certain states may also require phlebotomists to have certification or a license after completing accredited training programs. They may also investigate other requirements, which may necessitate contacting a state licensing agency. 

Many employers often hire phlebotomists who hold professional certification gained through organizations such as ASCP and NAACLS. Although the requirements may vary, many programs include both clinical and educational experience, as well as practical components such as drawing blood. 

A phlebotomist will also require Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, and those who will be transporting samples will need to provide essential documentation, such as a driver’s license. 

Where are Phlebotomy Technicians Stationed? 

Generally, the specific duties of a phlebotomist can vary depending on the workplace. While many phlebotomists work in healthcare centers or hospitals, others work in blood banks or universities. There are also opportunities in other workplace areas, such as insurance companies. 

As mentioned, phlebotomists typically work in any healthcare or medical facility where blood is analyzed or drawn. Typically, in independent labs or large hospitals with continuous operation, a phlebotomist may work throughout the day or take the night shift and even work during holidays or weekends. 

However, the schedule is less hectic in smaller facilities, where shifts are often rotated. That said, here are some of the common areas a phlebotomist may be stationed at: 

• Medical & diagnostic labs 
• Local, state, or private hospitals 
• Various healthcare service facilities 
• Outpatient care facilities 

What’s the Average Salary? 

Whether you’re choosing to enter the profession out of passion or not, in the end, it’s essential to have an idea of how much you can make out of your career as a phlebotomist. 

As of May 2021, the median annual wage for a phlebotomist was estimated to be around $ 37,000. The lowest 10% of earners, those below the median salary, earned around $28,000, while the highest 10% above the median wage made over $48,000. 

Judging by the report in 2021, the median wages for a phlebotomist (annually) in top industries were approximately as follows: 

• Physicians’ offices – $36k 
• Medical & diagnostic labs – $38k 
• Hospitals – $36k 
• Outpatient centers – $38k 
• Other healthcare services – $35k 

Many phlebotomists often enter their careers with full-time plans in mind. As a phlebotomist, you’ll get to work in various settings, such as labs or hospitals, while the working hours/shifts may depend on your specific workplace. 

If you’re genuinely interested in entering the field, ensure that you research the type of certification required to enter the area. It’s also best to go through the type of role expected from a phlebotomist to learn more about the job.