Phlebotomist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

When people fall ills and there is no apparent explanation for it, it is common for doctors and pathologists to request that blood samples be taken and analyzed. In these clinical situations, it is the phlebotomist that will be tasked with acquiring the sample of blood from the patient and taking it to the lab where they will perform tests on it to try to diagnose the problem. The phlebotomist is trained to work under the supervision of the medical laboratory scientist, and they are required to know how to operate a wide variety of sophisticated medical machinery and equipment. They are responsible for knowing how to extract the blood sample from the patient in as efficient and painless a manner possible, and might often have to comfort or reassure people that don’t like to be around blood or needles.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$24,300
Salary Range
$19,500 - $27,300

Work Environment

It is most common for the phlebotomist to work in hospitals or blood banks, where they can be close to the patients and doctors who require their assistance. However, it is also possible for the phlebotomist to be employed in private physician practices, public health organizations, research hospitals and pharmaceutical firms.

High School Preparation

Those individuals who think that they might enjoy the responsibilities of a phlebotomist are encouraged to spend their high school career advancing their knowledge of biology, chemistry and anatomy. Supporting courses for this line of work include first aid, computer skills, physics, and physical education. It is also valuable for interested students to volunteer at blood banks or hospitals to become more familiar with the health care profession.

Requirements

After completing the high school diploma, or the approved equivalent, those interested in pursuing a career as a phlebotomist have several options for continuing their education. There are formal phlebotomy programs that last about six to eight months, and this training is preferred for those who have no formal experience in the medical field. Those who are already working as nurse’s assistants, medical assistants or emergency medical technicians may be able to receive on the job training in a hospital or blood bank environment. Those who are already employed in the medical field must contact potential employers directly to find out if on the job training is available.

Career Outlook

As the elderly population in this country continues to grow, and more people are becoming concerned about serious disease and infection, the demand for trained phlebotomists is also expected to grow. Experts predict that there will be a ten to twenty percent increase in the number of jobs available over the next ten years.

Professional Organizations

National Phlebotomy Association
1901 Brightseat Road
Landover, MD 20785
Phone: (301) 699-3846
www.phlebotomy.org