• Phlebotomist Job Description

    A phlebotomist is a person whose job is to draw blood for diagnostic tests or to remove blood for treatment purposes. Phlebotomists are trained in most types of blood withdrawal procedures including venipuncture (the drawing of blood from veins) and fingerstick withdrawal (the drawing of blood by pricking the tip of finger).

    Phlebotomy is an entry-level medical career. It can help someone decide whether a medical career is right for them, as jobs in the field will offer the opportunity to work with sick patients and understand what it really means to care for the sick.

  • What does a Phlebotomist do?

    Phlebotomists may do some or all of the following:

    • interact with patients
    • draw blood from patients
    • label blood samples correctly
    • transport the blood to the correct laboratory for storage or testing
  • Where does a Phlebotomist work?
  • Working Conditions

    Phlebotomists may work normal office hours or rotating shifts including evenings and weekends. They work in laboratories, clinics, and hospitals.

  • What is Required to Become a Phlebotomist ?

    To become a phlebotomist, you will need to complete a phlebotomy or clinical laboratory technology program in a health school.

    Phlebotomy training is a short-term program, usually less than one year, from where one will learn the basic skills needed to practice phlebotomy.

    The career progression for a phlebotomist could be:

    Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist à medical laboratory technician à medical laboratory scientist

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Phlebotomists need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • friendliness
    • Self-motivation
    • confidence and assertiveness
    • manual and finger dexterity
    • good eyesight and near vision
    • good attention to detail
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good listening and communication skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • the ability to maintain focus and follow instructions accordingly
    • the ability to keep information confidential
    • the ability to relate to a wide variety of people
    • the ability to work well with and without supervision
    • knowledge of first aid
    • knowledge of phlebotomy
    • knowledge of health and safety issues

References

Should I be a Phlebotomist ?

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Alternative Careers
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Optician
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