How to Hire a Phlebotomist

Why hire a phlebotomist?

A great phlebotomist hire can help your business:

• Increase the number of patients
• Conduct better research
• Improve patient care

Deciding between a full-time vs freelance phlebotomist

Before writing a phlebotomist job description or interviewing candidates, assess whether you need a freelance or full-time phlebotomist.

Full-time phlebotomists are found in traditional medical environments such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, clinics and laboratories. They may work in a specialized department (e.g., pathology department) and be responsible for reporting discrepancies in patient records to colleagues.

Freelance phlebotomists are typically mobile phlebotomists, working independently to service testing labs and clinics. They’re responsible for acquiring needles, collection tubes, gloves, sanitizing wipes and other medical equipment needed to properly perform the job. Freelance phlebotomists can treat patients as a fee-for-service operation.

What are the titles of phlebotomists?

When you’re planning to hire a phlebotomist, it’s important to understand different job titles in the field. Phlebotomists work in a variety of settings, assisting other medical professionals by collecting patients’ blood, tissue and fluid samples. Here are some of the most common titles for phlebotomists:

• Phlebotomist technician (aka certified phlebotomy technician or clinical phlebotomist): Phlebotomy techs are trained to collect patients’ blood using techniques such as venipuncture, dermal puncture and arterial blood gas sampling. They typically work in hospitals and clinics for testing, research and donation purposes.
• Mobile phlebotomist: Mobile phlebotomists provide outpatient care by traveling to different locations to draw blood for labs or blood banks.
• Therapeutic phlebotomist: These phlebotomists draw blood to treat medical conditions such as hemochromatosis.
• Pediatric phlebotomist: Pediatric phlebotomists collect blood samples from infants and young children.
• Geriatric phlebotomist: Geriatric phlebotomists collect blood samples from the elderly, often working in nursing homes.

Where to find phlebotomists

To find the right phlebotomist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

• Find a lab. Clinical labs that perform extensive bloodwork testing require phlebotomists. See if there are any part-time phlebotomists who are interested in joining your company.
• Attend a blood donation drive. Phlebotomists are necessary staff members at blood banks. You may be able to find trained volunteers or part-time workers open to new opportunities.
• Ask medical professionals. Ask doctors, nurses, clinicians or other medical professionals if they know someone qualified for the job.
• Post a help wanted sign in your window. Post a help wanted ad in your window to attract potential candidates.
• Post your job online. Try posting your phlebotomist job on Indeed to find and attract quality phlebotomist candidates.

What are the titles of phlebotomists?

When you’re planning to hire a phlebotomist, it’s important to understand different job titles in the field. Phlebotomists work in a variety of settings, assisting other medical professionals by collecting patients’ blood, tissue and fluid samples. Here are some of the most common titles for phlebotomists:

• Phlebotomist technician (aka certified phlebotomy technician or clinical phlebotomist): Phlebotomy techs are trained to collect patients’ blood using techniques such as venipuncture, dermal puncture and arterial blood gas sampling. They typically work in hospitals and clinics for testing, research and donation purposes.
• Mobile phlebotomist: Mobile phlebotomists provide outpatient care by traveling to different locations to draw blood for labs or blood banks.
• Therapeutic phlebotomist: These phlebotomists draw blood to treat medical conditions such as hemochromatosis.
• Pediatric phlebotomist: Pediatric phlebotomists collect blood samples from infants and young children.
• Geriatric phlebotomist: Geriatric phlebotomists collect blood samples from the elderly, often working in nursing homes.

Writing a phlebotomist job description

A thoughtful description is important to finding qualified phlebotomist candidates. A phlebotomist job description includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position.

When writing your phlebotomist job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on phlebotomist jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Phlebotomist
• Phlebotomy
• Healthcare
• Medical
• Phlebotomist
• Laboratory
• Traveling phlebotomist
• Phlebotomist technician
• Mobile phlebotomist
• Hospital

Interviewing phlebotomist candidates

Strong candidates for phlebotomist positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Human anatomy
• Medical software
• Blood safety measures

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of phlebotomist interview questions for examples (with sample answers).