What does a Phlebotomist do?
Phlebotomists typically work for a variety of healthcare facilities. They’re commonly employed by hospitals, physicians’ offices or clinical laboratories to help physicians gather blood or urine samples from patients. They work closely with other Phlebotomists, nurses and physicians to interact with patients and retrieve samples for analysis. Their job is to interact with patients and oversee blood draw procedures. They may also be responsible for assisting laboratory technicians in organizing and testing lab samples.
Phlebotomist skills and qualifications
Phlebotomists need a certain set of skills and qualifications to handle their job duties effectively, including:
- Professional certification in phlebotomy from a recognized program
- Ability to successfully draw blood from patients with minimal or no complications
- Empathy and interpersonal skills for working with patients
- Detail-oriented and committed to ensuring patient confidentiality
- Excellent motor skills and the ability to stand for long periods
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills
- Data entry and computer skills
- Strong attention to detail
Phlebotomist salary expectations
The average salary for Phlebotomists in the United States is $19.15 per hour. The actual salary for a qualified candidate may vary depending on their years of experience, certifications and education. The cost of living in your area may also impact pay expectations. The best way to determine a competitive salary is to compare other job listings for roles similar to the one you’re trying to fill.
Experience and certifications make a significant difference in determining pay for a Phlebotomist. Employers are willing to pay a higher wage when hiring Phlebotomists with relevant certifications and a lot of time in the field.
Phlebotomist education and training requirements
To find work as a Phlebotomist, candidates must have their high school diploma and complete a postsecondary accredited phlebotomy program from a community college or vocational-technical school. Many employers also look for applicants who have a professional certification in phlebotomy from a recognized program such as the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or the National Phlebotomy Association. Candidates should have an excellent grasp of medical terminology, human anatomy and testing procedures.
Phlebotomists may have one or more areas of expertise. They can earn multiple certifications that may qualify them for specific roles. Most of these certifications require the Phlebotomist to complete a specified number of blood and urine draws and complete a medical exam.
Phlebotomist experience requirements
Phlebotomists can be hired after completing a phlebotomy program and receiving a professional certification. Many organizations prefer to hire a Phlebotomist with previous work experience in a clinical setting, such as a medical testing laboratory, hospital or medical office. Phlebotomists should also have experience verifying and entering data using database software.
If you’re willing to offer positions to entry-level Phlebotomists, one place to recruit them is through local training programs. Many programs allow trainees to gain experience at a hospital, private clinic or urgent care. For positions that require more experience, keep in mind that each certification a Phlebotomist has earned will command higher pay.
Phlebotomist job descriptions
If you’re struggling to create an effective job description for a phlebotomy position you’re looking to fill, here are a couple of examples:
Frequently asked questions about Phlebotomists
What is the difference between a Phlebotomist and a registered nurse?
Both Phlebotomists and registered nurses can oversee the gathering of blood samples from patients. Phlebotomists specialize in collecting and processing samples, while nurses are trained to work with patients throughout their diagnosis and treatment. For example, a Phlebotomist only interacts with the patient to draw blood or urine, while a nurse may insert an IV, monitor vital signs, administer medication or relay doctors’ instructions to patients. The educational requirements for each role are different as well.
Phlebotomists need to earn a high school diploma followed by an associate’s degree in phlebotomy or a phlebotomy certification program to qualify for a position. In contrast, registered nurses need either an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a national license to work as a nurse.
What is the highest-paid Phlebotomist?
While the average pay for Phlebotomists is around $19 per hour, they can make a lot more money depending on factors such as certifications and the role they play within your organization. Phlebotomists in supervisory positions who travel for work or have extensive lab experience can easily make over $100,000 per year.
What character traits should you look for in a Phlebotomist?
Phlebotomists need to work with patients, so they should have a great bedside manner. They should be able to distract or calm patients who are afraid of needles and have good communication skills. They also need to have excellent organizational skills because each sample needs to be labeled and sent to the correct laboratory for analysis.
Attention to detail is also important when following safety protocol because it keeps patients and the Phlebotomist safe and free from injury or blood-borne disease.
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