Phlebotomist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Last updated: December 10, 2022

A Phlebotomist, or Certified Phlebotomist, is responsible for using their medical knowledge to take blood samples from patients. Their duties include preparing the testing room with the proper tools, walking patients through the process when inserting needles and retrieving samples and labeling samples for further analysis in medical laboratories.

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Phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

Phlebotomists are responsible for efficiently and accurately performing blood draws and transfusions on blood donors and patients, depending on their specific facility. Some of their typical daily duties include the following:

Preparing patients before drawing blood
Explaining blood draw procedures to patients and answering any questions about the process
Following all health and safety protocols and procedures to maintain sanitary work areas
Gathering medical testing materials, including needles, sample vials, blood storage bags and test tubes
Verifying patient information and labeling blood samples properly
Accurately updating patient information in the organization’s database
Helping nervous or frightened patients remain calm during blood draws
Working with supervising Physicians and following their directions at all times

Phlebotomist Job Description Examples

Example 1

Phlebotomist responsibilities include:

Identifying patients via ID, medical record or other means

Drawing blood using needles and other equipment

Labeling samples correctly and send them for testing

Job brief

We are looking for a Phlebotomist to draw blood and other tissue or fluid from patients for testing. The job of a phlebotomist is a rewarding one, since you help people stay healthy and even help save their lives.

Phlebotomist duties

One of the most important phlebotomist job duties is to properly identify patients and correctly use phlebotomy methods (e.g. venipuncture, skin puncture). We’ll rely on you to preserve patient health and quality of samples.

Phlebotomist job requirements

We’re looking for important phlebotomist skills such as presence of mind, people skills and attention to detail. You should have a diploma in phlebotomy and have knowledge of puncture techniques.

If you’re dedicated to your patients and have a firm but kind hand, we’d like to meet you.

Responsibilities

Arrange daily activities based on urgency of requests for fluid samples

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance
Healthcare setting:

Clinic
Medical specialties:

Pediatrics
Schedule:

Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
PPE, sanitization of surfaces and equipment per OSHA

Ability to commute/relocate:

Phoenix, AZ 85014: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

License/Certification:

Driver's License Location: One location

Example 2

eHealthScreenings, a Premise Health Company that specializes in national biometric screenings, has exciting opportunities for Mobile Phlebotomists / Health Screeners in your area. These positions are as-needed opportunities and offer flexibility in scheduling and highly competitive pay. If you are seeking PRN/per diem opportunities, have flexible availability during weekday mornings, seek supplemental income, and meet the requirements below, our Recruiters are currently reviewing resumes and scheduling immediate interviews. Apply today!
In this position the Mobile Phlebotomist is responsible for performing biometric health screenings, which would include performing finger sticks, biometric readings, and/or venipunctures, for our clients throughout the city and the surrounding areas.
Essential JOB Functions:

Perform and record biometric testing results including, but not limited to height, weight, blood pressure, body fat, and BMI (Body Mass Index)

Blood testing including finger stick and / or venipuncture blood draws

Candidates with proven experience in performing venipuncture blood draws will be required to do so in a fast-paced environment; providing it is needed during the screening events

Preparation of specimens for storage or additional processing

Set up and break down portable blood draw / biometric station(s)

May need to transport supplies to and from health screening events (lifting 10-20 lbs.)

Maintains the logs and records for all Laboratory transactions and information in accordance with department and regulatory requirements

May require other duties as assigned
BASIC Qualifications:
**
Education: minimum High School diploma or GED is required

Required for ALL finger stick and venipuncture Technicians:

CPR (BLS for community/lay responder or Healthcare Provider/Professional Rescuer)

Also Required for venipuncture Technicians from Louisiana, Nevada, Washington, and California: Must be certified in Phlebotomy as required at the state level.

Also Required for venipuncture Technicians from the other 46 states: Certification in one of the following:

Current national certification in Phlebotomy or Medical Assisting from

American Association of Medical Assistants, American Medical Technologists, National Center for Competency Testing, American Registry of Medical Assistants, American Allied Health, American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, or National Health Career Association (required for WA and LA)
OR*
*

Certificate/Diploma and Transcripts from an accredited Phlebotomy/Medical Assistant program with hands on externship completed and passed. Total on-line courses will not be accepted.
OR*
*

RN with documentation of current state license/registration (e.g., copy of actual license, verification of license, or email including license number)
Experience Required:
*

Must have a minimum 1 year of experience of Health Screening or Phlebotomy experience

Over 100 successful finger sticks within the last year or, if you do venipuncture blood draws, a minimum of 200 successful venipuncture blood draws within the last 6 months
Knowledge and Skills:*
*

Must be available to work a PRN, event-driven position, primarily during the weekday mornings; this is not a full or part-time 'steady hours' type of position

Have outstanding customer service skills

Punctual, responsible, and able to work with limited supervision

Possess professional demeanor and appearance

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Possess a strong attention to detail

Ability to work in a fast-pace environment

Ability to show proof of professional credentialing

Ability to pass a full background check

Must have reliable transportation

Must be computer / internet savvy

Knowledge and skills necessary to collect blood samples from patients

Ability to work independently, in a safe and appropriate manner in accordance with safety and organizational policies and procedures

Knowledge of workplace health and safety concepts and OSHA regulations preferred
Street Address: Minneapolis, MN*

Location: Minneapolis,MN, Minneapolis, MN*
*

Location: Minneapolis,MN, Minneapolis, MN

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per Certification (Required)

Example 3

$1,000 Sign on Bonus

Night Shift: Monday to Friday 8:00pm - 4:00am with Rotating Weekends

Who We Are

Hillcrest Medical Center, the flagship hospital of Hillcrest HealthCare System, is a 620-bed hospital among Oklahomaâ€™s most widely respected and acclaimed hospitals, offering extraordinary care and a multitude of services in many areas including Oklahomaâ€™s largest dedicated heart hospital.

What Youâ€™ll Do

The Phlebotomist is responsible for performing efficient and effective blood draws throughout the hospital.

The successful candidate will be able to:

Demonstrate compliance with infection control guidelines

Procure specimens through venous, arterial, and micro-sampling techniques

Assure specimens are collected in a proficient, timely manner

Maintain an orderly/standardized cart

Carry a hospital-issued pager and answer pages within three minutes

Perform ancillary and clerical duties as necessary

What Youâ€™ll Bring

High School Diploma or GED preferred

Formal training in a phlebotomy program preferred

Previous on the job training accepted

Must have a passion for excellence

Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills

Professionalism displayed through sound judgement, initiative, and flexibility

Good interpersonal, communication, team-work, and customer service skills

Strong organizational, problem-solving and follow-through skills

Ability to multi-task constantly, react to changes quickly/productively, and tolerate interruptions

Ability to perform work when no directions are given, and give directions to others

Remain flexible, organized, professional and able to analyze, make sound decisions under stressful situations

Demonstrate maturity and accountability

What We Offer *

$1,000 Sign on Bonus!

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k with Company match

Company paid basic life insurance and long term disability coverage

Generous paid time off, including an additional extended illness bank

Tuition Reimbursement

Advancement and career development opportunities

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance
Schedule:

8 hour shift

Night shift
Supplemental Pay:

Signing bonus

Application Question(s):

What is your desired rate of pay?

Experience:

Phlebotomy: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:

Overnight Shift Location: One location

Example 4

Obtains quality blood samples using a variety of phlebotomy methods ( capillary, venous, assisted line, starting IV, and arterial collections) and standard safety equipment from all age groups with strict adherence to regulatory requirements and collection procedures. In the general patient care areas, phlebotomists must present a professional, courteous, and respectful attitude when engaging with patients, co-workers, providers, and the general public. Responsible for accurate patient monitoring, identification, quality specimen labeling, handling, and as well as accurate specimen testing using point of care (POC) equipment. Able to work with a variety of computer programs/systems. Must maintain patient confidentiality, Utilize Good Laboratory Practice, good customer relations, good communication skills, and ability to work independently as well as in a team. Must possess skills in working in a fast-paced environment, coping, understanding, following written instructions, organization, prioritization, attention to detail, problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision making.

*

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What does a Phlebotomist do?

Phlebotomists typically work for a variety of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, physician’s 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 further 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 in order 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 of time
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 $12.39 per hour. The actual salary for a qualified candidate may vary depending on their years of experience, certifications and education.

Phlebotomist education and training requirements

In order 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.

Phlebotomist experience requirements

Phlebotomists can be hired after completing a phlebotomy program and receiving a professional certification. Many organizations prefer to hire a Phlebotomist who has 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.

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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, but they differ in their level of seniority and scope of job responsibilities. For example, 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 to earn either an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing, followed by completing the national licensing examination for RNs.

Because of their differences in education, Phlebotomists focus solely on taking blood samples from patients. In contrast, Registered Nurses have additional responsibilities, including monitoring vitals, changing bandages, inserting IVs and providing patients with health advice.

What are the daily duties of a Phlebotomist?

On a typical day, a Phlebotomist starts by reviewing their appointment schedule. They prepare the examination room before each appointment to ensure they have sterile tools to complete the procedure. During each appointment, they greet the patient and have them sit down. They then talk to them about the process and incorporated small talk to help calm nervous patients. After each procedure, Phlebotomists package samples and label them accordingly. They take them to the laboratory and may help lab technicians in organizing and testing blood samples.

What qualities make a good Phlebotomist?

A good Phlebotomist is someone who has compassion for others and a personable nature. These qualities, in combination with one another, allow Phlebotomists to calm nervous patients before and during blood draw procedures. They value continued education and actively pursue additional certifications or educational opportunities to enhance their medical knowledge.

Further, a good Phlebotomist knows how important it is to maintain a sterile work environment for the health and safety of their patients. A good Phlebotomist also has excellent interpersonal communication, which helps them effectively speak with patients, Physicians, Nurses and administrative staff.

Who does a Phlebotomist report to?

Phlebotomists report to different roles depending on their place of employment. Phlebotomists working at hospitals or healthcare facilities typically report to Physicians to assist them with taking blood samples from patients. Phlebotomists working at clinical laboratories may report directly to a Medical Laboratory Scientist to assist them with collecting, labeling and storing samples.

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