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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