What Does it Take to Become a Phlebotomist?

If you are interested in becoming an integral part of a healthcare team, becoming a phlebotomist may be an ideal career choice for you.

Thanks to phlebotomy technicians, physicians and other health care practitioners can accurately determine a patient’s underlying health concerns and conditions, potentially saving their life. With compassion and a good bedside manner, you can make what is often a traumatic experience less painful. Learn more about this essential role—including requirements to be a phlebotomist and Phlebotomy Technician training—how you can make a difference in patients’ lives, and whether it is the right career path for you.

Phlebotomist Job Description

What does a phlebotomist do daily and what is a phlebotomist? Phlebotomy technicians perform a variety of tasks every day, all of which require incredible attention to detail. The primary duty of phlebotomists is to draw blood from patients—also known as venipuncture—for medical testing, research, transfusions and blood donations. In addition, phlebotomists explain the procedure and assist patients if they have an adverse reaction, like fainting, once their blood is drawn.

These medical professionals can work full-time or part-time. In a clinic or lab, a phlebotomist may work the typical 9-5 job, whereas, in a hospital or urgent care, they may work similar shifts to the nursing staff, including night shifts and rotating schedules (e.g., work two or three 12-hour shifts, followed by two or more days off).

Phlebotomist Technician Jobs

Before you seek phlebotomy technician jobs, there are a few details you should know. The environments that one can work in varies. Typical settings for phlebotomists include hospitals, doctor’s offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories. So it is essential you search these facilities local and beyond if you are looking to commute or move.

Depending on where you work, you may need to travel as part of your job.  Phlebotomists who collect blood donations sometimes travel to different offices or sites in order to set up mobile donation centers. Some phlebotomists travel to long-term care centers or patients’ homes.

As a phlebotomist you may be required to stand for long periods of time. Most phlebotomists work full time. Phlebotomists who work in hospitals and labs may need to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who have earned professional certification, such as those offered by professional organizations. Requirements vary by organization but may include education and clinical experience, passing an exam, and practical components, such as drawing blood.  Being certified as a phlebotomy technician indicates to prospective employers the professional has completed phlebotomy training and passed a certification exam.

How to Become a Phlebotomist

What does it take to become a phlebotomist? Some phlebotomists begin their careers with a high school diploma and on-the-job experience. However, most employers prefer to hire phlebotomists who possess professional certification. It is more common for phlebotomists to enter the occupation with a certificate or other postsecondary nondegree award from a phlebotomy training or course. Community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools offer phlebotomy training.5

Psychomotor Abilities:

Near vision — The ability to observe details up close.

Finger dexterity — The ability to manipulate small objects with your fingers on both your left and right hand in a precise and accurate manner.

Manual dexterity — The ability to swiftly and easily move one of your hands, your hand and arm together, or your both hands to grip, assemble, or manipulate objects.

Arm-Hand steadiness — The ability to move your arm while keeping your hand and arm steady or hold your arm and hand in one position.

Inductive reasoning — The ability to formulate generalizations from specific observations by means of pattern recognition and other analytical skills.

Deductive reasoning — The ability to examine a general statement or hypothesis and reach a specific, logical conclusion. Deductive reasoning is the opposite of inductive reasoning.

Soft skills:

• Active listening
• Time management
• Critical thinking
• Effective communication, both oral and written
• Organization

Technology skills:

• Electronic mail software — (Microsoft Outlook)
• Office suite software — (Microsoft Office)
• Spreadsheet software— (Microsoft Excel)
• Word processing software — (Microsoft Word)
• Medical software— MEDITECH Blood Bank, donor management system software, medical, MEDITECH Laboratory and Microbiology, medical procedure coding software.

What to Look for in Phlebotomist Training

Selecting which Phlebotomy course is the right one for you is a big decision. Proper education can pave the way to a successful and rewarding career. While several institutions offer phlebotomy training, it is essential you choose one that meets your educational and lifestyle needs. When searching for the right program, look close to the following four factors:

• Cost— Postsecondary education is an investment in your future. However, it does not need to be so costly it is prohibitive. For more information on current tuition costs at Carrington College, please see the academic catalog.
• Accreditation — Whether an institution is accredited may make the difference in your eligibility to receive phlebotomy certification and licensure. Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC/WASC), 428 J Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found on the ACCJC website.
• Instructor quality — Having educated and experienced administration and faculty is essential to ensuring you receive proper phlebotomy training.
• Hands-on experience— Because phlebotomists must have direct patient contact, it is crucial that Phlebotomy Technician courses offer clinical hours for hands-on training.

How Long is Phlebotomy Technician Training?

If you ask how long to become a phlebotomist, you will be happy to know it will not take years to earn your certificate of completion. At some institutions, phlebotomy programs can take less than one year to finish. Students can complete the Phlebotomy Technician training course at Carrington College in as little as 12 weeks.

Can I Study Phlebotomy Online?

Taking phlebotomy classes online offers flexibility and convenience to students. Here at Carrington College, the 40 lecture hours are completed online. Because you need to have direct patient contact and lab experience to earn your certificate, the 50 clinical hours and ten lab hours must be completed on-site.