Phlebotomist: Skills, Responsibilities & Career Path

Physicians may require blood, urine or stool samples from a patient to help diagnosis a condition or confirm good health. A phlebotomist collects these samples for testing based on a doctor's order.

Phlebotomist's Role

• Phlebotomists primarily draw blood for testing. A full-time phlebotomist may perform an average of 100 blood draws per day. Phlebotomists must keep track of necessary supplies and prevent contamination to protect sample validity. They must possess a good bedside manner to explain procedures and reassure nervous patients. They also perform computer entry for insurance or record-keeping purposes.

Certification and Employment

• Some community colleges and technical schools offer two-year associate's degree or certificate programs in phlebotomy. The trade can also be learned through for-profit institutes, hospitals and the military. Licensing requirements vary by state, with some having none. Phlebotomists work in places such as hospitals, laboratories, and physician's offices.

Salary

• In 2005, the American Society for Clinical Pathology reported that phlebotomists working in hospitals earned an average hourly wage of $11.70. Phlebotomists in private clinics averaged $12.15, while those in physician's offices made roughly $11.25. The society's Wage and Vacancy Survey indicated phlebotomists earn an average yearly salary of $24,350.