Generally speaking, phlebotomy is the collection of blood from a vein, but other collection techniques are sometimes used. In addition to collecting and transporting blood samples, phlebotomists also perform diagnostic procedures and interpret test results. In some cases phlebotomists may make recommendations based on their findings.

Because they work in a medical environment, phlebotomists must be familiar with sterilization practices and infection control. Due to the risk of infectious disease, strict guidelines must be adhered to when collecting blood samples from patients.

Communication and people skills are an important part of being a phlebotomist. There are many people who are afraid of needles and get squeamish at the site of blood. It is a phlebotomist’s responsibility to make sure that patients are kept calm and still.

After receiving some type of phlebotomy training, phlebotomists usually work under the supervision of laboratory managers or medical technologists in hospitals, laboratories, clinics, blood banks, and physician offices. Approximately fifty percent of available phlebotomist positions are located in hospitals, while most of the remaining positions are in physician offices and diagnostic laboratories.

Most phlebotomists enter the field with a bachelor’s degree, while others begin entry-level positions with much less. An associate’s degree is required for phlebotomists who perform complex clinical testing procedures.

Aspiring phlebotomists can receive phlebotomy training though various on-the-job training programs, vocational and technical schools, distance learning programs, and certification programs. Some schools award certificates, while others award degrees, such as an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Certain schools award master’s degrees which will enable a phlebotomist to advance to a laboratory manager or medical technologist position.

Admission requirements for phlebotomy training programs vary depending upon the program. In general, a high school diploma or equivalent should be achieved prior to pursuing formal phlebotomy training.

Clinical instruction is a large part of most programs, but phlebotomy training may also include courses in microbiology, medical technology, chemistry, statistics, and biological sciences. Advanced courses may include management, business and computer applications.

Certification requirements for phlebotomists vary depending upon the state in which they practice. Some states require certifications, while others simply suggest them. There are many different certifications that are available to phlebotomists. In most cases, employers will sponsor certifications for their employees.

The job outlook for phlebotomists is better than excellent. The job opportunities in this field are expected top grow much faster than in the average occupation. Phlebotomists are in such high demand that experts predict job openings will exceed the number of job seekers in this field. Vacancies often hover in the twenty percent range, making phlebotomy an excellent field to break into.

The expected increase in job opportunities is related to advancements in the medical and laboratorial field. Though hospitals will still need phlebotomists, employment is expected to grow faster in medical and diagnostic laboratories.

Earnings for phlebotomists vary depending upon their level of experience and education, place of employment, and geographic location. The median annual earnings for phlebotomists are as follows:

Physician Offices- $30,000
Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories- $30,000
Hospitals- $32,000