A phlebotomy technician is a medical professional who is responsible for collecting blood samples from patients and preparing them for testing. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, private home care, medical labs, blood donation centers, research institutes, and insurance companies. Some of the common tasks and duties of a phlebotomy technician include:
- Explaining procedures to patients
- Collecting blood samples from patients
- Preparing samples for testing
- Prepping lab equipment
- Gauging a patient’s reaction to the blood draw
- Collecting fluids correctly
- Properly disposing and shipping blood samples to laboratories outside of their place of employment
Phlebotomy technicians need to have well-tuned fine motor skills due to the intricate work of inserting needles into hard-to-find veins. They also need to be able to handle difficult and emotional patients that might be afraid of needles. Finally, they need to be detail-oriented and able to remember safety precautions, how different diets can affect blood samples, and exactly how samples need to be treated to appropriately test them.
To become a phlebotomy technician, one typically needs a high school diploma or GED, a phlebotomy training program, and potentially some work experience. The certification process can vary depending on which organization is certifying the phlebotomy technician, but organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, National Healthcareer Association, and the American Medical Technologists offer certification programs. The median annual wage for phlebotomists was $38,530 in May 2022, and employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
