Phlebotomist Job Description Sample

A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who specializes in drawing blood and sometimes other samples from patients in a safe and hygienic manner. Drawing of samples is usually carried out ahead of tests or during blood donations. Samples extracted by Phlebotomy technicians are sent to laboratories for further tests.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a Phlebotomist?

• Draw blood from patients for health checks, research, donation etc.
• Collect blood specimens via various techniques and ensure that it is sent to the lab on time
• Come up with effective ways of collecting samples for various classes of patients
• Ensure safe and sanitary work area and procedures as prescribed by health laws and guidelines
• See that all instruments are sterile before drawing blood
• Calm the patient down before the collection process and answer questions on collection techniques used
• Enter and store patient information and billing details on a computer
• Collect and tag tissue and blood specimens according to the specifications

What are the education and entry requirements for Phlebotomist?

Usually, candidates are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent like a GED and also complete a recognized phlebotomy training program. Although certification is not obligatory, most employers prefer hiring candidates who hold one. You should be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for training programs offered by colleges or technical schools. There are some colleges that offer associates and bachelor’s degree programs, which can be pursued to get a leg up on the competition.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a successful Phlebotomist?

• Empathy (to make the patient feel comfortable while drawing the blood)
• Impeccable hand-eye coordination (you have to complete the task on the first attempt itself in order to save the patient from additional pain and distress)
• Clear handwriting
• Outstanding patient relationship skills
• Strong attention to detail (as you have to draw the correct vials of blood for the tests ordered and maintain a database of the results)
• Ability to multitask (to meet tight deadlines)
• Excellent team player

What salary can one expect to make as a Phlebotomist?

Payscale.com reveals that Phlebotomists are earning an average wage of $14.15 per hour. The annual salary lies in the range of $21,730 to $39,685.

What are the pros and cons of being a Phlebotomist?

Pros:

• The field is expected to grow at least fifteen percent by 2020 (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Short training time
• Plenty for opportunities for career growth
• High job satisfaction (your work has a positive impact on people’s lives)
• No dearth of job opportunities
• Flexible work hours
• You get to meet people from diverse cultures and groups on a daily basis

Cons:

• Low pay compared to other fields in medicine
• It is not easy to get your foot in the door without experience
• Lack of career flexibility
• Occupational hazards
• Higher level of education is required to avoid being seen as an expendable (especially when your employer is into cost cutting)
• Irregular and odd work hours
• High physical stress
• You have to face the emotional impact of dealing with the patient’s pain and suffering
• High competition

What is the employment outlook like for Phlebotomists?

Phlebotomists are employed in a variety of medical facilities, ranging from hospitals to doctor’s clinics, labs and blood banks. There’s expected to be an increase in the number of phlebotomists required for collecting samples due to the rise in number of patients accessing medical care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings in the field is expected to increase by 25% from 2014 and 2024. Phlebotomy offers plenty of career options to earn more experience and higher salaries. After gaining a few years of experience, one can move on to lead phlebotomist roles. Some even start their own lab or health diagnostics center.