Phlebotomy Technician course prepares graduates to help physicians determine a patient’s underlying health conditions by drawing blood for medical testing, research, and transfusions.

Career Opportunities

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 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.

The typical duties of phlebotomists include:

  • Talking with patients and donors to ease any apprehensions about having their blood drawn
  • Validating the identity of a patient or donor to ensure accurate labeling of the blood
  • Labeling collected blood for testing or processing
  • Recording patient information into a database

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.

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.

 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.

Upon successfully completing Carrington College’s Phlebotomy Technician course, you will be able to take the National Health career Association Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) exam. Life Saving Professionals Training Academy prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The Academy does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the course. Credential preparation varies by location. In addition, you will be able to:

  • Competently collect, transport, and process blood specimens from a diverse patient population.
  • Practice accepted standards for infection control, safety and disposal of biological waste as mandated by OSHA and other agencies.
  • Demonstrate professional conduct and ethical behavior consistent with state laws and regulations with other healthcare personnel and the public.

Phlebotomist Classes

Phlebotomists are a crucial component to high-quality patient care, having direct patient contact. Because a phlebotomist must be knowledgeable in areas such as body’s anatomy and function and correct selection of equipment, it is crucial phlebotomy schools provide a combination of classwork, lab work, and clinical hours that cover these and other areas. This course of study helps ensure students receive the appropriate phlebotomist education necessary for certification. Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

The prepares students to sit for the National Health career Association Phlebotomy Technician Certification (CPT) exam. Phlebotomy courses require 12 weeks of basic and advanced procedures in phlebotomy with lab hours. The total hours include:

  • Lecture hours: 40 (must be completed online)
  • Lab hours: 10
  • Clinical hours: 50

Coursework covers:

  • Introduction to blood specimen collection and processing
  • Related body anatomy and function
  • Anticoagulants
  • Site selection
  • Specimen processing
  • Equipment and supplies
  • Safety and standard precautions
  • Professionalism and ethics
  • Review of the health care delivery system

As a Life Saving Professionals Training Academy  student, you will use various supportive technologies and equipment throughout your phlebotomy technician training to support the learning process. Technologies and equipment include:

  • Syringes
  • Blood glucose strips
  • Tourniquets
  • Butterfly needles
  • Draw station chairs
  • Coban wraps
  • Simulated arms

The Phlebotomy Technician course culminates in a Certificate of Completion.

What do you need to become a phlebotomy technician?

According to the BLS, phlebotomists typically have some training from a phlebotomy post-secondary program. Some phlebotomists may enter the field with a high school diploma and receive training on the job. No matter their education level, phlebotomists also receive specific instructions on how to identify, label, and track blood samples.2

What is the difference between a certified phlebotomist and a phlebotomy technician?

Both phlebotomists and phlebotomy technicians are trained healthcare workers who are qualified to draw blood. Be sure to check your state for specific regulations.

How long does it take to become a phlebotomy technician?

The time to complete a phlebotomy course varies by institution. Carrington College’s Phlebotomy Technician course can be completed in as few as 3 months.

Do I Need to be Certified to be a phlebotomist?

The states of California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington require phlebotomists to be certified.2

Certified phlebotomy technician exam eligibility

Possess a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency; or are scheduled to earn a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency in the next 12 months*

Completed a phlebotomy technician training
or education program within the last 5 years

Provide evidence that you have successfully performed a minimum of thirty (30) venipunctures and ten (10) capillary or finger sticks on live individuals

Or

Possess a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency

1 year of supervised work experience in a phlebotomy technician field within the last 3 years; or 2 years of supervised work experience in a phlebotomy technician field within the last 5 years

Provide evidence that you have successfully performed a minimum of thirty (30) venipunctures and ten (10) capillary or finger sticks on live individuals.