Phlebotomist: Job Description, Salary, Duties & More (2024)

Upfront Summary: Extracting blood and analyzing routine urine tests are just a sneak peek into the daily life of a phlebotomist.

By following strict rules and regulations while extracting blood, phlebotomists are the health professionals who examine reports.

They are bound to make regular checkups and conversate the reports to the patients.

Besides handling the blood extraction process, a phlebotomist is responsible for guiding the patient.

They have to ensure any allergic responses to agents present in the injections.

Phlebotomist Information

Official Job Title	Phlebotomist
Average Salary	$37,380
Stress Level	High
Work/ Life	High
Job Satisfaction	Below Average
Career Advancement	High

Phlebotomist Job Description

A lot of responsibilities fall under a phlebotomist.

It includes the blood extraction process to which each phlebotomist is specified.

Although a nurse can do the same job, some campaigns, busy hospitals, and house patients need a phlebotomist only.

What Is A Phlebotomist?

Time is of the essence, and safety is paramount.

That’s why many hospitals assign phlebotomists who are eager and hardworking.

They are the ones who extract blood, file reports, guide patients, and ensure there are no adverse effects.

Besides the safe transfusion of blood, they are also involved in assisting doctors and nurses.

What Does A Phlebotomist Do Daily?

The job of a phlebotomist is like a see-saw.

Some days they will have a patient scared of the syringe, and calming them down will be challenging.

On other days, an old patient used to needles pinned down their veins will come along and won’t be a problem.

A phlebotomist needs to determine the situation and quickly analyze it to provide the best solution.

Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A Phlebotomist

Drawing blood from the veins is not their only responsibility.

A phlebotomist is responsible for using specialized machines to help expedite the process without jeopardizing the patient’s health.

One of their significant duties includes taking the patient through the whole process before its implementation.

They also play a role in updating the patient’s history at the hospital.

Sending blood samples to laboratories, tracking the reports, and storing them in a safe environment also fall under their responsibilities.

Phlebotomist Salary

The salary of the phlebotomist depends on the region and its demand.

But there are no areas where it can get up to six figures at any time of the experience.

Starting from $20k, a phlebotomist can go as high as $38k per annum.

Almost 9 percent of the phlebotomists are earning $25k per annum.

Average Salary

The average salary of a phlebotomist is $37,380.

Starting Salary

The starting salary is $33,924 per year.

Many of the earners in this profession state their salary is enough for them in the area they live.

Senior Salary

The senior salary starts after five years of extensive experience.

It goes as high as $55,574 per year for senior phlebotomists.

How To Become A Phlebotomist

When there wasn’t much demand for the phlebotomist, the skill could be learned while training at a hospital.

The practical application helped the learner easily handle the situation.

But with time, there are programs, exams, and practical papers required to pass to become a certified phlebotomist.

The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree

Sometimes the job becomes hectic.

A phlebotomist may be required to go to the houses and collect samples.

They have to rule out diagnoses and conditions.

For this purpose, certification, training, and a degree are necessary.

A high school degree of four years, a year-long phlebotomy program, and a professional CPR certificate that comes after practical application are important at the entry level.

Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications

Although some states do not even require professional certification, maintaining certification per year increases the chances of employment at a better hourly rate.

Mutual skills, interpersonal communication, and organization are some essential skill sets.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Phlebotomist?

It takes four years of high school and eight weeks of phlebotomist program completion to become a phlebotomist.

Some reputable certifications may require additional time and practical application but the more, the merrier.

Is It Hard To Become A Phlebotomist?

Anyone with a high school degree and $500 in their pocket can become a phlebotomist.

Programs charge almost 80 to 250 dollars, whereas a certified license can cost an additional $100.

Phlebotomist Career Paths

After graduating high school and researching the phlebotomist pathway, the applicant can receive a license.

The CASAS program is critical to have a profitable career as a phlebotomist.

The Phlebotomist Roadmap

There are career advancements as a phlebotomist.

Once the applicant becomes a registered phlebotomist, they can extend their experience as a collections phlebotomy specialist and traveling phlebotomist.

Once they have gained enough knowledge, they can become a phlebotomist technician.

Projections For Growth In Phlebotomist Jobs

There are profitable projections for growth in phlebotomist jobs after they have become a physician assistant.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that this position will grow by 10% through 2031, which is faster than average.

In Summary: Is Phlebotomist A Good Career?

A phlebotomist is a profitable career in some states of America. Hawaii and Rhode Island are the top places that pay $45k per annum to this profession.

Once the applicant has achieved enough practical and educational experience, they can become a full-time nurse.

Working Conditions

The working conditions of a phlebotomist are the same as that of health co-workers.

Neat, clean, and hygienic.

Since the equipment needs to be kept clean and the users and patients that’s why a phlebotomist is very strict about air conditions.

Can A Phlebotomist Work Remotely From Home?

A phlebotomist cannot work from home.

The equipment needed for collecting samples, analyzing reports, and configuring results can only be done in the laboratory.

However, a phlebotomist can work independently, taking small projects like collecting blood samples from homes.

How Many Hours Does A Phlebotomist Work?

The hours depend on the work area. In laboratories, the phlebotomist works only 35-40 hours per week.

But it can be more in the case of hospitals and nursing homes, clinics, etc.

Can A Phlebotomist Work Part-Time?

The part-time phlebotomist work 30 hours per week, which is only ten hours less than the full-time phlebotomist.

What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Phlebotomist?

The paid leave for a phlebotomist is fourteen days.

Some companies are offering 401k/403B retirement savings plans for their phlebotomist too.

Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Phlebotomist

Phlebotomist Resume Tips

Some applicants do not pay attention to the job description.

It is vital to apply for a role that ensures the applicant’s total commitment and dedication alongside incentives.

Some resume tips to keep in mind while applying are,

Mention your skills and experience in detail.
A result-oriented applicant is more likely to get the interview than others.
Don’t mention ‘Handled phlebotomist responsibilities.’
Instead, mention the challenges faced while working and the solutions provided.
Keep the job location in mind.
Some may ask for traveling services, so if the applicant is ready for that, apply right away.

Phlebotomist Interview Questions

Before hiring a phlebotomist for a permanent job, it is important to interview them.

This signifies their confidence, communication skills, and ability to handle situations.

Q1: How long do you think each patient should be given?

Why it works: This question clears the area of the phlebotomist’s time urgency.

Are they always in a hurry to get done with work or give time to understand the situation and then implement practical approaches?

Q2: What is your experience withdrawing blood from a geriatric patient?

Why it works: Geriatric patients are the toughest to handle.

Someone with that experience is ready to enter professionalism.

Q3: Share your three strengths and three pet peeves

Why it works: The strengths show their abilities to handle the latter.

Jobs Related To Phlebotomist

Registered phlebotomy specialist
Collections phlebotomy specialist
Traveling phlebotomist
Donor phlebotomy technician
A managerial position
A registered nurse
Work in a medical laboratory
A physician assistant

For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Phlebotomist

HR Managers might have resumes stacked up at their corner tables.

Hiring requires extensive skills to determine the skills from the knowledge and differentiate practical application from reading books.

Here are some key characteristics to remember while hiring a phlebotomist,

Key Characteristics To Look For In A Phlebotomist

A high school degree is compulsory.
- Anyone without it is not applicable for a license and hence shouldn’t be considered on legal terms.
Most of the laboratories have phlebotomists.
- Ask them about their referrals.
Determine their critical skills.
- For example, calming down worried patients, doing painless injecting in children, and following safety procedures.
Practical experience while hiring a phlebotomist is significant.
- It can be anywhere from one to two years.
Focus on their communication skills.
- These are the most crucial thing to determine while looking for the best applicant.