A phlebotomist facilitates the collection and transportation of laboratory specimens and is often the patient’s only contact with the medical laboratory. Learn about the profession, how to become certified, and employment information.
Phlebotomy technicians must be accurate, work well under pressure and communicate effectively. They must bring a calm presence to patients, prioritize safety precautions to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. Read on to learn how to become a Phlebotomy Technician, obtain certification, and what the job outlook looks like.
What Does a Phlebotomy Technician Do?
A phlebotomist helps collect and transport lab samples. They are often the only person the patient sees from the lab. The primary function of a phlebotomy technician (PT) is to collect blood samples by venipuncture or microtechnique. Don’t let the medical terminology scare you; these are common techniques.
The PT helps collect and transport lab specimens and may also assist with entering patient data. A phlebotomy technician also draws blood for transfusions, blood donations and research.
Duties of a PT differ from a medical assistant by doctor’s office, hospital, and laboratory but may include:
- Draw blood from patients and blood donors
- Talk with patients and donors to help them feel less nervous about having their blood drawn
- Verify a patient’s or donor’s identity to ensure proper labeling of the blood draws
- Label the drawn blood for testing or processing
- Enter patient information into a database
- Assemble and maintain medical instruments such as needles, test tubes and blood vials
Where Do Phlebotomy Technicians Work?
Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, healthcare facilities, medical and diagnostic laboratories and blood donor centers.
The Path to Becoming a Phlebotomy Technician
A phlebotomy technician must have a high school diploma or GED along with acceptable training. Phlebotomists typically enter the field by completing a post-secondary phlebotomy technician program.
These programs are available at many accredited colleges and career schools. Phlebotomy training courses come in different lengths and usually lead to a certificate of completion, or sometimes a diploma. Online courses and certification programs are also available.
Almost all employers prefer phlebotomists who have earned professional certification.
Getting Licensed and Certified
Each state decides licensing requirements for phlebotomy technicians, but most states do not require licensing at this time. If you live in California, phlebotomy technicians are required to get certified and obtain a state license.
Employers often favor and prefer experienced workers with certifications. Passing a national exam (such as American Medical Technologists) displays that the phlebotomy technician meets essential competence standards. Choosing a certifying body is just as important as choosing a school or phlebotomy program. When you choose a tough and practical certification, you show employers and patients that they can trust your skills and knowledge.
You can achieve certification through AMT by meeting certain criteria and passing an exam. Those who meet the requirements have an excellent chance of passing the certification exam.
The exams test the knowledge required to perform key tasks that healthcare practitioners need when starting their careers.
Our RPT certification is for people who are finishing their education or already working in the field. We help entry-level workers across the US by checking if they meet the standards for AMT certification.
Visit our Phlebotomy Technician page if you are interested in certification to see if you are eligible.
Need help choosing the application route that's right for you?
Phlebotomy Technician Job Outlook
Phlebotomy technicians are in high demand. Vacancies have increased significantly as many employers need to hire three shifts of technicians. We expect the demand for phlebotomists to grow rapidly by 22 percent from 2020 to 2030. Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers and other locations will need phlebotomists to perform blood work.
Phlebotomy Technician Salary
Earnings for phlebotomists vary depending on experience, education and skill level. Employers typically pay phlebotomy technicians hourly, with rates varying by state, shift, schooling, and experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, phlebotomists made a median annual salary of $43,130 ($20.74/hr) in May 2023.
Want To Learn More?
Visit the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Check out our blog about the Dorothy “Mimi” Roush Phlebotomy Endowment. This program gives four people each year a free phlebotomy technician certification exam through AMT.