Certified Phlebotomist Careers

As a phlebotomist, your main responsibilities will be to draw blood from patients either for samples or for future use in a blood bank. You may also prepare samples for testing and clean equipment. Many patients are quite anxious where needles are concerned, so as a phlebotomist, it will be your job to reassure them.

Phlebotomist Employment Outlook

The Phlebotomist job outlook is healthy. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of estimated job openings is expected to grow faster than average (18 to 26%) through the year 2014 because of continued population growth and the development of new tests. This job outlook includes:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories
• Private physician's offices
• Clinics
• Blood banks
• Other ambulatory health care services

Become a Phlebotomist

If you choose to become a Phlebotomist (Phlebotomy Technician), your duties will differ by doctor's office, hospital and laboratory. Primarily, you will be drawing blood samples from patients via venipuncture, skin puncture or arterial collection for:

• Tests
• Transfusions
• Donations
• Research

Most importantly, you will have contact with many patients, so safety precautions are a key to preventing the transmission of infectious diseases.

Career Prerequisites - Phlebotomist

Whilst it is possible to learn 'on the job', you will probably find that you will be more attractive to potential employers if you are a certified phlebotomist. Becoming a certified phlebotomist is voluntary.

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) had approved 59 phlebotomy courses at the time of writing. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is another organization, which approves programs for certified phlebotomists.

In addition to earning your phlebotomist certification, some states require you to be licensed or registered. State departments of health, boards of occupational licensing and your preferred college should be able to give you more information regarding the regulations in your state.

Salary Forecast - Phlebotomist

According to the National Institutes of Health and the Health Care Job Store, reported salaries for certified phlebotomist range from $19,000 per year to $48,000 per year, with the average salary falling in the $25,000 per year range. Generally, certified phlebotomist salaries are commensurate with experience and seniority, and in certain cases certified phlebotomists can expect a yearly bonus in the neighbourhood of 5%.