What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood for blood tests, blood transfusions, and blood donation. They also must follow health and safety protocols and do a range of other tasks.

Keep reading to learn more about what phlebotomists do and the steps to take to become one.

What Does a Phlebotomist Do?

A phlebotomist is a healthcare professional who specializes in drawing blood. This is typically done for testing, but they may also assist with blood transfusions and blood drives.

Blood draws are commonly done to test for or monitor health conditions of a patient. Phlebotomists must draw this blood safely, label it properly, and send it to the lab.

The job duties of a phlebotomist typically include:

• answering patient questions about blood draw procedures
• comforting nervous patients
• confirming a patient identity before drawing blood
• drawing blood from patients or blood donors
• labeling blood samples for testing or processing
• ordering supplies as needed
• putting together and maintaining medical instruments and disposing of used instruments
• sanitizing work areas and equipment
• sending blood and samples to the lab
• updating and maintaining patient records

As blood is a biohazard, it's very important that phlebotomists follow safety protocols when drawing blood and handling blood, needles, and medical supplies to protect both themselves and the patient.

The largest employers of phlebotomists are hospitals and medical and diagnostic laboratories. Phlebotomists can also work in settings like clinics, physicians' offices, and outpatient care settings.

Most phlebotomists work a full-time schedule. Those who work in a hospital setting may work a non-traditional schedule, with shifts on nights, weekends, and holidays.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for phlebotomists is expected to grow by 8% by 2023, much faster than most other occupations.

Steps to Become a Phlebotomist

To become a phlebotomist, you'll usually need to complete a phlebotomy training program. You may also need to obtain a state license, and many phlebotomists pursue national certification.

Step 1: Complete a Phlebotomy Technician Educational Program

Phlebotomy technician programs are commonly offered as certificate or diploma programs and occasionally as associate degrees.

You can usually find these through community or technical colleges, but may also be able to find them at larger institutions or through healthcare centers like Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic.

These programs typically cover topics like:

• anatomy and physiology
• safety and professionalism
• patient care
• phlebotomy procedures and techniques

Phlebotomy training usually includes classroom learning, labs, and clinical experiences. Some courses may be available online.

Associate degree programs usually take about two years, while certificate and diploma programs can vary but usually take a year or less.

When choosing a phlebotomy program, you'll want to consider the following:

• How long does the program take?
• How much does the program cost?
• What format are courses offered in?
• How much in-person attendance is required?
• What are the average certification exam pass rates for students in this program?

You can find a full list of accredited phlebotomy programs through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Step 2: Consider Phlebotomy Certification

While a phlebotomy certification isn't necessary for everyone, some employers may prefer or require it, and some states require it.

There are three primary bodies that offer phlebotomy certification in the United States: the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the National Healthcareer Association, and American Medical Technologists.

American Society for Clinical Pathology

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is one of the most popular certification agencies for laboratory professionals. It offers a phlebotomy technician certification.

There are several ways to qualify for this certification, but the most common is by completing an NAACLS-accredited phlebotomy program.

You'll also need to take a certification exam. This is an 80-question multiple-choice exam that you'll have two hours to complete.

It covers the following content areas:

• circulatory system
• specimen collection
• specimen handling, transport, and processing
• waived and point-of-care testing
• non-blood specimens
• laboratory operations

Once you've become certified through the ASCP, you'll need to renew your certification every three years.

National Healthcareer Association

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is another popular option for health career certification. It offers a certification for phlebotomy technicians.

To qualify, you'll need to have either completed a phlebotomy program or have a certain amount of supervised clinical experience in phlebotomy. A certification exam is also required.

The exam has 100 scored questions. They cover the following domains:

• safety and compliance
• patient preparation
• routine blood collections
• special collections
• processing

You'll have two hours for this exam. The exam can be taken at your school, a PSI testing center, or online through a remote proctoring software.

Certification must be renewed every two years. This process includes completing 10 continuing education credits and paying a recertification fee.

American Medical Technologists

The American Medical Technologists (AMT) certification is another option for phlebotomy certification.

Applicants can qualify by either completing a phlebotomy program, having 1,040 hours of phlebotomy work experience, or by being a phlebotomy instructor.

As with the other certifications, you'll need to pass an exam. The AMT exam has 200 questions that cover the following:

• obtaining blood samples
• specimen collection and processing
• time management and assignment organization
• professional communications
• clerical skills and duties
• safety standards and procedures
• legal, ethical, and professional considerations
• terminology, anatomy, and physiology

To maintain certification, you'll need to renew each year, which requires paying a fee. You'll also need to participate in a certain amount of continuing education every three years.

Step 3: Pursue Phlebotomy Licensure If Needed

Currently, only four states require phlebotomists to be licensed or certified: California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington.

California

California divides phlebotomists into three levels: limited phlebotomy technician, certified phlebotomy technician 1 (CPT 1), and certified phlebotomy technician 2 (CPT 2).

To obtain the limited phlebotomy technician, you'll need to complete 20 hours of training in a state-approved program and perform 25 successful skin punctures. This level only allows you to collect samples.

The CPT 1 allows you to draw blood. You'll need to meet training requirements and take a state exam.

The certified phlebotomy technician 2 allows you to make arterial blood draws. You'll need to first earn the CPT 1 certification and then gain additional training and take another exam.

Louisiana

Phlebotomists in Louisiana must graduate from an approved phlebotomy training program. They must also obtain a national certification and pass a background check.

Nevada

Nevada requires phlebotomists to hold a lab assistant license. You can get this license by earning a national certification.

Washington

In Washington, you'll need to have completed an approved phlebotomy training program. You'll also need at least seven hours of AIDS training and to pass a background check.

Become a Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists draw blood for blood tests, blood transfusions, and blood donation. To become a phlebotomist, you'll need training and may need certification and a state license.

With the information above, you can determine if a phlebotomy career is the right path for you!