Phlebotomists
What is a Phlebotomist?
A phlebotomist is a medical professional specialized in the practice of drawing blood from patients for various laboratory tests, transfusions, research, or donations. Their core responsibility revolves around obtaining high-quality blood specimens while ensuring patient safety and comfort. Phlebotomists work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, blood donation centers, and laboratories. They often interact with patients, explaining the procedure and addressing any questions or concerns to help alleviate anxiety. Moreover, phlebotomists adhere to strict protocols to maintain hygiene and prevent contamination of samples, which is critical for accurate diagnostic outcomes. Their work is essential for diagnostic purposes, tracking health trends, and providing blood products for surgical and medical procedures. Training for phlebotomists includes both classroom education and practical experience, where they learn about anatomy, venipuncture techniques, specimen collection methods, and the importance of patient interaction. In summary, phlebotomists play a vital role in the healthcare system, acting as a bridge between patients and laboratory services.
Tasks
- Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
- Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
- Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
- Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Office suite software
- Word processing software
Tools Used
- Non vacuum blood collection tubes or containers
- Anatomical human mannequins for medical education or training
- Phlebotomy trays or accessories
- Blood collection needles
- Capillary or hematocrit tubes
Knowledge
-
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
-
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Skills
-
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
-
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
-
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
-
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
-
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Some college, no degree
Work Activities
-
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with standards.
- Clean medical equipment.
- Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
- Collect biological specimens from patients.
- Conduct diagnostic tests to determine patient health.
Work Interests
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
-
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$33310.0 - $55330.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.