A phlebotomy technician is performing a total cholesterol point of care test for a patient

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Certified phlebotomy technicians work in medical and laboratory environments of all kinds. However, the core day-to-day duties for these professionals are universal across all facilities:

Collect Blood and Process Specimens Certified phlebotomy technicians draw blood from patients using proper sterilization procedures. They label specimens and store them in proper packaging for delivery to the lab or various sections of the lab.

Verify Patient Records Certified phlebotomy technicians briefly interview patients to verify their records and prescreen them for blood-drawing procedures.

Stock Supplies Certified phlebotomy technicians restock blood-drawing supplies and take inventory of supplies to order new stock as needed.

Clean Phlebotomy work areas must be kept clean and organized at all times. Certified phlebotomy technicians also keep all their tools and equipment clean and sterilized.

Assist with Blood Drives Certified phlebotomy technicians help organize and staff blood drives. This includes pre-screening patients, drawing blood, and collecting bags of blood for blood banks.

Transport Specimens Certified phlebotomy technicians transport specimens to and from the lab and other areas of the facility as needed.

Follow Cleanup Protocols Certified phlebotomy technicians dispose of used needles and other blood-collection tools using proper techniques and waste receptacles.

Follow Guidelines At all times, certified phlebotomy technicians follow all safety, privacy, and sterilization guidelines.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Skills and Qualifications

Certified phlebotomy technicians know how to put patients at ease while following precise blood-collection procedures and safety protocols. To succeed in this career and perform all aspects of the job, certified phlebotomy technicians need the following essential skills:

• Communication - good communication skills help certified phlebotomy technicians keep patients calm and relaxed through blood-drawing procedures, and to work as part of a collaborative team
• Problem-solving - certified phlebotomy technicians identify and solve problems quickly to prevent dangerous situations and manage specimens
• Dexterity - certified phlebotomy technicians need good hand-eye coordination to stick patients and work with small blood-drawing tools such as syringes, tubes, and dermal pricks.
• Attention to detail - certified phlebotomy technicians must be detail-oriented and precise to ensure specimens are properly labeled and blood collection processes are strictly followed
• Computer skills - many medical centers and labs use digital records and digital storage
• Data entry - to enter patient data and blood collection results into digital files

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Education and Training

Certified phlebotomy technicians have a high school education or equivalent degree as well as a phlebotomy certification, which is required by employers. Phlebotomy certification is offered through vocational schools, technical colleges, and medical associations. Applicants must complete education and/or work training to become eligible for certification. Requirements for phlebotomy certification vary by state, but there is a national certification exam that sets the standard for the field. Certified phlebotomy technicians receive on-the-job-training so they can become familiar with the specific guidelines followed by the hiring lab or medical facility. This training typically lasts one to three weeks, during which a team leader or lab manager supervises the new technician.

Certified Phlebotomy Technician Salary and Outlook

Statistical data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that there were more than 120,000 jobs for phlebotomists in 2016, a number that is rising much faster than the US average job growth rate. Data trends show that from 2016 to 2026, phlebotomist jobs will increase by 25 percent. Phlebotomists earned a median salary of $32,710 annually and $15.70 hourly in 2016. Certified phlebotomy technicians are phlebotomists who have completed their training. Full-time certified phlebotomy technicians receive complete health benefits that include dental and vision insurance coverage. Many employers also provide sick days, vacation and holiday pay, life insurance, and retirement benefits. Some medical facilities offer wellness programs, free cafeteria food, and discounted childcare to employees in addition to standard benefits packages.

Helpful Resources

Find tools, opportunities, and information for becoming a certified

phlebotomy technician using these helpful resources:

National Healthcareer Association - Career resources for all medical professionals are available at the NHA website. Here, certified phlebotomy technicians can find information about current certification programs, schools, and job opportunities.

National Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Questions: NCCT Practice Tests & Review for the National Center for Competency Testing Exam - Use this book to practice for phlebotomy certification exams and to prepare for the test. This guide contains practice questions and answers and a complete review of everything applicants are likely to face on the exam.

American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc. - Find practice certification exams, continuing education resources, renewal forms, schools, and more at this website dedicated to phlebotomists at all levels of their careers.

Phlebotomy Essentials - This book contains guidelines, blood-drawing standards, and other technical information phlebotomists need to know to perform their daily job duties and responsibilities.

American Medical Certification Association - Use this website to access in-depth information about phlebotomist certification, find helpful downloads, and discover phlebotomist job opportunities across the country.