Job Duties
What does a phlebotomy technician do? More than just poking people. You’ll be a critical member of the medical team and play a vital role at the healthcare facilities you work in. A typical day in your new life as a certified phlebotomy tech will probably include:
- Drawing blood from patients and donors for tests, transfusions, donations, or research.
- Calming people and perfecting the talent of inflicting more kindness and compassion than pain.
- Verifying patient and donor identity to ensure proper labeling of drawn samples.
- Labeling blood samples for testing and processing.
- Entering patient information into the facility’s computer system.
- Assembling and maintaining medical instruments, like needles, test tubes, and vials.
Work Environment
Certified phlebotomy technicians are needed in almost every type of healthcare facility coast to coast. You can work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, urgent care centers, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and home health agencies, among other job options. Most phlebotomy technicians work standard daytime hours, but the 24/7 nature of healthcare makes night and weekend schedules an option too, particularly in hospitals. Further specializing and certifying in other medical areas will open up even more job opportunities and upward mobility to you.
Pay Scale
Of course, salaries vary by employer, geographic location, and experience. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual wage for phlebotomy technicians at $36,320.* So you can make a good living, and considering the nature of this business, you may also qualify for invaluable healthcare benefits. Further specializing and certifying in additional medical areas will increase your value to employers and improve your income opportunities.
Industry Demand
Becoming a certified phlebotomy technician is a great career choice. And it’s getting even better because healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation. (Thanks to America’s aging population and new healthcare laws.) Tons of opportunity exists right now nationwide. The BLS estimates that the demand for phlebotomists will increase 17% in the next 10 years.nationwide. That’s serious job security!