What You Need to Know About Phlebotomist
Job Description & Duties Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.
A Day in the Life of a Phlebotomist
- Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
- Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer.
- Explain fluid or tissue collection procedures to patients.
- Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
- Monitor blood or plasma donors during and after procedures to ensure health, safety, and comfort.
- Draw blood from arteries, using arterial collection techniques.
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Phlebotomist Skills
Phlebotomists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Phlebotomist Jobs
- Phlebotomy Services Technician
- Registered Phlebotomist-Part Time
- Clinical Phlebotomist
- Phlebotomist
- Phlebotomy Supervisor
Job Demand for Phlebotomists
There were about 122,700 jobs for Phlebotomist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 24.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 30,100 new jobs for Phlebotomist by 2026. The BLS estimates 16,900 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Phlebotomist are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Phlebotomists Salary
The salary for Phlebotomists ranges between about $25,020 and $49,060 a year.
Phlebotomists who work in California, District of Columbia, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Phlebotomists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $31,420 |
Alaska | $42,290 |
Arizona | $32,810 |
Arkansas | $28,690 |
California | $45,030 |
Colorado | $35,800 |
Connecticut | $39,310 |
Delaware | $39,120 |
District of Columbia | $41,600 |
Florida | $32,280 |
Georgia | $32,190 |
Idaho | $31,920 |
Illinois | $36,090 |
Indiana | $34,290 |
Iowa | $30,760 |
Kansas | $32,890 |
Kentucky | $31,130 |
Louisiana | $29,970 |
Maine | $31,190 |
Maryland | $39,760 |
Massachusetts | $39,970 |
Michigan | $32,450 |
Minnesota | $38,630 |
Mississippi | $29,460 |
Missouri | $31,320 |
Montana | $32,240 |
Nebraska | $32,000 |
Nevada | $38,320 |
New Hampshire | $39,870 |
New Jersey | $38,090 |
New Mexico | $29,700 |
New York | $40,630 |
North Carolina | $32,070 |
North Dakota | $33,340 |
Ohio | $34,230 |
Oklahoma | $31,570 |
Oregon | $39,150 |
Pennsylvania | $34,370 |
Rhode Island | $39,930 |
South Carolina | $31,180 |
South Dakota | $27,670 |
Tennessee | $30,090 |
Texas | $33,000 |
Utah | $31,290 |
Vermont | $35,740 |
Virginia | $35,960 |
Washington | $39,410 |
West Virginia | $30,200 |
Wisconsin | $35,530 |
Wyoming | $32,160 |
What Tools do Phlebotomists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Phlebotomists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Outlook
- MEDITECH software
- Scheduling software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Laboratory information system LIS
- Iatric Systems MobiLab
Becoming a Phlebotomist
What kind of Phlebotomist requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Phlebotomist?
Where Phlebotomists Work
Below are examples of industries where Phlebotomists work:
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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