Phlebotomy Program

Phlebotomists’ primary responsibility is to collect blood samples from patients for testing, transfusions, donations, and research.

Phlebotomists are trained in skin puncture and venipuncture to obtain blood samples. Blood can be drawn for testing in a clinical laboratory or a blood bank. After collecting blood samples, phlebotomists prepare blood, and other body fluid specimens, for on-site testing or shipment to another laboratory for testing. To register patients and search for provider orders and laboratory test results on computer information systems, it is necessary to know medical terminology and have data entry skills. Hospitals, doctor’s offices, blood donation centers, clinics, and nursing homes employ phlebotomists.

Available in:

Length of Study

4-18 weeks

Career Level

Gateway/Entry Level

Delivery Type

Hybrid/In Classroom

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Duties

Dispose of contaminated sharps according to 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 according to applicable laws, standards, or policies.
Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.
Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
Provide sample analysis results to physicians to assist with diagnosis.
Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into the computer.
Document the route of specimens from collection to laboratory analysis and diagnosis.
Draw blood from capillaries by dermal punctures, such as heel or finger stick methods.
Conduct hemoglobin tests to ensure donor iron levels are normal.
Safely transport specimens or fluid samples from collection sites to laboratories.
Collect fluid or tissue samples using appropriate collection procedures.
Explain fluid or tissue collection procedures to patients.
Train other medical personnel in phlebotomy or laboratory techniques.
Monitor blood or plasma donors during and after procedures to ensure health, safety, and comfort.
Calibrate or maintain machines, such as those used for plasma collection.

Career Opportunities

The phlebotomist may be hired as an entry-level Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT) and later certified as a Phlebotomy Technician I and II; advancement to a Laboratory Assistant or Clinical Lab Assistant position is also possible.

Day in the Life

Phlebotomists have a reputation for beginning their days early. If you work in a busy hospital, your shifts may shift frequently. You may work a night shift one week, followed by a “normal” 9-to-5 shift the following week. A phlebotomist will be on shift twenty-four hours a day in a hospital. In smaller laboratories or mobile units, shifts are early mornings, seven days a week. Many clinicians prefer to test patients’ blood while they are in a homeostatic state in the early morning, often before eating breakfast, engaging in vigorous exercise, or doing anything else. Before collecting blood, phlebotomists must identify the correct patient, medical records, and date of birth. This requires keen attention to detail.

Job Outlook

California’s employment should grow by 24% by 2030. $47,080 annual median salary.

Disclaimer: Futuro Health reserves the right to change or update program requirements and qualifications at any time.