Phlebotomist
Also known as: phlebotomy technician, venipuncturist, practitioner of phlebotomy, specialist in phlebotomy, phlebotomy specialist, clinical phlebotomist
About this occupation
Phlebotomists take blood samples from patients for laboratory analysis, ensuring patient safety during the blood collection process. They transport the specimen to the laboratory, following strict instructions from the doctor of medicine.
Essential skills and knowledge
- infection control
- interact with healthcare users
- ensure safety of healthcare users
- human physiology
- sterilization techniques
- use venepuncture procedure equipment
- maintain professional records
- medical informatics
- manage infection control in the facility
- label blood samples
- collect biological samples from patients
- empathise with the healthcare user
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Phlebotomists (O*NET 31-9097.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Confirm the identities of patients by verifying their personal information.
- Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
- Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
- Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
- Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
- Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Service Orientation, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension
US median pay: US$45,230 a year (2025), 143,540 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Histotechnologists
- Medical Assistants
- Paramedics
- Surgical Technologists
- Surgical Assistants
- Emergency Medical Technicians
- Histology Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.