Phlebotomy Career Resource Center

Phlebotomists are allied health professionals who draw blood from patients or blood donors for medical testing. They can also prepare and process blood tests. Since bloodwork is often the least favorite part of a trip to the doctor's office, it takes a skilled phlebotomist to know how to handle each patient and situation.

When you become a phlebotomist, your main duties will likely include the following:

• Explaining the procedure to patients
• Updating patient records
• Preparing stains and reagents
• Cleaning and sterilizing equipment
• Taking a patient’s blood pressure, pulse and respiration rate
• Sending urine and fecal samples for lab testing

It's important to remember that every time a phlebotomist draws blood or sends out lab samples, they are creating or adding to that patient's blood history. This key part of the patient's health profile will be in their record for a lifetime.

If phlebotomy sounds like an intriguing career choice, click the links below to find salary data, learn what training you'll need to become a phlebotomist, and read an illuminating interview with a professional phlebotomist.

• Phlebotomist Interview: Yvette Coward has worked for over 15 years as a phlebotomist. Find out what keeps her motivated and read some of the amusing stories she's picked up along the way.
   
• Phlebotomist Certification: When you become a phlebotomist, certification is optional, but highly recommended, because most employers require it.
   
• Phlebotomy Courses: In addition to having your GED or high school diploma, you'll need to graduate from an accredited phlebotomist program, usually a 1-semester to 1-year certificate or diploma.
   
• Phlebotomist Salary: Salary.com's 2011 report states that the average annual salary for phlebotomists is $29,431. This translates into a wage of $14.15 per hour, based on a 40-hour work week.