Phlebotomist: What They Do and How to Become One

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Phlebotomists are medical professionals specially trained to draw blood. Unlike some other medical professions, though, the time it takes to become a phlebotomist is relatively short.

You can expect to spend a couple of months in a phlebotomy program, where you'll practice inserting needles into people's arms and take an exam to show everything you know about drawing blood. In less than a year, you can work in an entry-level medical position, performing a valuable job in a doctor's office, medical lab, or hospital. When a doctor needs a blood sample to diagnose, they turn to you.

In this article, you'll learn all about what phlebotomists do, where they work, how much they make, and their job outlook in the coming years. Most importantly, though, you'll learn what you have to do to join this important health care career and explore courses that can help you get started today. 

A career as a phlebotomist can be flexible, varied, and exciting. If you're thinking about starting a new career, read on to decide whether phlebotomy is right for you.

What is a phlebotomist? 

A phlebotomist, also called a phlebotomy technician, is a professional trained to collect individual blood samples. Depending on where they work, they also may assist with blood transfusions and blood drives. In addition to physically drawing blood from patients, they prepare blood samples for testing, collect patient information, and support patients who may be uncomfortable around needles.

Where do phlebotomists typically work?  

Phlebotomists work in various health care settings, including hospitals, medical facilities, and laboratories. You'll also find them in research centers, nursing homes, blood donation facilities, outpatient care centers, community health centers, and insurance companies. They may work for private companies or public agencies, usually under the guidance of senior medical or laboratory personnel.

More than drawing blood: Typical phlebotomist duties

As a phlebotomist, your primary duty is collecting blood samples from patients as ordered by a doctor or other health care professional. However, your practice may also include talking to patients about the blood draw process, checking vital signs, labeling vials, and keeping the work area clean and sterile. Depending upon where you're working, you also may be asked to perform the following duties during your shift:

• Collect information and update patient medical records

• Complete paperwork and label vials

• Help patients feel more comfortable during the blood collection process

• Order supplies

• Set up the work area with the correct vials, needles, and other supplies

Potential salary and job outlook   

How much you earn as a phlebotomist can vary depending on where you live and work. The average salary for phlebotomists as of January 2023 is $44,850, according to Talent.com [1]. This ranges from entry-level positions starting at $41,925 annually to the most experienced workers earning up to $53,645 annually. 

Phlebotomy is a highly demanded field, and its future outlook seems promising. According to the Canadian government's Job Bank [2], employment projections for phlebotomists in Canada over the next three years are moderate to very good.

Skills required to become a phlebotomist 

As a phlebotomist, you’ll rely on various technical and human skills, such as dexterity, communication, and compassion. This makes sense when you understand the different types of people you may work with and the conditions you work under. Precision counts. For example, a steady hand and nimble fingers are helpful when you apply a tourniquet and insert the needle into the patient's skin.

Some patients feel more comfortable around needles than others. Whether they are five or 50 years old, you may offer support to help them handle their needle-related fears. This could mean slowing down to listen to them, explaining the procedure in terms they understand, and showing them compassion when they may need it most. 

The following list includes additional skills that can help you be successful as a phlebotomist:

• Attention to detail

• Critical thinking

• Hand-eye coordination

• Mathematical skills

• Organization

• Problem-solving

• Stamina

• Work under pressure 

How to become a phlebotomist

Becoming a phlebotomist requires training in a course approved by the Canadian Medical Association, resulting in a certificate in phlebotomy. You can find phlebotomist training programs at several colleges in Canada, many of which offer online courses.  Although certification is not required in all provinces, employers may want you to have earned professional certification in phlebotomy. Certification is available through various organizations, including the Canadian Phlebotomy Technicians Group (CPTG), the Canadian Ultrasound Institute, and the Center for Biomedical Science and Allied Health.

Get certified

To become a certified phlebotomist through the Canadian Phlebotomy Technicians Group (CPTG), you must have graduated from a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution in a medical discipline with phlebotomy training. You must also have completed a post-diploma/graduate training in phlebotomy within one year or have six months of work experience with at least 25 venipuncture and 10 finger sticks (which will be verified with your employer) [3].

In addition to meeting the educational requirements above, you must be a member of CPTG to write the certification exam. Passing the exam earns you the professional title of Certified Phlebotomy Technician. 

How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?

Medical laboratory technology programs incorporating phlebotomy into their curriculum can mean 6 to 16 months of vocational schooling. Alternately, training specifically for phlebotomy can take just a few months. Qualifying for and passing the certification exam can extend the time your training takes, especially if you need additional hands-on training before you can sit for the exam. 

Phlebotomy program costs

The cost of phlebotomy training will vary depending on where you get your training. There are accredited programs at community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools, most offering coursework and clinical training. It can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for health care workers wanting a short program to learn phlebotomy to a few thousand for full training courses. Many programs are online, which may be less expensive, with an apprentice program to follow where you can get firsthand experience.

Phlebotomy certification exam costs

The Canadian Phlebotomy Technicians Group administers a phlebotomy technician exam. To take the exam, you’ll need to become a member of CPTG ($129) and pay the exam fee, which costs $239 for members ($429 for non-members) [3].

Continuing education

Once you have been certified in phlebotomy, you will need to take continuing education courses to keep the credential and remain eligible to practice. Members of CPTG have access to free continuing professional development education to help keep up with advances in the field and new or updated protocols.  

Next steps

If the colourful world of phlebotomy—and the flexibility and variety of the work— appeals to you, it's a great time to find a program where you can learn the skills you need for this valuable career. As you explore what's out there, you might consider taking a flexible, cost-effective course or specialization on Coursera. 

While waiting for your classes to start, build your knowledge about the medical field through courses like Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body is Telling Us from the University of Pennsylvania. You can also earn a specialization like Medical Terminology from Rice University, available on Coursera.