Phlebotomist: What They Do and How to Become One

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 some time in a phlebotomy training program, where you'll practice sticking needles in people's arms and take an exam to show everything you know about drawing blood. After completing the course successfully and receiving certification, you can work in an entry-level medical position, performing a valuable job in a doctor's office, pathology lab, or hospital. When a doctor needs a blood sample to diagnose, they turn to you.

Learn more about what a phlebotomist does, where you might work in this career field, how much you can earn, and the job outlook in the coming years. Also, find out the requirements to join this important health care career and explore courses that can help you get started today. 

What is a phlebotomist?

A phlebotomist, also called a phlebotomy technician, is a professional trained to collect individual blood samples. Depending on where you work in this role, you also may assist with blood transfusions and blood drives. In addition to physically drawing blood from patients, you 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 centres, nursing homes, blood donation facilities, outpatient care centres, community health centres, and insurance companies. You 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, labelling 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 depends on where you live and work. The base salary for phlebotomists averages ₹18,000 per month, with an estimated additional pay of ₹7,891 per month from cash bonuses, profit sharing, or other benefits, according to Glassdoor [1].

Phlebotomists serve an instrumental role in almost all health care settings, especially hospitals. Since patients must first visit the phlebotomy center before receiving lab services, the demand for this job role is steady [2]. Furthermore, The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) reports that the Indian health care sector is one of the country's largest employers, with over 7.5 million workers [3]

Skills required to become a phlebotomist

As a phlebotomist, you’ll rely on various technical and human skills, such as dexterity, communication, and compassion, as you strive to 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 an infant, elderly, or in between, 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

• Organisation

• Problem-solving

• Stamina

• Calm under pressure 

How to become a phlebotomist

After passing the 12th class, you’ll also need certification showing successful completion of a phlebotomy training programme. 

How to get phlebotomy certification

Some government skill development programmes, such as the National Skills Development Corporation, offer certification opportunities. Some healthcare institutes offer phlebotomy training programmes that culminate in a diploma, certificate, or certification.

To take a certification course, you’ll need to have passed Class 12 in science and should have a basic understanding of maths and English. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recommends that certification programmes encompass a minimum of 663 hours, which includes 148 hours of theory, 355 hours of practical, and 160 hours of internship [4].

How long does it take to become a phlebotomist?

Training periods vary between institutes. Some are as short as three to six months, while others take six months to a year to become a certified phlebotomist. Courses may be offered online, onsite, or in combination. 

Phlebotomy programme costs

The cost for phlebotomy training varies from one institute to another and may range from ₹10,000 to ₹40,000 depending on the institute, the type of training programme, and course content [5]. Some training courses may be primarily online and less expensive.

Phlebotomy certification exam costs

Phlebotomy training courses or programmes usually include the necessary certificate of completion and, in some cases, a diploma certificate. Your certification exam is included as part of the training course. 

Certification can also be done online, meaning someone already working as a lab technician or in another field can earn a certificate to upskill and certify themselves in phlebotomy.

Getting started

A phlebotomist is a medical professional who draws blood samples to assist with diagnoses. If the job responsibilities, flexibility, and variety of the work appeal to you, it's a great time to find a programme where you can learn the skills you need for this valuable career. While exploring what's out there, you might consider taking a flexible, cost-effective course or Specialisation on Coursera. 

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 Medical Terminology Specialisation from Rice University.