Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood samples from patients and getting those samples to labs for diagnostic testing. You might be most familiar with seeing a phlebotomist working in a physician’s office or hospital, but those are just two of the many places where phlebotomists work.
Where Do Phlebotomists Work?
Depending on where a phlebotomist works, they will have different responsibilities and need unique skills. Phlebotomists can work in various settings, including those in the table below.
Where Do Phlebotomists Work?
Setting
What You’ll Do
Hospital
Hospitals often have whole departments dedicated to phlebotomy due to the large volume of patient samples that must be collected and tested daily. You might work throughout the hospital or be localized in a specific department – like the emergency room.
Physician’s Office
Physician’s offices employ phlebotomists to collect patient samples for routine labs (complete blood count, metabolic panels, thyroid function tests).
Outpatient Clinic
In an outpatient clinic, you will collect blood samples from patients for routine testing (like the above examples) or for more specific screening or testing, depending on the clinic.
Long-Term Care Facility
Long-term care facilities include rehabilitation centers and nursing homes where patients may have difficulty leaving for medical appointments. To meet their healthcare needs, specialists, like phlebotomists, go to the residents to collect blood samples to take back to the lab for testing.
Blood Donation Center
Places like the Red Cross or plasma donation centers employ phlebotomists to collect blood or plasma from voluntary donors, ensuring a safe and adequate emergency blood supply for hospitals and specialty clinics.
Specialty Clinics
These clinics focus on one unique aspect of medical care: fertility clinics, infectious diseases, oncology, or hematology, etc. Phlebotomists work here to collect blood samples from patients for specific testing according to their diagnosis and treatment needs.
Diagnostic Laboratory
Phlebotomists in diagnostic labs work to process and collect samples. Additional duties may include equipment maintenance, centrifuge operation, and sample preparation.
Research Institution
Universities and private research facilities conduct studies on blood or components of blood to improve disease diagnostics and treatment options. Phlebotomists work in these settings to collect and prepare samples for testing.
Public Health Agencies
Phlebotomists here collect samples for disease surveillance, public health programs, and extensive community health screenings.
Mobile phlebotomists get to take their blood sample collection skills on the road. These phlebotomists travel to people's homes, workplaces, or other care facilities, collect the needed samples, and then deliver the samples to a lab for testing. Mobile phlebotomists are essential in bridging the gap for people who need healthcare but cannot travel to get the care they need.
Phlebotomy Is a Flexible Career Choice
As a phlebotomist, you can work part-time or full-time. You can work at one specific hospital or clinic or as a mobile phlebotomist and “go to the office” in a different location daily. Some phlebotomists work as independent contractors, while others work directly with one company. Whatever your ideal working situation, phlebotomy can suit your needs.
How Do I Become a Phlebotomist?
To be a phenomenal phlebotomist, you must master several techniques, including capillary puncture, venipuncture, aseptic and sterile techniques, and proper documentation and handling procedures.
In California, you must have a CPT-I license to work as a phlebotomist, which means first getting a proper education and passing a qualifying exam. Once you have your CPT-I, you must complete continuing education hours to renew your license every two years. Choosing the best phlebotomy training program is the first step in having the flexible career of your dreams.
BAMA Institute provides phlebotomy training courses at San Francisco and San Jose campuses, with new classes starting monthly. Reach out to begin the first step toward your new career.
Phlebotomists do essential work to keep communities healthy. If you are ready to begin your career in phlebotomy or have additional questions, contact an admissions representative or apply online . We’re prepared to help you along the way!
