Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists collect blood samples from patients, and send them off for analysis and testing.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a phlebotomist, you could:
- explain the medical procedure to patients and reassure them
- insert a hypodermic needle into a vein to draw off blood into a tube
- apply dressings
- label and deliver blood samples
- complete records and enter data on a computer system
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could be a senior phlebotomist and have responsibility for more complex work. You could also become a team leader or manager.
Skills and experience in phlebotomy can also be useful for work with the NHS Blood and Transplant Service.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- knowledge of English language
- a desire to help people
- administration skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
- have a first aid certificate
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
There are no set entry requirements to become a trainee phlebotomist, although it may help to have a college qualification in healthcare or health and social care.
Courses in health and social care often include work placements. This would give you practical experience, which could help you to get a job afterwards.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could apply to do a Healthcare Science Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, specialising in phlebotomy.
You could also do a Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, then apply for a trainee role in phlebotomy.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
You could start as a healthcare assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.
You might have an advantage when looking for jobs if you have volunteering experience in a healthcare setting.
You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
You could apply directly to work as a phlebotomist. There are no set entry requirements, though it may be helpful if you have at least 2 GCSEs and a first aid certificate.
Some employers may prefer you to have a qualification in healthcare or health and social care.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the National Association of Phlebotomists and Institute of Biomedical Science for networking and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about how to become a phlebotomist from Health Careers.
Related videos
Suggested videos
Coffee With is in early release mode with a limited number of videos. New videos are being added every week, so please check back for updates.
External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.