How To Become A Laboratory Phlebotomist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a laboratory phlebotomist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A laboratory phlebotomist draws blood from patients for diagnostic purposes. They work in settings such as hospitals, clinics, and medical laboratories. Their primary duties include collecting blood specimens accurately, safely, and efficiently. This involves preparing the patient, locating the vein, and inserting a needle. Phlebotomists also label and transport specimens for testing. They maintain documentation and adhere to safety protocols to prevent infection or contamination. A laboratory phlebotomist ensures accurate and reliable blood samples.

ScoreLaboratory PhlebotomistUS Average

Salary

2.7

Avg. Salary $33,951

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

10.0

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.07%

Asian 9.58%

Black or African American 8.19%

Hispanic or Latino 20.61%

Unknown 4.06%

White 56.49%

Gender

female 79.82%

male 20.18%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Stress level

10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.3

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a laboratory phlebotomist?

Pros

Potential for career advancement
Job stability and security
Competitive salary and benefits
Flexibility in scheduling
Ability to work independently

Cons

Exposure to infectious diseases
Risk of accidental needle sticks
Repetitive tasks can lead to physical strain or injury
Irregular work hours and shifts
Handling sensitive patient information and maintaining confidentiality

Key steps to become a laboratory phlebotomist

Explore laboratory phlebotomist education requirements

Most common laboratory phlebotomist degrees

Certificate

26.7 %

Associate

25.3 %

Bachelor's

19.6 %

Start to develop specific laboratory phlebotomist skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	19.00%
Customer Service	6.42%
Specimen Collection	5.92%
Blood Specimens	5.43%
Patient Care	4.57%

Complete relevant laboratory phlebotomist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New laboratory phlebotomists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a laboratory phlebotomist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real laboratory phlebotomist resumes.

Gain additional laboratory phlebotomist certifications

Laboratory phlebotomist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific laboratory phlebotomist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for laboratory phlebotomists include Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and Phlebotomist.

More About Certifications

Research laboratory phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

Follow written guidelines for identifying patients and labeling specimens, using computer to efficiently organize specimen collection by priority.
Record and perform EKG's.
Help set up centrifuges for blood testing.
Repair and recalibrate centrifuges for correct speed and weight.

Prepare your laboratory phlebotomist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your laboratory phlebotomist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a laboratory phlebotomist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable laboratory phlebotomist resume templates

Build a professional laboratory phlebotomist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your laboratory phlebotomist resume.