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What are employers looking for in this career as a phlebotomist?

I want to know what skills, education, and experience employers look for.

career-development experience skills phlebotomy
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Thomas’s Answer

You need a minimum of a high school education. You can easily go to community college and they have a one semester course that’ll get you everything you need to get your certification. Alternatively, there are some jobs out there that will train you from zero.

A good attitude, the ability to pass a vision test (make sure you’re not colorblind), and a high school degree will get you a job in phlebotomy to be trained. It won’t pay that much in the beginning but as you pick up more skills, your pay will rapidly increase.

Most places look for the certification. The American Society of clinical pathology (ASCP) -PTB.

Though there are other organizations that offer certification.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Thomas! Bria
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Justin’s Answer

To add to Elisa Clark's answer, employers look for key experiences (such as customer service in a public setting, or working in a fast-paced environment as a phlebotomist) that ranges from generally 6 months to 2 years. Quite counterintuitive for those who don't have prior experience and so it is suggested that you look for any jobs with customer service in a public setting. I am taking this example from the American Red Cross's blood donor job opening: "Minimum of one year customer service experience in public setting required." Although they advertise that you didn't need prior phlebotomy experience, you still needed prior experience with customer service in a public setting.

Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Phlebotomy License is required.
BLS CPR is required before obtaining a phlebotomy license.

For skills:
Have some data entry experience (this can be obtained from jobs that offer this experience).
Phlebotomy and CPR.
Public speaking and communication.
Driver's License (highly recommended since some jobs require this)
Ability to carry up to 30 pounds (highly recommended since some jobs require this)

Justin recommends the following next steps:

I suggest to look for a job that provides customer service experience in a public setting. Do this for at leas 6 months and a recommended of 1 year.
Also look for a job that provides data entry experience.
The safest path is to look for job opportunities at plasma centers before working at hospitals as they generally require lots of experience. If you can't jobs at plasma center, try looking for volunteer or work experience to boost your experience for employers to hire you.
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Elizabeth’s Answer

Although I am not a phlebotomist I have done a residency in which I started a lot of IVs. I have also given a lot of blood. I have allowed student phlebotomist to practice on me as well. I would say that the people that have done the best are actually those that take the time with the patient to be pleasant and also those that have a good sense of touch and can visualize the vein and the direction it's going and anticipate its depth. You do not need a college degree but you will need additional training After High School. I think the most important things about being a good phlebotomist is caring about people and enjoying making people feel comfortable when they are not.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Bria
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Elisa’s Answer

Most employers want a high school diploma, you can always get on job training at most Red Cross. You need to have your CPR/BLS which you can obtain thru American Heart Association. Employers will train you on their EHR. The biggest thing is being flexible and eager to learn all aspects of the jobs.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Bria
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Stephanie’s Answer

A history of helping people/customer service and the time you stay on a job, job attendance could play into landing a job in this field.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Stephanie! Bria
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Amanda’s Answer

Employers typically seek candidates for phlebotomist positions who possess a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. Most employers will prefer applicants who have some type of phlebotomy certification. Work experience is important for certain types of positions more than others, which are typically outlined on the job description. If you are looking for information to put on your resume, or help you out during your interview, some of the hard and soft-skills that employers commonly look for in phlebotomists include:

Proficiency in phlebotomy techniques: Employers want phlebotomists who are skilled at drawing blood and can perform the procedure quickly and efficiently.
Knowledge of medical terminology: Phlebotomists must be familiar with medical terminology and the various tests that blood samples are used for.
Attention to detail: Accuracy is critical when it comes to phlebotomy. Employers want phlebotomists who pay close attention to details and take care to ensure that blood samples are labeled and handled correctly.
Communication skills: Phlebotomists interact with patients regularly and need to be able to communicate effectively with them. Employers seek phlebotomists who are skilled at putting patients at ease and can explain the procedure clearly.
Time management: Phlebotomists are often required to draw blood from multiple patients in a short period. Employers look for candidates who can manage their time effectively to ensure that all patients are seen promptly.
Flexibility: Phlebotomists may work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to clinics. Employers seek candidates who are adaptable and can work in a range of environments. This is particularly important for mobile phlebotomy positions.
Professionalism: Phlebotomists are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times. Employers seek candidates who are dependable, punctual, and able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
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