Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a £100 credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored jobs are 4.5 times more likely to result in hiring someone.**
  • Invite matched candidates to apply
  • Increase your visibility in job search results
  • Appear to more candidates longer

Phlebotomist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Phlebotomist, or Certified Phlebotomy Technician, is responsible for taking blood samples from a patient. Their duties include preparing patients to have their blood taken and drawing blood from a patient safely.

Build a Job Description

Phlebotomist duties and responsibilities

Phlebotomists must provide reassurance to patients. They must also look after the mental and physical well being of their patients. The primary duties and responsibilities of a Phlebotomist include:

  • Using technical equipment to safely draw blood from patients
  • Explaining the process of drawing blood clearly to a patient
  • Reassuring and calming patients who might be nervous or scared of the procedure
  • Applying dressings to the wound created by drawing blood
  • Registering the blood and storing it in the correct environment
  • Sending blood samples to testing laboratories
  • Keeping track of blood samples and results that are returned after testing
  • Updating patient records
  • Maintaining an organised and clean work area based on health and safety regulations and the guidelines of the medical institution
  • Answering patient questions regarding collection techniques and offering additional resources on the collection process, if the patient requests them
Build a Job Description

Phlebotomist Job Description Examples:

What does a Phlebotomist do?

A Phlebotomist works as part of a nursing team within hospitals and National Health Service (NHS) clinics. Phlebotomists also work in laboratories as part of research teams. Their work involves explaining procedures and reassuring patients before they see a medical specialist. Phlebotomists use a variety of techniques to safely draw blood. They then ensure that blood samples are accurately labelled and correctly stored in the right facility.

Phlebotomist skills and qualifications

Phlebotomists require technical and scientific skills. They also require good communication, nursing and interpersonal skills. A successful Phlebotomist candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

  • Technical phlebotomy and venipuncture
  • Blood sampling with a finger stick method
  • Arterial extractions for blood samples
  • First aid qualifications

Phlebotomist experience requirements

A Phlebotomist needs experience demonstrating a duty of care towards patients. Many applicants have previous experience volunteering in local care homes. They might also have experience working as a Healthcare Assistant within a local NHS Trust. Experience providing first aid and basic medical care is good. Applicants can acquire experience working as a volunteer for St. Johns Ambulance.

They can also acquire the necessary skills through working as a volunteer at a blood bank. Experience working in customer-facing roles in other industries is also useful. Look for experience offering customer service in a restaurant or shop. Interpersonal and communication skills that can be transferred to the job of a Phlebotomist are very helpful.

Phlebotomist education and training requirements

Phlebotomists are required to have at least two General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSEs). Technical training is also provided on the job. Colleges offer prospective candidates vocational courses or diplomas in healthcare. Employers can offer healthcare apprenticeships as a practical route into their roles. Candidates with no experience may qualify if they’re eager to learn.

A university degree is not required, however, Phlebotomists can acquire training from a Bachelor’s of Sciences Degree (BSC) in Nursing or Healthcare. Skills such as venipuncture can help translate across to the role of Phlebotomist.

Phlebotomist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Phlebotomist is £19,009 per year. Salary will depend on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Phlebotomist is not quite the job you are in need of, then here are other job description samples that may better suit your needs:

Ready to Hire?Build a Job Description

Phlebotomist job description FAQs

Does a Phlebotomist require formal medical education?

A Phlebotomist is usually an entry-level position in the healthcare industry. It does not require any formal medical education or qualifications. Phlebotomy is often a route into other roles as it provides an excellent overview of patient care.

What qualities make an excellent Phlebotomist?

An excellent Phlebotomist will always put the patient’s needs first. They have a thorough understanding of their duty of care towards their patients. An interest in continuing medical and healthcare education should be looked at positively. Look for a desire to keep technical skills such as drawing blood or sterilising needles up-to-date.

What should you look for in a Phlebotomist CV?

A prospective Phlebotomist’s CV should demonstrate that they have relevant work experience in a healthcare setting. In addition, their CV should show an interest in providing care. Look for demonstrations of communication and interpersonal skills. Scan the CV for certificates showing the candidate’s qualifications for the job.

Job Description Examples

No search results found