A phlebotomy technician (phlebotomist) collects blood specimens for laboratory testing, transfusion, donation or research. Roughly 70% of medical decisions rely on lab results, so the quality of your collection directly affects patient care.

Core duties

• Verify test orders (requisitions) and correctly identify every patient.
• Perform venipunctures and capillary (skin) punctures using the correct equipment and order of draw.
• Label, handle, process and transport specimens so they arrive in testable condition.
• Follow infection-control, safety and privacy (HIPAA) rules.
• Reassure anxious patients and respond to complications such as fainting.

Where phlebotomists work

Hospitals (inpatient rounds and emergency department), outpatient patient service centers run by reference laboratories, physician offices and clinics, blood and plasma donation centers, mobile and home-draw services, and insurance paramedical exam companies.

Skills that set you apart

Steady hands and attention to detail matter, but employers consistently rank communication and professionalism just as highly. Patients remember how you made them feel.