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Phlebotomists

O*NET files this work under Phlebotomists: people who draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. With a code of RCI, this is mostly a job for people drawn to hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. Conventional interests also help, rated 5.4 out of 7. The preparation level is medium preparation, typically one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. O*NET’s skill data points to service orientation, speaking, and social perceptiveness as the ones to build. One core duty is to confirm the identities of patients by verifying their personal information. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. May explain the procedure to patients and assist in the recovery of patients with adverse reactions.

Main tasks

  • Confirm the identities of patients by verifying their personal information.
  • Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
  • Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
  • Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
  • Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
  • Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.

Skills

  • Service Orientation
  • Speaking
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on service orientation and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Also called

  • Lab Liaison Technician
  • Mobile Examiner
  • Patient Service Technician (PST)
  • Phlebotomist Lab Assistant (Phlebotomist Laboratory Assistant)
  • Phlebotomy Technician (Phlebotomy Tech)

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.