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Phlebotomist

Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, donations, and research. A short, affordable program gets you into healthcare fast, and it's a common first step toward nursing or lab careers.

Median Salary
$45,230/yr
Typical Range
$35,780 – $58,780
Job Outlook
Much faster than average

What does a Phlebotomist do?

  • Draw blood from patients safely and gently
  • Label and organize samples for the lab
  • Put patients at ease and answer their questions
  • Follow strict safety and cleanliness rules

Education & training

High school diploma plus a phlebotomy program (a few months)

How to become a Phlebotomist

  1. Finish high school (biology helps)
  2. Complete a short phlebotomy certificate program
  3. Earn a certification like the CPT (NHA) that employers prefer
  4. Apply at hospitals, clinics, labs, and blood banks

Skills that help

Steady handsCompassionAttention to detailCommunication

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer, and experience.

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