So, you are thinking about a career as a phlebotomist or certified phlebotomy technician (CPT)?

Well, that’s awesome!

The all-important question is, do you have what it takes?

Keep reading to find out more…

If you are interested in becoming a phlebotomist, you are in good company. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the workforce is made up of 122,700 phlebotomists in the United States.

With those numbers, is there any room left for you?

Great question!

And the answer is yes.

Employment of phlebotomists in the US is projected to grow by 25% percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will be driven mainly by health care reform, which is expected to bring more patients into the healthcare system, resulting in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and other locations requiring more phlebotomists to perform bloodwork.

Who is becoming a phlebotomist?

According to the Census Bureau, the phlebotomist workforce is 14.8% male and 85.2% female.

What personal qualities and characteristics make an excellent phlebotomist?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following qualities are important to have as a phlebotomist:

  • Compassion – Some patients or clients are afraid of having their blood drawn, so phlebotomists should be caring in performing their duties.
  • Detail oriented – Phlebotomists must draw the correct vials of blood for the tests ordered, track vials of blood, and enter data into a database. Attention to detail is necessary; otherwise, the specimens may be misplaced or lost, or a patient may be injured.
  • Dexterity – Phlebotomists work with their hands, and they must be able to use their equipment efficiently and adequately.
  • Hand-eye coordination – Phlebotomists draw blood from many patients, and they must perform their duties successfully on the first attempt, or their patients will experience discomfort.
  • Physical stamina – Phlebotomists are on their feet for long periods, and must continue to take accurate blood samples throughout their workday.

The bottom line: If becoming a certified phlebotomy technician is something you feel passionately about, the one word of advice we will give you is: Go for it!