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Healthcare Support

Phlebotomists

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

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Phlebotomists
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Median pay

$43,660
Median annual pay for Phlebotomists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

5.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

18,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

139,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Phlebotomists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+7,900
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical education needed to enter Phlebotomists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Administrative
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Psychology
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Problem Sensitivity
  4. 4Oral Comprehension
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Written Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Assisting and Caring for Others
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Working with Computers
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Processing Information

Work context

  1. 1Contact With Others
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  4. 4Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
  • Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.
  • Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.
  • Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.
  • Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.
  • Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.
  • Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.
  • Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandJavaScript · hot technologyMEDITECH software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyDonor management system softwareElectronic medical record EMR softwareIatric Systems MobiLabLaboratory information system LISMedical procedure coding softwareMEDITECH Blood Bank

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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