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Phlebotomists
Phlebotomist
Introduction
As a Phlebotomist, you will take blood samples from patients. The samples are examined in a laboratory and the results can be used to diagnose diseases and conditions.
Also known as
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Medical Phlebotomist
Work Activities
As a Phlebotomist, you will be collecting blood samples from patients. These samples will be used to help diagnose any illnesses or diseases.
When taking blood, you have to be careful that you don’t harm the patient. You will need a steady hand when collecting the blood. Once collected, you will to make sure that you label the blood sample accurately. It will then be sent to the laboratory to be processed and analysed.
Patients may be nervous about having their blood taken, so you have to reassure them and put them at ease.
As a Phlebotomist you may work in hospitals, clinics or health centres. You may also visit patients at home or in residential or care homes. Depending on where you're based, you will work as part of a team with Nurses, Healthcare Science staff working in blood sciences, Biomedical Scientists, GPs and other Healthcare Staff.
You may work as a Healthcare Assistant, and then receive training in phlebotomy so that you can take patient's blood.
Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.
Personal Qualities and Skills
To become a Phlebotomist, you'll need:
- to be caring and kind
- the ability to put patients at ease - they might feel anxious about giving blood
- to be able to follow instructions and procedures
- the ability to work as part of a team but use your own initiative
- to be able to explain procedures to patients
- to be careful and methodical
- good communication skills
- good listening skills
- good organisational and observational skills
Pay and Opportunities
Pay
NHS employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.
- Band 2: £17,652 - £19,020
- Band 3: £18,813 - £20,795
- Band 4: £21,089 - £23,761
Hours of work
In the NHS, you will be working around 37.5 hours a week, which often includes shift work, early starts, evenings and weekends.
Where could I work?
Phlebotomists may work in hospitals, clinics or health centres. You may visit patients at home or in residential or care homes.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on Find a Job, and at Jobcentre Plus.
NHS vacancies are advertised on the NHS Jobs Website for trainee and qualified positions.
Entry Routes and Training
Entry routes
Most people apply for vacancies and then have on-the-job training.
You could decide to go on a full-time school or college course before looking for a vacancy. For example, qualifications in health and social care can provide good preparation for careers in health care.
An Intermediate or Advanced Level Apprenticeship is a great place to start.
Take a look at our information article
Training
In this role you may be required to complete a care certificate before starting work. Take a look at our information article
If you would like some training, BTEC offer a level 3 diploma in health and social care.
Other courses could be available in your area, including:
- a diploma in clinical healthcare support
- a certificate or diploma in healthcare support services
A great way to get into this career is through an internship. Take a look at our information article '
Work Experience
Some entrants have had experience in providing healthcare, maybe having worked as a volunteer. Previous experience in the health environment will be useful for this career.
Progression
Gaining experience and qualifications often leads to increased responsibility. Promotion could be to a senior Phlebotomists role. You could also with further training, become a Nurse, Biomedical Scientist or a Healthcare Science Practitioner in the future!
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
This career is an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to.
Qualifications
There are no set entry requirements to become a trainee Phlebotomist. Employers usually ask for at least two GCSEs or equivalent in maths, English or science.
They may ask for a BTEC or equivalent vocational qualification in health and social care or healthcare.
Employers often ask for relevant work experience. Even where this is not specified, it would be an advantage if you have worked in health or social care, in either paid or voluntary work.
There is an Intermediate or Advanced Level Apprenticeship in healthcare that would give you relevant experience to apply for a trainee Phlebotomist position. You could work as a Healthcare Assistant, and then receive training in Phlebotomy so that you can take patients' blood.
Further Information
Apprenticeships: Get In. Go Far
National Apprenticeship Service (NAS)
Tel: 0800 015 0400
Email: nationalhelpdesk@findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk
Website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Health Careers
Website: http://www.weds.wales.nhs.uk/contact-nhs-wales-careers/
NHS Wales Careers
Publisher: National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare
Email: abm.wedsteam@wales.nhs.uk
Skills for Health
Skills for the health sector
Address: Goldsmiths House, Broad Plain, Bristol BS2 0JP
Tel: 0117 9221155
Email: office@skillsforhealth.org.uk
Website: www.skillsforhealth.org.uk
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