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What does a Phlebotomist do?

The Phlebotomist works in a variety of locations to collect and prepare blood and other samples for testing and analysis in a clinical laboratory. In addition to specimen collection, the phlebotomist also registers patients upon arrival, verifying patient demographic and insurance information using multiple computer systems to complete the registration process, labeling of sample, and preparation of the sample to be sent for analysis.

Discover what it’s like to be a phlebotomist by viewing a .

Note: This video has been provided by the U.S. Department of Labor website and the actual duties of this role at the URochester may vary.

Hear from our Lab Staff

Minimum education and experience

High school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of a phlebotomy training program.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

Keyboarding skills and basic knowledge of computers; strong customer service skills; knowledge of medical terminology/anatomy is a plus.

Valid driver’s license and transportation may be required to travel to any assigned location.

Days/hours

Typical regular weekday business hours. Weekends and some holidays required. May have on-call responsibilities. Travel may be required.

Position locations

• Patient Service Centers
• Clinics
• Nursing Homes
• Blood Donation Centers
• Patient Homes

Work environment

• Patient Interaction: A significant part of the role involves direct interaction with patients of all ages and backgrounds, from infants to the elderly. This often requires strong communication skills to reassure anxious patients and explain procedures clearly.
• Clinical Equipment: Phlebotomists regularly use a range of specialized equipment, including various types of needles, collection tubes, tourniquets, antiseptic wipes, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and sometimes masks or gowns.
• Strict Safety Protocols: Adherence to rigorous infection control and safety protocols is paramount. This includes proper hand hygiene, safe handling and disposal of sharps, and managing biohazardous materials to prevent the spread of infection.
• Team Collaboration: Phlebotomists often work closely with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and laboratory technologists, to ensure accurate sample collection and timely delivery for testing.
• Physical Demands: The job typically involves a good amount of standing and walking. It also requires excellent manual dexterity and fine motor skills for precise venipuncture.

Pay range

Use the code URC 204 to find the pay range in the General and Clinical University pay ranges section of the University’s Compensation page.

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal benchmarking considerations.

Possible career pathways

Examples of pathways within this job family at the URochester:

• Phlebotomist > Senior Phlebotomist > Phlebotomist Trainer > Operations Coordinator > Phlebotomy Supervisor
• Phlebotomist > Medical Technician/Technologist

Learn more about careers in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine on the .

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