Testimonial

"Four members of our academic staff took the Basic Phlebotomy course in April 2009. This course had been recommended to us by colleagues at another institution.

Our trainer for the two day course was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, helpful, and approachable. The content of this course, while focusing on phlebotomy in clinical situations, was applicable to our needs in the research environment. Participating in this course has provided us with the basic knowledge necessary to obtain blood samples from human participants in research studies."

Dr Gethin Evans, Senior Lecturer - Manchester Metropolitan University

Considering A Career In Phlebotomy?

Here area all the answers you could ever need about Phlebotomy...

(but if you need anymore, please contact us)

What are the duties of a phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists are specialised clinical support workers/assistant healthcare scientists who collect blood from patients for examination in laboratories, the results of which provide valuable information to diagnosing illness.

Phlebotomists have responsibility to take blood without harming the patient or disturbing the nursing care they are receiving at the time. They also need to ensure the blood is taken correctly, as if specimens are harmed during collection, test results may be unobtainable or worthless. Once the blood is taken phlebotomists are also responsible for transporting the specimen to the correct laboratory as and when required.

Many phlebotomists work part-time, and others may combine phlebotomy as part of their role as a clinical support worker/ assistant healthcare scientist.

What qualifications does a phlebotomist need?

There are no specific minimum requirements, although a range of GCSEs would be an advantage. Our phlebotomy qualifications would also give you an edge when applying for phlebotomy jobs.

Do I need a Certificate of Competency to get a job as a phlebotomist?

No. There are many practising phlebotomists who don’t have a Certificate of Competency, as they learnt on the job, and phlebotomists still complete the majority of their training whilst employed. A Certificate of Competency is given to recognise achievement of 50-100 competent live blood draws. This can be gained when working as a phlebotomist, rather than on a short training course, however it is not always necessary to find gainful employment.

As all of our certificates are accredited by the National Open College Network, and cover all of the competencies set out in the CHS132, the National Occupational Standard for Phlebotomy, written by Skills for Health, they are nationally recognised qualifications that can increase your chances of finding work as a phlebotomist in the UK.

If you are considering starting a career as a phlebotomist, our courses will give you the expert knowledge and skills required to safely take bloods, but you will also have a tangible qualification. It lets a prospective employer know that you know how to draw blood properly and are serious about your chosen career. We provide a structured program of courses with a good balance of theory and practical training that can teach you all that you need to know to start your career.

What are the most satisfying parts of being a phlebotomist?

Many phlebotomists feel that the most satisfying part of their job comes from being in the front line of patient care. They feel great reward from playing a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of the patients they meet. And they are made to feel a core part of the team by senior colleagues who understand the demands and pressures of the job. Many phlebotomists also enjoy and thrive on the interaction with patients. There is immense satisfaction to be had from making the blood draw experience a pleasant one for the countless number of patients who dread having their blood taken. This is achieved by your calm and caring manner, the knowledge you have acquired about which needles to use for which veins as well as your ability to draw blood with minimal pain. Your skills will be in most demand for those extreme cases where an individual’s fear of needles and the sight of blood might prevent them from seeking out medical help when they need it. And last, but not least there is the tremendous sense of achievement and satisfaction to be had when you get the draw right first time!

How do I become a phlebotomist?

At Phlebotomy Training Services we have a range of courses for medical and non-medical students which are taught by qualified teachers with vast phlebotomy experience. Your qualification will ensure that you stand out from the competition and it shows that you are able to draw blood in the correct way. Once you have the certificate in your hands you will be able to apply for jobs immediately and take your first step toward an exciting and dynamic medical career. You will find jobs advertised in regional newspapers, on job search websites, and with some recruitment agencies. Phlebotomy Training Services works with a number of recruitment agencies who recognise our certificates and may be able to help you to find work.

What opportunities are there to get a job as a phlebotomist?

There has never been a better time to get a job as a phlebotomist, as opportunities are increasing at a rapid rate. With staff turnover and the rise of more health screening initiatives there is an urgent need for highly skilled and well trained professionals. This growth is also driven by the medical needs of an ageing population and the requirement for more diagnostic testing. There is also an increase in health care services in the home. In some areas, particularly London and other major cites there is even a shortage of phlebotomists. Although most phlebotomists are employed by the National Health Service there are other employers crying out for skilled medical professionals who are trained to draw blood. Plenty of jobs can be found in the private healthcare sector and in pathology laboratories. Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on job search websites such as www.jobs.nhs.uk and through recruitment agencies. Some agencies are solely for medical personnel. Or you could get your name known by getting in touch with the human resources department or phlebotomy manager at your local hospital or primary care trust. They may know when the next lot of opportunities will appear for trainees.

What opportunities are there for promotion once I become a phlebotomist?

Phlebotomy is a rapidly expanding field and it can offer you a dynamic medical career. There are a number of opportunities for advancement and promotion for those who want to climb higher. Just like any other industry career progression is something that has to be worked at and opportunities exist for those individuals who shine at their work.

Your training needs have to be taken seriously by your line managers as there is plenty of room to advance in your career. Through additional education and experience a phlebotomist can rise through the ranks to become senior phlebotomists, phlebotomy supervisors, phlebotomy trainers, team leaders, and phlebotomy managers or service managers. You can keep your career challenging and interesting by constantly learning new things. Not only via on-the-job training, but also through seminars and courses on specific skills. Opportunities also abound outside the hospital campus in pathology labs, research institutes and nursing homes. With a passion for learning and a desire to help people you will be able to meet every challenge head on, and as you gain more skills and experience more doors will open for you.

What are the physical demands of the job?

A career in phlebotomy is highly rewarding and satisfying, but you will be required to cope with the many physical demands of the job that come from constant patient contact, being on your feet most of the day, and working in a confined space. To perform your duties you will be walking and sitting intermittently, and continuosly reaching, lifting, bending and carrying objects. A good level of general health and fitness will enable you to meet the demands of the job. Excellent finger dexterity and good hand-eye coordination are needed to handle equipment such as tests tubes, slides, and needles. Talking to and listing to patients all day can be tiring, but a phlebotomist must be alert at all times. Good communication skills are as important as your ability to expertly draw blood from a patient.

How much does a phlebotomist earn?

Most jobs in the NHS are covered by a pay system known as the Agenda for Change pay scales. There are nine pay bands. Phlebotomists in the NHS sit in Band 2 of the Agenda for Change pay scales (£13,233 - £16,333). These figures are correct as of April 1st, 2009.

In addition to basic pay, staff who work in areas such as London receive extra money to help toward the higher cost of living. Phlebotomists who work through agencies can earn approximately £10-£15 per hour. There is always the potential for phlebotomists with experience to increase their salary if they advance to supervisory positions or jobs in medical administrative management.

What are the hours and the working environment like?

The hours that a phlebotomist works usually depends on where they work, but by and large full-time phlebotomists tend to work 37.5 hours per week during normal daytime hours, from Monday to Friday. Many phlebotomists work part-time and combine their job with other roles such as a healthcare assistant or admin worker. A phlebotomist can work in a number of professional settings; wards, outpatient departments, hospital laboratories, GP practices, health centres and private pathology laboratories. Some phlebotomists will visit patients in their home or in residential care places. Phlebotomists wear a uniform which tend to be white with a red or maroon piping, but they are not identical around the UK. All healthcare workers have to comply with strict health and safety measures and guidelines which are designed to protect patients and members of staff. This will involve the need to wear disposable gloves, when taking, handling and transporting blood samples. Aprons and other forms of protective clothing are worn as required.

What are the most challenging parts about being a phlebotomist?

One of the most difficult parts of the job is dealing with children, especially if their parents haven’t prepared them for their visit. If they already know that they are going to have their blood taken then they don’t get nearly as upset as they would otherwise. If you and your needle are a big surprise to them then you have your work cut out in trying to pacify their fears and explaining that there is absolutely nothing to be worried about. But it’s not only children who are anxious and distressed, and how you communicate and support worried patients plays a big part in the overall outcome of the procedure. Then there are the difficult draws, where you really have to go hunting to find a suitable vein. Sometimes they are too small, or have been damaged by intravenous drug use. The other noteworthy challenges that you will face are the ability to manage all the competing demands on your time and ensuring that patient safety is paramount. This means keeping errors at an absolute minimum and ensuring that any blood spills are dealt with swiftly and effectively to avoid the spread of blood borne pathogens. The best way of avoiding human errors is to undergo comprehensive training and continuing education programmes.

Do I have what it takes to be a phlebotomist?

Phlebotomy is a challenging, rewarding and worthwhile career and every successful phlebotomist needs to possess the following skills and personal qualities:

 

• Have a caring and considerate manner, especially towards people who may be nervous and anxious. Interacting with patients is a key component of the job and it is important that you are compassionate with every kind of patient – from the injured to the healthiest
• Be able to work well with people of all ages and from different backgrounds
• Have very good manual dexterity
• Be able to respect confidentiality
• Be able to work well under pressure and with competing demands on your time
• Be able to work well on your own, but also as a vital part of a team
• You must not be squeamish at the sight of blood or around needles
• Be able to follow safety and local guidelines
• Keep up-to-date with the latest research related to phlebotomy and be willing to incorporate it into your work

 

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