Key Takeaways
- No degree is required. Most phlebotomists complete a phlebotomy course or train on the job.
- Good training includes supervised practice on real patients, not only on training arms.
- An enhanced DBS check is normally required.
What Does a Phlebotomist Do?
A phlebotomist takes blood from patients for laboratory testing, donation or research. They work in hospitals, surgeries, donation centres and clinics, and some work as mobile phlebotomists visiting patients at home.
The job is more than the needle: checking the patient's identity, explaining the procedure, choosing equipment and a vein, labelling samples correctly, disposing of sharps safely, and putting anxious patients at ease.
Entry Requirements
There are no set academic requirements, though employers and course providers usually look for:
- Good literacy and numeracy.
- A genuine interest in patient care.
- Steady hands and attention to detail.
- Clear, kind communication.
- An enhanced DBS check (see DBS checks for phlebotomists).
Training Routes
Phlebotomy Courses
Private providers run phlebotomy courses covering anatomy, infection control, health and safety and the order of draw, followed by practical training and an assessment. Courses vary a lot. Choose one that includes supervised venepuncture on real people, because that is what employers want to see.
Training on the Job
Some hospitals recruit trainee phlebotomists and train them in-house, with a set number of supervised draws before they work on their own.
Useful Extras
- Infection prevention and control training.
- Paediatric venepuncture, for taking blood from children.
- First aid.
Career Progression
- Senior phlebotomist or team leader — supervising a phlebotomy service.
- Healthcare assistant — broadening clinical skills.
- Biomedical scientist — with further study, moving into laboratory work.
- Nursing or midwifery — phlebotomy experience is useful in applications.
- Mobile phlebotomist — visiting patients at home or at work.
Lola Dispatch
Lola Dispatch is invitation-only. Before a phlebotomist is approved, Lola staff review their DBS certificate, phlebotomy qualification, insurance, ID and right to work. Approved phlebotomists are offered nearby jobs and choose which to accept. If you would like to be considered, contact us.
Booking blood draws for your patients?
Lola Dispatch is an invitation-only platform healthcare businesses use to book mobile blood draws with approved phlebotomists. It does not take bookings from the public.