Occupation AtlasPhlebotomists

O*NET · 31-9097.00

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.

Also called Certified Phlebotomist · Certified Phlebotomy Tech · Certified Phlebotomy Technician (Certified Phlebotomy Tech) · Clinical Phlebotomist · Lab Liaison Technician · Lab Phlebotomist · Lab Phlebotomist (Laboratory Phlebotomist) · Long Term Care Phlebotomist
19 more

Mobile Examiner · Mobile Phlebotomist · Outpatient Phlebotomist · Patient Service Technician (PST) · Phlebotomist Lab Assistant · Phlebotomist Lab Assistant (Phlebotomist Laboratory Assistant) · Phlebotomy Services Representative · Phlebotomy Services Tech · Phlebotomy Services Technician (Phlebotomy Services Tech) · Phlebotomy Tech · Phlebotomy Technician (Phlebotomy Tech) · Phlebotomy Technologist · PST · Registered Phlebotomist · Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) · Research Phlebotomist · RPT · Travel Phlebotomist · Venipuncturist

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Occupational Therapy Aides

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.44
  • C Conventional5.42
  • I Investigative4.69
  • S Social3.60
  • E Enterprising1.40
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent40%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate40%
  • Some College Courses16%
  • Master's Degree4%
Related work experience
None (38%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (40%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (48%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Service OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • InstructingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
Show the other 23

Tasks

19 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Confirm the identities of patients by verifying their personal information.Importance 4.9
  2. Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, or policies.Importance 4.8
  3. Dispose of contaminated sharps, in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.Importance 4.8
  4. Match laboratory requisition forms to specimen tubes.Importance 4.8
  5. Collect specimens at specific time intervals for tests, such as those assessing therapeutic drug levels.Importance 4.8
  6. Draw blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods.Importance 4.7
  7. Organize or clean blood-drawing trays, ensuring that all instruments are sterile and all needles, syringes, or related items are of first-time use.Importance 4.7
  8. Conduct standards tests, such as blood alcohol, blood culture, oral glucose tolerance, glucose screening, blood smears, or peak and trough drug levels tests.Importance 4.7
  9. Enter patient, specimen, insurance, or billing information into computer.Importance 4.7
  10. Document route of specimens from collection to laboratory analysis and diagnosis.Importance 4.6
  11. Process blood or other fluid samples for further analysis by other medical professionals.Importance 4.6
  12. Provide sample analysis results to physicians to assist diagnosis.Importance 4.6
Show the other 11
  1. Explain fluid or tissue collection procedures to patients.Importance 4.5
  2. Monitor blood or plasma donors during and after procedures to ensure health, safety, and comfort.Importance 4.5
  3. Transport specimens or fluid samples from collection sites to laboratories.Importance 4.4
  4. Draw blood from capillaries by dermal puncture, such as heel or finger stick methods.Importance 4.0
  5. Conduct hemoglobin tests to ensure donor iron levels are normal.Importance 4.0
  6. Train other medical personnel in phlebotomy or laboratory techniques.Importance 3.9
  7. Serve refreshments to donors to ensure absorption of sugar into their systems.Importance 3.3
  8. Draw blood from arteries, using arterial collection techniques.Importance 4.7
  9. Collect fluid or tissue samples, using appropriate collection procedures.Importance 4.6
  10. Determine donor suitability, according to interview results, vital signs, and medical history.Importance 4.3
  11. Calibrate or maintain machines, such as those used for plasma collection.Importance 4.2

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English LanguageImportance 4.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.1Level 2.8
  • PsychologyImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • BiologyImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
Show all 33
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.8Level 2.9
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • ChemistryImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.7Level 2.6
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.7Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.6Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • MathematicsImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • TransportationImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • MechanicalImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • PhysicsImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • GeographyImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • DesignImportance 1.4Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.4Level —
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.4Level 2.9
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  • Finger DexterityImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Manual DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Far VisionImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Control PrecisionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • VisualizationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.9Level 0.9
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.3Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.5Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Processing InformationImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.9Level 2.8
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 2.9
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.6Level 2.8
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.6Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.9
  • Consequence of Error4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.7
  • E-Mail4.6
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Telephone Conversations4.5

Technology

14 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (5; 1 more marked hot above)

  • JavaScript
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (8)
  • Donor management system software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Iatric Systems MobiLab
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • MEDITECH Blood Bank
  • MEDITECH Laboratory and Microbiology
  • Scheduling software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.