Phlebotomist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

There are no set entry requirements to become a trainee phlebotomist, although it may help to have a college qualification like:

• Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Support Services
• Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care
• Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support

Level 2 or 3 courses in health and social care often include work placements. This will give you practical experience, which could help you to get a job afterwards.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could do a Healthcare Science Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, specialising in phlebotomy.

You could do a Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship and then apply for a trainee role in phlebotomy.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Work

You could start as a healthcare assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.

Volunteering

You might have an advantage when looking for jobs if you have volunteering experience in a healthcare setting.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT .

DirectApplication

You could apply directly to work as a phlebotomist. There are no set entry requirements, though it may be helpful if you have at least 2 GCSEs and a first aid certificate.

Some employers may prefer you to have a qualification in healthcare or health and social care.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of English language
• a desire to help people
• administration skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to read English
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Phlebotomists collect blood samples from patients, and send them off for analysis and testing.

As a phlebotomist, you could:

• explain the procedure to patients and reassure them
• insert a hypodermic needle to draw off the blood into a tube
• apply dressings
• label and deliver the blood sample
• complete records and enter data on a computer

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience you could be a senior phlebotomist and have responsibility for more complex work. You could also become a team leader or manager.

Skills and experience in phlebotomy can also be useful for work with the NHS Blood and Transplant Service .