Phlebotomist

 

Career Description

Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood samples from people of all ages. They use various methods to collect specimens for medical tests and blood donations, including venipuncture, skin puncture and arterial. They may work in hospitals or commercial laboratories, clinics, large medical offi ces or blood banks.

Academic Requirements

Training requires 150-230 hours and may be obtained on-the-job in health care facilities or in vocational schools or community colleges. The curriculum includes instruction in venous blood specimen collection,
skin puncture collection and collecting blood safely. There is no state licensure for phlebotomists; those
who obtain certification from national credentialing agencies such as the National Credentialing Agency
for Laboratory Personnel, American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the American Society of Phlebotomy
Technicians will have a better chance for employment.

To be eligible for the certification exam, students must complete one year as a part-time phlebotomist or six months as a full-time phlebotomist or successfully complete an accredited phlebotomy training program, including at least 100 documented successful venipunctures and 25 documented successful skin punctures. Continuing education hours are required annually to maintain certification.

Schools

St. Louis College of Health Careers
314/845-6100

St. Louis Community College - Forest Park
314/644-9234

Professional Associations

National
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
National Phlebotomy Association

State
Missouri Organization for Clinical Laboratory Science

Additional Information

Learn More About Clinical Laboratory Services
Read Personal Accounts of Current Medical Technologists