A phlebotomy job is not a good career choice for everyone. You must have a large amount of patience, good hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and be able to maintain your composure in any situation. If you feel faint at the sight of blood, urine, feces, or vomit, choose another vocation.
Many states don’t require you to be certified to have a job as a phlebotomist, but you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Have current vaccinations including Hepatitis
- Have a current CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certificate or card
If you are applying for a phlebotomist job with no prior experience, your previous employers will need to verify that you maintain composure in stressful situations, and that you have excellent people skills. Try to get a written reference from your former supervisors, (preferably more than one), that can verify these points.
When filling out your application or creating your resume, be sure to include any awards, promotions, or recognition that shows that you are a hands-on problem solver, and that may indicate your ability to get along with coworkers and clients.
Documentation of college hours that include some psychology, human anatomy, or medical training like CPR would also work in your favor.
For an interview dress appropriately; professional but not overdone. Jewelry should be minimal. Your hair should be out of your face, and your nails should be short and clean. Lots of jewelry and long bright nails will not make you look like an appropriate candidate for this job. Perfume should also be minimal.
Perfume can adversely affect patients that are sick, especially cancer patients, and nail polish, even when fresh, contains microscopic cracks that encourage bacterial growth. This is why neither is appropriate in a hospital setting.
Experienced Phlebotomists
If you have phlebotomy experience and just want a better position, take some advanced classes. Check with Human Resources at your company to find out if educational benefits are available.
Sometimes you may just want to move into a more interesting environment, for example, moving from a blood bank into a hospital lab. For this type of move you will need a professional resume, an excellent recommendation from your current employer, and the willingness to take some advanced training in phlebotomy procedures.
If you don’t have a certification as a phlebotomist, work on getting one. Employers are requiring them more than they used to, and some states are getting on the bandwagon. Check with local hospitals to find out which certification is most acceptable in your area since there are several certifying organizations.
The certification makes you a true professional in your field, and employers see the certification as a decreased risk of liability. Moving up the ladder into a better job makes certification a necessity.
Some of the certifying organizations will accept your experience in lieu of class time. If you have enough documented experience in the field you can just take the certification exam. There are several online guides to help you prepare for the examination procedure.
The need for trained phlebotomists is greater than the supply. So landing a phlebotomy job may not be a difficult task whether you are already trained, or are just willing to be trained.
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