- 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 teaching and the ability to design courses
- knowledge of English language
- administration skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:
- explain the procedure to patients
- reassure nervous or distressed patients
- insert a hypodermic needle and drawing off the blood into a tube
- apply a dressing to the puncture made by the needle
- label the blood sample
- deliver the sample to the correct laboratory
- complete records and entering data on a computer
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work in an NHS or private hospital.
With experience you could be a senior phlebotomist and have responsibility for more complex work. You could also become a team leader or manager.
Your skills and experience in phlebotomy could give you an advantage if you want to go into donor care and work with the NHS Blood and Transplant Service.
You can find out more about how to become a phlebotomist from Health Careers.
