How to Become a Phlebotomist?

Are you thinking of becoming a Phlebotomist or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Phlebotomist, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Phlebotomist job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.

Steps to Become a Phlebotomist

If you're considering starting your Phlebotomist career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Phlebotomist and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Phlebotomist career.
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1

Earn a Degree

To begin your Phlebotomist career path, a Bachelor's Degree in Medicine or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Phlebotomist internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.

What type of degree should you pursue to become a Phlebotomist?

53% of people working as a Phlebotomist earned a Bachelor's Degree

What skills do you need to be a Phlebotomist?

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Written Communication
  • Interface
  • Excellent Customer Service
  • Drawing
  • ASCP
  • Continuous Improvement
  • CPR
Based on resume data from Glassdoor users who reported working as a Phlebotomist in the United States.
2

Choose a Specialty in Your Field

As an Phlebotomist, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Phlebotomist field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Phlebotomist specialty.
3

Get an Entry-Level Position as a Phlebotomist

Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in Medicine or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Phlebotomist. In general, you can become a Phlebotomist after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Phlebotomist role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified phlebotomy technician i.
4

Advance in Your Phlebotomist Career

Following entry-level, there are several Phlebotomist career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Phlebotomist to progress to the senior phlebotomist position. Each advanced Phlebotomist position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Phlebotomist career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Phlebotomist career path.
5

Continued Education for Your Phlebotomist Career Path

Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Phlebotomist career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Bachelor's Degree in Medicine can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Bachelor's Degree typically make $44,674 compared to $26,366 for those without that type of degree.

Phlebotomist Career Path

Phlebotomist

8+Years of Experience
$38K - $54K /yrMost Likely Range
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15% advanced to

Senior Phlebotomist

2 - 4Years of Experience
$38K - $56K /yrMost Likely Range
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8% advanced to

Lead Phlebotomist

5 - 7Years of Experience
$40K - $56K /yrMost Likely Range
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Total Pay Trajectory

Phlebotomist Career Path

Phlebotomist I
Phlebotomist
Senior Phlebotomist
Lead Phlebotomist
Phlebotomist V
$30K
$38K
$46K
$54K
$70K
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Related Careers in the Healthcare Industry

Interested in other Healthcare careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Phlebotomist skills. Discover some of the most common Phlebotomist career transitions, along with skills overlap.

Physician Assistant
13% skills overlap
3% transitioned to Physician Assistant